*NEW* SELF RELAXER SUPPORT: WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN’T

[MissLawyerLady]

^^^^
So, my next question is a little awkward but did you experience any burn...um well...in the vajayjay area?

 

[CofCGrad1997]

Until I joined this board (a few short weeks ago), I always rinsed my relaxers in the shower. It seemed to me that you could get to more parts of the hair/head to be able to rinse it easier. I just always kept my eyes closed tight, hung a towel close by that I could grab to wipe with it and handled it that way.

Never any...discomfort...in any, uhm, womanly parts or anything.

I relaxed a couple weeks ago, and I had watched/read a few tutorials first, so I followed the advice there and rinsed in the sink. I actually found that surprisingly easy and comfortable, so I may now stick with that.

Skee Wee, Soror!

 

[CofCGrad1997]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

After years of self relaxing, I realize I don't know as much about it as I thought. I relaxed last week with Dr. Miracles (I usually use Phyto II, but I wanted to relax before going to SC for the weekend).

I know using a color brush works -- picked that up from a tutorial, and it allowed me to be much neater and more precise with my application of the relaxer.

Rinsing in the sink and the shower have both worked for me (see other post).

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:

Use Dr. Miracles...my hair came out more texlaxed (I think?) than relaxed. I used the very same technique (well, I added the brush this time), but it was very underprocessed this time.

I am still trying to figure out what happened. I was able to get my hair straight enough to wear it as I like it that weekend, but I haven't been doing much with it since then.

Please include examples of things you believe in.

Reading and learning as much as I can about these things! I know I don't have all the answers!

Please include specific techniques.

I don't know that I have anything to share that would be revolutionary.

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.

I like the color brush as an applicator. Very useful.

Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.

I would like to try relaxing my hair in 1/2s. I always feel a bit rushed with trying to applying and smoothing in that window of time they suggest, so it would be nice to be able to buy a little more time to do that.

 

[Ese88]

this thread is great!

 

[4evershika]

I'm gonna be self relaxing for the first time since I started REALLY taking care of my hair in a few weeks.... thanks to this thread I'm not one bit nervous!

 

[MissLawyerLady]

Okay, so today I self-relaxed for the first time since joining LHCF. I have mixed emotions.

My relaxer processed well- I used Silk Elements Mild (it actually may have processed too well I think I'm going to add condish or oil to it next time just to slow it down some). I rinsed very well and did mid-step protein with Aphoghee 2 minutes.

I neutralized 12 times- I was in the shower for almost 2 hours!erplexed I used Motions Moisture Cream Neutralizing poo and checked it with Isoplus since Isoplus has a color indicator. No lie, I left the poo on for 30 minutes at one point and the color indicator was still pink. I figured 12 poos is way more than the 1 my stylist used to do so I figured I good.

I DC'd with heat for 30 minutes w/Sitrinillah. Rinsed added Aphoghee Green Tea Keratin spray and GVP Anti-Snap.

The problem I encountered was massive knots and tangles from last weeks experimental wash day in the sink!!!! (one of the reasons I was in the shower for so long- trying to get those knots out- they were huge!) I lost so much hair on the sides dealing with knots bigger than I've ever had in my life! Seriously, I've lost at least 30% of the volume of my sides!

I will never wash my hair in a sink again. I had to get cut a few weeks ago because my stylists was so rough with my hair and it was so thin at the ends so I'm a little bit below APL now. Her roughness was the whole reason I decided to be a DIY'er.

I just hope I don't have to suffer with any more knots!

 

[grow]

hi ladies!

here's a subject we've maybe spoken about alot less on here that i'm just realizing now, that i've changed completely.

post perm/texlax upkeep

i permed (texlax style) almost a week ago and for the first time since i've been perming, i have let my hair have contact with water every single day.

my first reason was: because it is sooo hot (90's)
my second reason was: i'm used to co-washing, oil rinsing, water rinsing anyways, and missed it.

what i have noticed is incredible: my hair is looking better and feeling softer post perm now, than it ever did before when i used to wait at least 7 days to let water touch my hair again!

so for those perming in this summer heat, you might want to take advantage of the "heat" by keeping your scalp fresh, which is refreshing for the body and good for the hair, too!

hhj ladies!

 

[WaistLengthDreams]

Okay, so today I self-relaxed for the first time since joining LHCF. I have mixed emotions.

My relaxer processed well- I used Silk Elements Mild (it actually may have processed too well I think I'm going to add condish or oil to it next time just to slow it down some). I rinsed very well and did mid-step protein with Aphoghee 2 minutes.

I neutralized 12 times- I was in the shower for almost 2 hours!erplexed I used Motions Moisture Cream Neutralizing poo and checked it with Isoplus since Isoplus has a color indicator. No lie, I left the poo on for 30 minutes at one point and the color indicator was still pink. I figured 12 poos is way more than the 1 my stylist used to do so I figured I good.

I DC'd with heat for 30 minutes w/Sitrinillah. Rinsed added Aphoghee Green Tea Keratin spray and GVP Anti-Snap.

The problem I encountered was massive knots and tangles from last weeks experimental wash day in the sink!!!! (one of the reasons I was in the shower for so long- trying to get those knots out- they were huge!) I lost so much hair on the sides dealing with knots bigger than I've ever had in my life! Seriously, I've lost at least 30% of the volume of my sides!

I will never wash my hair in a sink again. I had to get cut a few weeks ago because my stylists was so rough with my hair and it was so thin at the ends so I'm a little bit below APL now. Her roughness was the whole reason I decided to be a DIY'er.

I just hope I don't have to suffer with any more knots!

So sorry to hear this MissLawyerLady.

 

[grow]

MissLawyerLady, that is such a sad experience...the whole time i was reading it i just kept going "ouch, ouch, ouch", i mean it really hurt to hear this.

the good news is that your hair WILL GROW BACK! and you've got such beautiful hair that i'm sure it will not be as noticable as "we always think our hair defects are". others just don't see that.

just give your hair lots of T.L.C. and stick with it!

 

[HoneyA]

I got sick of going to the salon and spending hours so I started DIYing.

What works:

I section my hair in the normal 4 sections. I've been putting on my DCs like this since I started my journey so I apply the relaxer really quickly.

EVOO on my hair and in the relaxer works to slow down the processing time and get the look I want.

Changing the part of the hair that I put the relaxer first on the time before so there is no chance of over processing.

What didn't work for me (my hair is thick and coarse):

Thinking that the relaxer had to be applied and washed out in 10 mins. Now I apply and then leave on for 10-15 mins.

 

[grow]

i did my perm (texlax) a week ago yesterday, so today, although i did do the mid perm protein step, i'm going to do the deep protein treatment.

i have had incredibly good results with Dudley's DRC 28, so i'm using that today under the dryer for 15 min.

soon, i will be able to restart my Ayurveda, too! (can't wait!)

 

[LuvlyLocks]

Hi Ladies, I am a selft- relaxer and I switch up my routine so I cannot accurately report. I will try some of the suggestions here, can't wait!! Question, i see that some ladies are using protein as a mid step, would Mega tek work as a mid step also or is it too strong of a protein? I plan to relax after i use my full bottle of Mega Tek. Any suggestions?

 

[KinkyGenius]

**nevermind**

 

[grow]

Hi Ladies, I am a selft- relaxer and I switch up my routine so I cannot accurately report. I will try some of the suggestions here, can't wait!! Question, i see that some ladies are using protein as a mid step, would Mega tek work as a mid step also or is it too strong of a protein? I plan to relax after i use my full bottle of Mega Tek. Any suggestions?

i use Mega Tek, but have never tried it as a mid protein step.
my only suggestion is to make sure to halt the use of it at least a week before you perm.
hopefully some other ladies will chime in with their experience, too.
good luck!

 

[Dionnesse]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

• Adding oil to my relaxer mix (whatever i'm trying to use up)
• Using mid protein after rinsing relaxer and BEFORE neutralisng
• Covering my previosuly relaxed hair with conditioner (any old CW conditioner will do
• Basing my scalp with ORS Anti-itch forumula - comes in the applicator bottle - no burning whatsoever on my 4b resistant hair!!
• Incorporating an ACV rinse into my neutralising routine (2 tbl spoons ACV to 3 large glasses of water (we dont have the 'cup size' measurement in the UK, if we do dont know what it is!!!!)
• After DCing hair, use Joico K-pak intense hydrator to control porosity - ph 3.5

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:

• Trying to part the hair too neatly when applying relaxer - this wastes valuable time
• Not basing - big mistake!!
• Trying to cut corners during the neutralising stage - if the lather's pink, your hair is not neutralised and no, there is nothing wrong with the shampoo!*note to self

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.

• I like Motions CPR as my post rinse protein treatment
• Apple cider vinegar
• Joico k-pak intense hydrator for porosity control
• ORS Anti-itch formula to base the scalp

Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.
I want to stretch sooo badly, but my 4b hair and 3 times a week gym routine does not make one cute!! I have suffered aesthetically - too ashamed to tell you how long i lasted.....but in my defence, its hard to use protective styles, i'm growing my hair out from a short ear length style *hangs head in shame.

 

[VirtuousBeauty]

subscribing...............

 

[acapnleo]

I neutralized 12 times- I was in the shower for almost 2 hours!erplexed

This is soooooo my problem Neutralizing has to be one of the worst parts about relaxing

I washed over 15 times, in fact... I lost count... used up pretty much all of the neutralizing shampoo that came in the kits and I even used the Ors Creamy Aloe poo (good stuff ), but the PINK was still there... (I let the poo sit several times, tried scrubbing my scalp / gently scratching, increasing the temperature as warm as I could stand... everything)
Washing still took me forever (though after so long, maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.)

If anyone can share TIPS or TECHNIQUES that will reduce the amount of washes and time to neutralize... that would be great!

 

[VirtuousBeauty]

This is soooooo my problem Neutralizing has to be one of the worst parts about relaxing

I washed over 15 times, in fact... I lost count... used up pretty much all of the neutralizing shampoo that came in the kits and I even used the Ors Creamy Aloe poo (good stuff ), but the PINK was still there... (I let the poo sit several times, tried scrubbing my scalp / gently scratching, increasing the temperature as warm as I could stand... everything)
Washing still took me forever (though after so long, maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.)

If anyone can share TIPS or TECHNIQUES that will reduce the amount of washes and time to neutralize... that would be great!

I heard you should let the neutralizing shampoo sit on your hair for 10 minutes then rinse and it will speed up the process. I haven't tried it yet though.

 

[WaistLengthDreams]

When I neutralize, I lather and let the shampoo sit on my hair for 15 minutes. Then I rinse thoroughly to make sure there is none of the shampoo left from the last lather. After that I'll lather up for 2 or 3 more times, but between each lather I rinse really well.

I think left over shampoo (in your hair, sink or shower walls) can taint your future lathers, if that makes any sense?

 

[DDTexlaxed]

I've decided to keep relaxing for awhile. I need to learn how to take care of my relaxed hair and let it grow for awhile. I thank you ladies for inspiring me.

 

[MissLawyerLady]

Update: The SE Mild made my hair shed terribly!

My stylist used it and I didn't notice shedding so I don't know what was different, but I won't be using SE again. All the hair getting caught in the tangles from my sink wash (see prior post) was shed hair! My homemade garlic and EVOO mix has helped and I'm now taking oral garlic supplements!

I'm going to try Linange Shea Butter for my next touch-up.

 

[acapnleo]

What works... ? Sticking to what you know / what works for you... Just that simple.

In other words... don't fix what isn't broken Things that work for some; may not work for you and your hair.

I stopped relaxing for a long time (transitioned to natural)... then I tried SE LYE MILD... I cannot say I was thrilled with the relaxer. It yielded pretty results, when straightened (see my AVI and Signature), but I was under-processed.

The under-processing was due to the fact that before I could fully finish the application and smooth, I was burning like crazy! My curls were somewhat looser, but overall when my hair was wet, it was a disaster and I did notice shedding / breakage, specifically during detangling; even times when I would run my fingers through my hair / comb... strands were falling

This weekend, I did a corrective on myself and dd... (boy was I nervous). So far, so good... and I used what "worked" for me (in the past)... African Pride No Lye.
We are both happy with the results.

 

[MissLawyerLady]

^^^^
Your hair is gorgeous, acapnelo!!! Very shiny and love the curls.

 

[acapnleo]

^^^^
Your hair is gorgeous, acapnelo!!! Very shiny and love the curls.

Awww thank you MLL! yours too!

 

[addaboutmyhair]

Maybe someone here could answer the following: I currently texlax my hair with Affirm mild. If I want to go straighter and relax it, can I go over my previously processed hair for say 5 minutes? Or do I have to start relaxing from the root and grow out the texlaxed hair?

 

[Lissa0821]

I did a touch up yesterday after a twelve week stretch and it was by best so far.

What worked for me:
1) The day before my relaxer, I clarify my hair and deep condition it. I airdry and do not add any products to my hair.
2) The next day once my hair dries, I start the relaxer process.
3) I add two capfuls of neutral potien filler to the ORS relaxer
4) I base my scalp with oil sheen and add castor oil to the ends fo my hair
5) I apply the relaxer to my roots, once it is completely applied I smooth my hair, once every area is smooth, I wait 5 minutes and rinse
6) I rinse and add Ion reconstructor treatment for five minutes
7) I rinse and wash twice with neutralizing shampoo and once with ORS Aloe Shampoo
8) I apply Color Me Beautiful rinse, advance gray coverage in black and sit under a hood dryer on high for 45 minutes
9) I rinse and wash with Mizani shampoo until the water is fairly clear
10) I deep condition under a heating cap with Silk Elements moisturizing treatment.
11) I air dry with NTM leave in and Nairobi foam wrap lotion as a braid out

What does not work
1) Adding oil to relaxer, it leaves my hair too under processed
2) skipping the mid protein step before neturalizing shampoo
3) Applying relaxer to dirty hair

 

[augiemoment]

did anyone answer the question of what is a sprush?
I just use an applicator brush that way it doesnt get on my scalp

 

[Nya33]

did anyone answer the question of what is a sprush?
I just use an applicator brush that way it doesnt get on my scalp

Not sure all i know is that i cant find one in the UK anywhere and i would love one!

Its just like an applicator brush but without the bristles- kind of like a spatula. Google it

 

[baddison]

did anyone answer the question of what is a sprush?
I just use an applicator brush that way it doesnt get on my scalp

I use the SPRUSH to apply my relaxers.
Check it out here: http://www.templeclean.com/pages/product_sprush.htm

I find I get better coverage, and the applicator does not aggravate the scalp like the brush bristles used to. Also, I waste less product, since there are no brush bristles for the relaxer to get stuck in between. I even smooth with the "comb-looking"sprush. Its really great.

 

[Minty]

what works for HFG multi-textured hair:
* (ring of 4b-c/level VII-VIII) from slightly below the crown to 2" from the nape)/
* (crown and apex: 4a)/
* (Nape: 3c)

- use a lye relaxer
- I don't do half/half
- I use a timer - makes me work faster (I use a countdown timer)
*It takes me approx 8-10mins for complete application time, and 10mins smoothing. At times I let sit for another 2-3mins on the 4b/c section as I rinse out the crown and nape.
- I clarify and use a reconstructor 1 week prior
- **I relax no sooner than three days from my last wash/co-wash/tea rinse, etc
- **If I henna, it is no sooner than 3 weeks before my next relaxer

** - I use all the steps in the relaxer system I've purchased at the time.
- I use premium quality relaxer (in the past I used Gentle Treatment no-lye - and it worked well because I was not fast, and it didn't overprocess - it was excellent)

- I don't do a midstep protein treatment - I use a balanced midstep which is heavier on moisture but has protein in the form of ceramides/wheat, etc.

- I follow up the relaxer with a reconstructor 4 days after relaxer

*Wella InDepth - Chemical treatment reconstructor
*Wella Regenal - brings down pH - normalizing lotion - use after neutralizer but before balanced DC


**If I underprocess - I will finish hair by drying 75%, add smoothing heat protect product, blow dry and flat iron 350 degrees in small sections/ 2 passes. I will wear this straight with no bends for 3 days.

If I want a fuller look, I will let it airdry.