Is 10 Weeks a Respectable Stretch In Your Opinion?

[Arcadian]

Listen to your hair. Respectable can take a flying leap if it's causing breakage.

I know thats right

-A

 

[Dee-Licious]

Outside of LHCF, 10 weeks is EXCEPTIONAL! But, around here, I feel guilty if I don't go 12- 14 weeks.

that's the whole thing. Here on LHCF people get into marathon stretching because that's what other people do... I say "do you!"

All of that stretching for a looooooooooooong time WILL NOT work for everybody, so I don't even try to hold myself to LHCF stretching standards because it is not feasible for me.

 

[*Michelle*]

I always thought the amount of newgrowth should be a better determining factor than the length of time, anyway. I think 10 weeks is fine as long as the newgrowth is substantial enough where overlapping/overprocessing does not become an issue.

Good luck to you!

ITA!

Are you 100% positive that stretching caused your ends to break? Could it have been from bunning, excessive heat etc? I don't know your routine and I'm just wondering. Are you going to cut your hair to that line in the pic? I ask this because though I don't have breakage, I do have heavy layers and fine hair...looks great when styled but if straight makes my ends look thin. So I'm thinking of cutting three inches which would leave some layers but thicker ends. (Funny how I only feel like this when I come here )

 

[LocksOfLuV]

that's the whole thing. Here on LHCF people get into marathon stretching because that's what other people do... I say "do you!"

All of that stretching for a looooooooooooong time WILL NOT work for everybody, so I don't even try to hold myself to LHCF stretching standards because it is not feasible for me.

I think that is key. Imma slow it down a bit. 12-14 weeks is a bit too much for me. Last week's detangling was HELL.

 

[LocksOfLuV]

ITA!

Are you 100% positive that stretching caused your ends to break? Could it have been from bunning, excessive heat etc? I don't know your routine and I'm just wondering. Are you going to cut your hair to that line in the pic? I ask this because though I don't have breakage, I do have heavy layers and fine hair...looks great when styled but if straight makes my ends look thin. So I'm thinking of cutting three inches which would leave some layers but thicker ends. (Funny how I only feel like this when I come here )

Well I only use heat a few times a year so I know that is not it. But as far as wher eit came from I don't know. I know that I had a very ruff time detangling last weekend and I started ripping the comb through my strands liek I went crazy. So I think it was a combination of ruff detangling, breakage from my baggied hair being too wet, and not using protein treatments regularly.

 

[seraphinelle]

LOL,

I think I used too much protection, lmfao
It's lightened, coz it's not as poofy... but hmm... hahahahahha, it's mucho thicko, lemme take a picture, HAHAHAH

BRB

 

[LocksOfLuV]

LOL,

I think I used too much protection, lmfao
It's lightened, coz it's not as poofy... but hmm... hahahahahha, it's mucho thicko, lemme take a picture, HAHAHAH

BRB

Girl that protection can get ya! Hurry back!

 

[Radianthealth]

I think this whole process is trial and error. I tried to do everything and it was an error for my hair

I know I would be farther along if I didn't go overboard with too many products and baggying. I also stretched for 6 months and I didn't really see any benefit from that either. The braids for three months may have not been the best idea either. You live and you learn and you find out what works best for your hair.

Right now I am keeping it simple. Moisturizing daily, BT, DC twice per week, protein moisture balance, relaxing when necessary, and protective styling. All the stuff I knew before joining this board and resisting the urge to jump on every bandwagon that I see

 

[Divine Inspiration]

It sure is. That averages out to 5 relaxers a year which is much better than 12. So, as long your hair in great shape, I say go for it. Mega stretches are not the healthiest option for everybody.

 

[secretdiamond]

that's the whole thing. Here on LHCF people get into marathon stretching because that's what other people do... I say "do you!"

All of that stretching for a looooooooooooong time WILL NOT work for everybody, so I don't even try to hold myself to LHCF stretching standards because it is not feasible for me.

You sure are right!! When I had my matting problems, I still kept stretching for soooo long. Then after a 15 wk stretch and almost not making it to a wedding, where I was in the party , and not even done detangling (after a week), but just slapping on the relaxer on areas where I could actually try to part my hair- and massaging it in -- I was like HELL NO. This ish is ridiculous! So I happily stopped stretching. I could care less if I don't get the extra brownie points for every week I stretch.

 

[shynessqueen]

I'm a super stretcher (6 months +) but if you think it will help the heath of your hair, go for it.

 

[gymfreak336]

10 weeks is plenty. Everyone here had given great advice. I know from personal experience with my hair, longer is not better. I get about an inch of growth with out growth aids every 7-8 weeks. With growth aids, I get an inch in about 6. I condition like crazy and avoid heat so I don't sweat it if I just go 8. After 8, I get crazy shedding, breakage and just overall hell.

 

[bablou00]

Girl DO WHATS RIGHT FOR YOUR HEAD!!! I have never thought about stretching my relaxers until I found LHCF. I was natural for a min but before that it was 4-6 weeks not playin around When I started relaxing my first stretch was 3 then 4 and now 6 (crossing fingers). It just knowing whats right for you. If 10 is what your feeling go for it. You wont know until u try.

 

[Lusa]

The way I look at it if at 10 weeks you have enough new growth to distinguish from the previously relaxed to avoid overlapping, then go for it. I just like going 20-24 weeks because I can.