la mosca
New Member
After months of deliberation, debate, and (finally) study, I took the plunge and self-relaxed for the first time! I have always had my touch-up done at the salon, but I decided I was ready to take control of my hair’s destiny. I used the Alter Ego Linange lye relaxer system, which worked beautifully – it neither over-processed nor under-processed my hair.
I have to tell you, I was so incredibly nervous! I prepared my previously relaxed hair the night before by applying a layer of Neutral Protein Filler, a layer of Living Proof No Frizz leave-in conditioner, a layer of coconut oil, and a layer of shine serum.
On relaxer day, I laid out everything that I needed (and more): relaxer, neutralizing conditioner, neutralizing “color alarm” shampoo (not from the Linange line), conditioning hair mask, tint brush, comb, duckbill hair clips, butterfly hair clips, shower caps, a digital timer, a large hand mirror, and jumbo end papers (hey, you never know).
Oh, and this:
(In case you’re wondering, it’s ginger ale.)
When I had just finished setting up for the big event, my DH returned home from a business dinner:
DH: (Giving my setup the side-eye) “I’d better go out and grab a drink.”
Me: “Why?”
DH: “Because I don’t want to be here when your hair falls out.”
I divided my hair into four sections. I based my edges and applied a very thin layer of petroleum jelly to my previously relaxed hair. Then I clipped up three of the four sections and got to work.
I rinsed, neutralized, and conditioned the two back sections (simultaneously) first. Then I did the front left, and finally, the front right section.
By the time I was done, it was really late, so I airdried in a bun. A couple of days later, I decided to “do” my hair. I started by shampooing and applying a Sebastian Cellophanes rinse in Pearl Blonde (which is essentially a slightly violet-tinted clear rinse that neutralizes brassy tones).
Then I shampooed again and conditioned with VS So Sexy. Then I roller-set my hair.
Finally, I flat-ironed with my trusty T3.
So far, my hair feels great, and I have zero breakage. I will be monitoring its condition closely, of course. I hope this means the end of my dependence on stylists.
I really want to thank LHCF for making this possible. Since I joined the board, I’ve gone from this
to this
and I’ve had a great time along the way!
I have to tell you, I was so incredibly nervous! I prepared my previously relaxed hair the night before by applying a layer of Neutral Protein Filler, a layer of Living Proof No Frizz leave-in conditioner, a layer of coconut oil, and a layer of shine serum.
On relaxer day, I laid out everything that I needed (and more): relaxer, neutralizing conditioner, neutralizing “color alarm” shampoo (not from the Linange line), conditioning hair mask, tint brush, comb, duckbill hair clips, butterfly hair clips, shower caps, a digital timer, a large hand mirror, and jumbo end papers (hey, you never know).
Oh, and this:
(In case you’re wondering, it’s ginger ale.)
When I had just finished setting up for the big event, my DH returned home from a business dinner:
DH: (Giving my setup the side-eye) “I’d better go out and grab a drink.”
Me: “Why?”
DH: “Because I don’t want to be here when your hair falls out.”
I divided my hair into four sections. I based my edges and applied a very thin layer of petroleum jelly to my previously relaxed hair. Then I clipped up three of the four sections and got to work.
I rinsed, neutralized, and conditioned the two back sections (simultaneously) first. Then I did the front left, and finally, the front right section.
By the time I was done, it was really late, so I airdried in a bun. A couple of days later, I decided to “do” my hair. I started by shampooing and applying a Sebastian Cellophanes rinse in Pearl Blonde (which is essentially a slightly violet-tinted clear rinse that neutralizes brassy tones).
Then I shampooed again and conditioned with VS So Sexy. Then I roller-set my hair.
Finally, I flat-ironed with my trusty T3.
So far, my hair feels great, and I have zero breakage. I will be monitoring its condition closely, of course. I hope this means the end of my dependence on stylists.
I really want to thank LHCF for making this possible. Since I joined the board, I’ve gone from this
to this
and I’ve had a great time along the way!
Last edited:
at the champagne glass with ginger ale. cute.
