Misconceptions about stretching out relaxers

[melodee]

It also depends on what styles you like to wear. If you're not a bun person, you're in trouble.

 

[JenJen2721]

[ QUOTE ]
keylargo said:
I think it may be thin hair that's weaker and prone to breakage when stretching relaxers. I have thin 4a/b hair and it's a struggle for me. I am doing better at stretching and my hair looks a lot healthier and fuller if I wait at least 8 weeks. I'm pushing for 10 weeks this month. frequent conditioner washes help out a lot.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree...my 4b hair is very fine and thin, but the new growth feels very thick. So those two textures really battle and thin hair usually loses if I go too long.

 

[UmSumayyah]

For me, I usually wear my hair in a bun for weeks 1-4 (lazy

) and wash 3x a week. Weeks 4-8 I wear braidouts achieved with just 6 or 8 box braids, washing 2x a week. Weeks 8-12 a shampoo, condition, hot oil once a week and wear my hair in cornrows.
I think that not manipulating it too much helps me stretch it out that long, plus the fact that I don't relax all the curl out of my hair so the two textures are different, but not wildly so.

 

[natieya]

It depends on how you care for your hair. When I relaxed regularly, I only relaxed every 3, 4, or 5 months.

As long as my mom was taking care of my hair, my hair looked nice the entire time in between my relaxer. W/ absolutely no heat added to straighten or disguise the textures.

When I started taking care of my hair, I had problems starting with month 2. But I still waited, and I have never had my hair look thin after a relaxer. As a matter of fact, even with my bad hair care, everyone still told me frequently that i had thick hair and hair dresser tried to charge me extra. I attribute that completely to the infrequency of my relaxers, even though someone w/ more hair knowledge could probably have different results.

And I'm a 4b w/ no mixing for the past few centuries in my heritage.

So, Chimma, what did you (and your mother) do to be able to stretch so long? I'm new to the game and so far, getting to 8 weeks is a struggle. (My mom and I used to relax every 4 weeks faithfully...I know, I know...BAD!!!) Anyway, how do you do it? So far, I'm at week 6 (almost to week 7) and this is TOUGH!!!

 

[SvelteVelvet]

I think the deal-maker or breaker when it comes to stretching or not stretching has less to do with hair type and more to do with hairstyling choices and degree of manipulation.

 

[Brownie518]

I definitely see what you mean about the breakage where the two textures meet. As someone new to stretching, I thought that was going to be a huge problem for me but, with the advice I have picked from the Board, it hasn't been a problem. It was THE problem before I found the board because I wasn't using proper maintenance. Before I would barely go a month and now I am working on 8 weeks with no increase in breakage so far. It all depends on how you take care of your hair.

 

[InnerSoul]

yes when the two textures meet it is more prone to breakage... but by me stretching out my relaxers has made a difference in the health of my hair. I have stretched for 3 months and this time around I will not relax until 4 months. So stretching is beneficial to me. I have come to the conclusion that I will always have some breakage(can't save every strand of hair)... no matter what.. but the overall health of my hair is thriving! I just step up on the moisture and do protein treatments when needed. I also think the key is less manipulation when stretching... and I deep condition always 2x per week... so even though stretching is helping my hair, I know that for others this may not be for them. Each to their own!

 

[***Toy-Pisces***]

I have some breakage at the demarcation point( mainly in the crown). I treated my hair like crap before the boards. I am going to keep an eye on the crown and see how things go. I think it will cease with my newly acquired knowledge from the boards.

Brownie, LOL at your meez. How cute!!

 

[spelmanlocks]

I stretch between 10-12 weeks. I think it just takes some time, the right products, and practice working with the hair to learn how to get it to behave when stretching. When I first started getting relaxers, I was relaxing at the sight of any new growth and my hair started getting thin. Stretching has helped me to really thicken my hair back up, so I will keep doing it.

 

[lana]

I'm texlaxed and I originally planned to only texlax 3 times a year. Scratch that plan after getting to week 12 and saying..."huh? no way!" I had a little over 2 inches of new growth. Now I was happy with the new growth of course, but still. I did not enjoy the tangles and snarls.

Now I know that I have to relax around week 10. Unless I plan to wear buns and that means brushing (for me). Brushing leads to breakage even with the Denman brush.

Anyways the whole point is that even though my texlax hair isn't that different from my 4a/b hair, I still need to monitor the changes and texlax if needed.

 

[*Michelle*]

Though there is some truth to the line of demarcation issue (regardless of hair type or texture) there are WAY to many variables for this to be a rule/fact.

 

[sareca]

I'm with Pixel Lady. My mother relaxed her hair once/year so I did the same. I have no problems stretching, but I recognize it ain't for everybody.

 

[CAPlush]

I think the 2 things that have helped me with my stretches (I've done about 4 now) have been staying on top of my protein treatments (Aphogee), and more recently using hennalucent and amla oil to "release" the tangles in my new growth. I also relax while my hair is not shedding and feels like it is strong and in good condition. I don't wait until my hair is falling apart before "giving in." I think the line of demarcation issue is going to be a problem if you comb your dry hair. If you detangle your hair with a slippery conditioner under running water, you don't feel much of a different between 4 week and 10 week post hair I lose the same teeny lint ball sized wad of hair with every wash throughout my stretch.

 

[gymfreak336]

I used to relax every 4-6 weeks without fail. I now go atleast 8 weeks. I am currently almost 7 weeks post and so far so good. One thing that has helped me alot is using oil to lubricate my newgrowth. I use a nozzle bottle and massage oil into my hair every 3 days and it helps keep my newgrowth from matting down and helps keep moisture in my hair. I think that you have build up to stretching months on end. No matter what, if your hair isn't in decent shape, stretching is not going to be easy. The healthier I get my hair, the easier it is to stretch. I am hopeing to go 9 this time and slowly increase my stretching time by 1-2 weeks each go round.

 

[Misseyl]

For me stretching helps me retain length. I use to get a touch-up every 6/8 weeks and had nothing to show for it. I now stretch to 18 weeks and what I do is after 10 weeks I start wearing a curly style and I don't comb it until wash day.. To help w/tangles, I use profectiv healthy ends and sometimes Scurl to help loosen the curl.

 

[bablou00]

Stretching relaxers is not easy for me but I have managed to get to 4mos now trying 6mos or longer. I do have problems w/ my fine/thick 4b hair with tangling and matting around 2mos of stretching. I do not comb my hair at all when dry and only comb after I apply a leave in. Most of the time I try to finger comb the NG then use the comb to detangle down to the ends. I just put my hair up or do braidouts and wear up dos during the week. If I have plans for the weekends I will rollerset. Stretching is not easy and requires patience and time. It has improved the overall health of my hair and I will continue to stretch until I get the length I desire.

One question how does stretching = shedding??? I understand how the hair might break off but isnt shedding from the root naturally and it will occur regardless of how long you stretch. Just a thought

 

[Jas123]

Yeah ladies, your right, it works for one of my cousins who has a slight asian gene, she can wait for ages without experiencing much breakage, it definately depends on your hair type and everyone is different

ITA..I tried to strectch for 3mos and just could not make it..I have uber thick hair...but then I also realized that since I used to get my relaxers every 4-6 weeks and now I go about 10 weeks..So I am stretching, just not super stretching..and I can definitely see the difference in the length & texture & quality of my hair

 

[MochaSilk]

Tomorrow marks my first 9 week stretch!!! Woohoo! I used to do the 5/6 week stretch. The first time, I stretched to 7 weeks, then 8, now I'm at 9. If someone would've told me a year ago I'd be waiting over 2 months to touch up my hair I would've

I'd love to ultimately stretch to 12 weeks, but I'll settle for 10. I sweat entirely too much, especially during Texas summers and my hair is thick. It really does depend on the person.

To answer the question about stretching = shedding... at least for me, I notice more shedding the longer I stretch. HOWEVER, that's because I don't do a full-on comb thru every day. I detangle with my spray bottle and fingers most of the time. When I do comb through my hair I notice more shedded hairs, which are the hairs that would've shed the days before. So, if we shed ~100 hairs a day, multiply that by 3 days, it looks like alot.

 

[InnerSoul]

Stretching relaxers is not easy for me but I have managed to get to 4mos now trying 6mos or longer. I do have problems w/ my fine/thick 4b hair with tangling and matting around 2mos of stretching. I do not comb my hair at all when dry and only comb after I apply a leave in. Most of the time I try to finger comb the NG then use the comb to detangle down to the ends. I just put my hair up or do braidouts and wear up dos during the week. If I have plans for the weekends I will rollerset. Stretching is not easy and requires patience and time. It has improved the overall health of my hair and I will continue to stretch until I get the length I desire.

One question how does stretching = shedding??? I understand how the hair might break off but isnt shedding from the root naturally and it will occur regardless of how long you stretch. Just a thought

same thought in my mind as well... to me shedding is a natural process.. in my experiences it happens when you stretch your relaxers or even when you don't! You can't stop it from happening IMO anyways.

 

[mzhotniz86]

omgoodness . thank god i found this post cause im bout through with my hair . i believe this is now marking my 8th week post relaxer (tomorrow) and i have to do the dreaded wash i got a lot going on so i dont think ill be able to do my kinky twists anyway , i think i need to be diluting my shampoo , cause my hair is limp and easily breaking after i wash it. that bantu knot thing did NOT work for my nappy headed self any suggestions on airdrying 4b hair?

 

[Mars_Reiko]

I buy the Hype Hair magazine all the time, and they are always saying that it's damaging to space your relaxers so far apart. They also say you should trim your ends every 6-8 weeks, but I don't agree with that either. I love relaxers stretches. I went from evey 6 weeks, to 8, to, 12, and now up to 6 months. For me, my hair seems to be much fuller and healthier when I stretch them out. It took alot of practice, but I feel comfortable enough to handle my new growth without having to depend on a relxer too often. But, I will bust out my flat iron when I have to

 

[HoneyDew]

Tomorrow marks my first 9 week stretch!!! Woohoo! I used to do the 5/6 week stretch. The first time, I stretched to 7 weeks, then 8, now I'm at 9. If someone would've told me a year ago I'd be waiting over 2 months to touch up my hair I would've

Girl, I feel you. I just did my 1st stretch to 9 weeks. I could NEVER get past 5-6 weeks. It feels good. I could have gone longer really, but I have a function to go to and I wanted to do my hair, but I know I could have gone a bit more. It feels good to be able to stretch it out. I did it cold turkey.

 

[gymfreak336]

Girl, I feel you. I just did my 1st stretch to 9 weeks. I could NEVER get past 5-6 weeks. It feels good. I could have gone longer really, but I have a function to go to and I wanted to do my hair, but I know I could have gone a bit more. It feels good to be able to stretch it out. I did it cold turkey.

Looking good honeydew. Your hair looks soo full and bouncy. You and locks got me thinking about that profectiv relaxer.

 

[dillard]

Brownie518: hey girl, sorry i didn't quite catch that, i was too busy watching your Meez pop locking breakin' and getting her freak ON!!!!

 

[dorko]

i always stretch my hair over the summer because my head sweats alot & i wash more frequent

i don't even know how long its been
--looks at sig

but my new growth is soft & manageable at the moment
i'm tryna hold out lol this is the earliest i started my stretching

my hair is shedding but i dunno if its more or less than usual.. erplexed
i gotta examine.. i try not to comb or brush my hair unless im putting it up in a bun

 

[HoneyDew]

Looking good honeydew. Your hair looks soo full and bouncy. You and locks got me thinking about that profectiv relaxer.

thank you!

I love Profectiv. I can tell that my hair has gotten healthier since I went back to using it regularly. I used to use it before I came to the board and then the newbie PJ'ism got me. Now I don't think I am even going to go back to anything else.

 

[bablou00]

Totally agree w/ you about the oil on the NG I just purchased some jojoba oil and lavender. I have a nozzle bottle and I put both of those oils all up in my NG and it makes it as soft as can be and I can easily detangle my hair w/ my fingers w/o a lot of breakage. Around 2mos is when I switch my moisturizer over to Wave Nouveau. I tried Infusium but wanted to thru it out the window for what I did to my hair....

Its all about finding the right product to keep your hair moist betwn the two textures. I am dealing with a lot of breakage now but I think thats due to the hard water we have in KY and me wanting to wash my hair everyday. Not a good combo

I used to relax every 4-6 weeks without fail. I now go atleast 8 weeks. I am currently almost 7 weeks post and so far so good. One thing that has helped me alot is using oil to lubricate my newgrowth. I use a nozzle bottle and massage oil into my hair every 3 days and it helps keep my newgrowth from matting down and helps keep moisture in my hair. I think that you have build up to stretching months on end. No matter what, if your hair isn't in decent shape, stretching is not going to be easy. The healthier I get my hair, the easier it is to stretch. I am hopeing to go 9 this time and slowly increase my stretching time by 1-2 weeks each go round.

 

[thegirltolove]

omgoodness . thank god i found this post cause im bout through with my hair . i believe this is now marking my 8th week post relaxer (tomorrow) and i have to do the dreaded wash i got a lot going on so i dont think ill be able to do my kinky twists anyway , i think i need to be diluting my shampoo , cause my hair is limp and easily breaking after i wash it. that bantu knot thing did NOT work for my nappy headed self any suggestions on airdrying 4b hair?

One thing that works out very well for me is putting my hair in a pony while it is still dripping wet. I mean like "I just turned off the shower" dripping wet. I spray on my leave-in, then put it up in a pony. While it is still wet, I tie it down with my scarf and let it sit for a while.

After I see that it is mostly dry, I part down the middle of my head and separate it into two ponies to give the middle a chance to dry. I have found that this reduces strain on my hair from me trying to handle it after it has dried, plus it reduces shrinkage of my NG.

I did this just this morning, and I am like 11 weeks post. No matting...no extra breakage...no tangles. HTH.

As far as the breakage after the washing....do you pre-poo? One thing that I found is a life saver is the Mizani Botanifying Shampoo and the Fulfil Conditioning treatment. As a matter of fact, I just used the combo this morning cause my hair was shedding and breaking like CRAZY. After I shampooed, conditioned and air dried, my hair feels extra silky....even at 11 weeks post! Maybe the combo will work for you too!!!

 

[MrzLadyBuggz]

I do the same thing. I pull my back in a loose bun after I put in my NTM Silk leave-in and put a silk scarf on. After it's almost dry, I'll put in my moisturizer and tie back up. Works wonders!

One thing that works out very well for me is putting my hair in a pony while it is still dripping wet. I mean like "I just turned off the shower" dripping wet. I spray on my leave-in, then put it up in a pony. While it is still wet, I tie it down with my scarf and let it sit for a while.

After I see that it is mostly dry, I part down the middle of my head and separate it into two ponies to give the middle a chance to dry. I have found that this reduces strain on my hair from me trying to handle it after it has dried, plus it reduces shrinkage of my NG.

I did this just this morning, and I am like 11 weeks post. No matting...no extra breakage...no tangles. HTH.

As far as the breakage after the washing....do you pre-poo? One thing that I found is a life saver is the Mizani Botanifying Shampoo and the Fulfil Conditioning treatment. As a matter of fact, I just used the combo this morning cause my hair was shedding and breaking like CRAZY. After I shampooed, conditioned and air dried, my hair feels extra silky....even at 11 weeks post! Maybe the combo will work for you too!!!

 

[gymfreak336]

Totally agree w/ you about the oil on the NG I just purchased some jojoba oil and lavender. I have a nozzle bottle and I put both of those oils all up in my NG and it makes it as soft as can be and I can easily detangle my hair w/ my fingers w/o a lot of breakage. Around 2mos is when I switch my moisturizer over to Wave Nouveau. I tried Infusium but wanted to thru it out the window for what I did to my hair....

Its all about finding the right product to keep your hair moist betwn the two textures. I am dealing with a lot of breakage now but I think thats due to the hard water we have in KY and me wanting to wash my hair everyday. Not a good combo

Get you a chelating poo. Redken makes one and kenra does too.