I'm not sure about the time frame but I think the activator in no lye is causes the product to break down over time. Once you mix the two products together you should use it immediately and toss any leftovers.
After seeing this pic I want bangs
I think in may I will.
I always had bangs. But now I'm like no!!!! They are a pain in the butt imo. I'm too lazy for them now
. I think about growing my relaxed hair to WL and actually being able to wake up, go to sleep, shower, go to the movies, go out. . .and still be WL 
. The only thing that's making me so indecisive at this point is not knowing if my scalp issues was a problem I caused from improper relaxing, or if my scalp is just going to freak out every touch up 
. I'm still giving myself until around my birthday in March to actually decide.
So now every time I think about about transitioning back to natural, I think about growing my natural hair to WL and have it shrink up to the top of my shoulders
Which relaxer and base did you use and how long did the scalp problems last. I use to have scalp problems, but the problem was improper basing and using no lye relaxers. Also, not neutralizing properly. That's not the solution for everyone, but for me, because I already know I have a sensitive scalp, it was just taking that knowledge into consideration. Sent from my iPhone using LHCF
Eta: you hair is awesomeness in those pics
LOL!!! I thought no-lye was suppose to be more gentle on the scalp? I don't think I thought enough about my specific hair characteristics when I was researching relaxers. My hair's super kinky and it's still very kinky, and I would rather have more of that gone. If I am doing my first touch up in a month or two, I'll definitely be looking at recommendations from ladies with coarser, kinkier hair like me. And thank you 
So now every time I think about about transitioning back to natural, I think about growing my natural hair to WL and have it shrink up to the top of my shoulders
Uh, let's just say that I'm thinking my scalp issues were from improper technique
. I love how think my hair is. I actually don't want that to really go away. I just want it smoother. . .I think . I actually don't know. I might be fine with it overall and just irritated by the weird bushy sections I have. That's what I want to do too. Grow my hair to my goal length while relaxed, and then go back to being natural and grow it out again. But I don't think the shrinkage would get to me as much after living the dream That makes sense
. I didn't understand how much smoothing I actually needed to do. That's why some of my hair is like 3b curly and some of my ends are just puff balls after relaxing twice! The no-lye relaxer I used was really harsh on my hair, but I'm afraid of having scalp issues 
. I'm pretty sure that properly basing and applying the relaxer next time will keep my scalp safe.
blush, but I never burn. I do slather my hairline and ears with vaseline as a precaution though. Hey! Yes I use no lye Design Essentials Sensitive Scalp and love it! I just relaxed last night and my hair is perfect and all newgrowth is straighter than straight!
