Are neglect dreads stronger and less likely to break off?

In the long term, do you think 'neglect' dreads are less likely to break off than backcombed/twist ripped ones? If so, I might have to start over.

In order to get my knots, my hair was abused quite heavily. The knots stayed in well, but now Im worried that all tight backcombing, ripping and twisting will mean the ruin of my dreads in the future.... already they feel brittle and its too soon to start conditioning them. Hmmm is it going to make a big difference if I cut, let new hair grow then start over?
(Ive already used aloe btw)
I really like my dreads, and dont want to have to restart unless it will make a significant difference to their overall strength. Im especially concerned about many years down the line, when they're really long. I want to make the right choices now, as an investment in my future dreads. Its a big decision cos my hair is long and it would take several years to catch up again.
What do you think?

 

well mine are dragging on the ground 8 inches all around, im in a wheelchjair & they constantly go under the wheels or wrap around the axels..i've lost 8 inchess off maybe 5 or 6 & 8 inchess off all beard dreads except 1 (from sitting on them) but thats mostly from wear & tear..& amny 1 dreads really very strong

 

i dont think u need to start over however, conditionings fine at this point as long as its occassional & not alotta residue
try a natural conditionser like the acv rince?

lets see what we are working with now, the condition theyre in... what do u wash with & how often..do u tie um up or leave em down..al these things could be factors but most likely its how u wash em..
oh also how long ago was the backcombing?

if its really brittle try a 1 time deep conditioning even? unless u think theyll unravel..

 

lol, least you have that 1 in tact!!
I backcombed very tightly indeed, about 4 months ago. A couple of weeks later I twisted and ripped em to death, which has prob caused loads of damage!
I wash twice a week gently with res-free shampoo but I was adding tea tree to the shampoo (to repel nits, bit paranoid about catching them).
Last two washes I cut out the tea tree, and when hair was dry I applied a little aloe.
Someone suggested a list misting of vit e and jojoba, but would a conditioner sit in the middle of the dreads and rot?
Oh dear, what a noobie!!! LOL

 

i may be very wrong, but if in years to come they did start breaking off through damage wouldnt it be the parts that were back combed? all your hair that grows now will dread naturally so if you did lose any it would just be the back combed ends :s
i say wait and see, if the worst comes to the worst you can always start over

 

i'd cut back to once a week maybe, tea tree can be both conditioning & drying so i would stop that, (use dr bronners tea tree soap instead if u need it, less harsh then straight tea tree oil) concentrate mostly on the scalp & roots when u wash & just allow it to rince through the rest..
the e/jojoba mist is an excelent idea...on occassion..maybe weekly the 1st 3-4 weeks then monthly or so after...& if u just leav em go from hre..no more rippin..they'll be fine i think

 

Aw, thanks guys, that helped a lot!!
I will stop worrying now, and take your advice.....