Maintaining hair during relaxer stretch period.

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

Okay ladies, I am about 4 months post relaxer. Ive been wearing my hair in protective styles since April. I need to know if my method is okay or do you recommend a different procedure. (Ive been noticing a little breakage and some shedding...Not exactly sure if this is normal for people who stretches their relaxer or if my regimen has anything to do with it.)

My method is that I moisturize my hair using Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil hair moisturizer (I SATURATE my hair in that) then do a braid out and seal my ends using olive oil then tie a shower cap over my hair so that It is tight and wear it under my wigs. I wear my hair like that for a week then pre poo, do a protein treatment by adding raw eggs to my hair, then co wash and lastly deep condition my hair while applying heat under a dryer. Then air dry and again do the braid out and moisturize for the next week.

Is this method common with those who stretches their relaxer. Any tips on what I need to be doing? I watch fgrogan and sexymami1001 on the YT but they both wear their hair exposed and I don't so that's why I saturate my hair in moisturizer and wear a plastic cap.

Oh, I have also been experiencing major itching. (my scalp usually itches when I have lots of new growth) Any suggestions for that?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[MAMATO]

I would not leave a plastic cap on my hair for a week long for the reasons below:

#1: fungus: be careful with the itching...
#2:Over-moisturization: your hair may end up with mushy and lifeless hair by the end of the summer
#3: It is too damn hot and humid here in Mtl... Where do you live Sweetie...

Make sure to do a lot of protein treatment to restore you prot-moist balance.
Take care

 

[blessedandlucky]

well, first, bless your heart and congratulations on your 4 month stretch. i just completed a 3 month stretch, which initially was a transition attempt. i couldn't hang

anyway, there is a stretchers support thread that has lots of good suggestions. most people suggest watching the protein/moisture balance, low maintenance styles (braid-outs/bunning, etc). i was going to get braids to help me over the hump, but it wasn't financially feasible.

when i was stretching/transitioning, i wore a lot of braidouts and it blended the textures really well.i only got in trouble when on wash day. i was losing way too much hair.

i hope others chime in soon - good luck!

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

Thanks for that. The plastic cap is no longer being used thank goodness. I just thought that would hold in the moisture better since my hair gets so dry.

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

Thanks so much. I am actually thinking about giving in. Not because I cant take it, but because I think my hair is not used to this type of stretch. I'm thinking about progressing my stretch a little each stretch.
I'll go and check out that thread.
Thanks for the advice!

 

[Artemis]

Okay ladies, I am about 4 months post relaxer. Ive been wearing my hair in protective styles since April. I need to know if my method is okay or do you recommend a different procedure. (Ive been noticing a little breakage and some shedding...Not exactly sure if this is normal for people who stretches their relaxer or if my regimen has anything to do with it.)

My method is that I moisturize my hair using Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil hair moisturizer (I SATURATE my hair in that) then do a braid out and seal my ends using olive oil then tie a shower cap over my hair so that It is tight and wear it under my wigs. I wear my hair like that for a week then pre poo, do a protein treatment by adding raw eggs to my hair, then co wash and lastly deep condition my hair while applying heat under a dryer. Then air dry and again do the braid out and moisturize for the next week.

Is this method common with those who stretches their relaxer. Any tips on what I need to be doing? I watch fgrogan and sexymami1001 on the YT but they both wear their hair exposed and I don't so that's why I saturate my hair in moisturizer and wear a plastic cap.

Oh, I have also been experiencing major itching. (my scalp usually itches when I have lots of new growth) Any suggestions for that?

Thanks so much!!!

Hi,
Besides seeing this on YT, why is is that you are saturating your hair like that? I mean is it dry, tangly? And then you are doing a braidout and then putting a wig on it?

Not trying to be snarky, and maybe it's that I've been away for awhile, but that seems like a lot of work to do a protective style. Any breakage you do get is from over-manipulation IMO. The treatments, etc is just to much if your hair is already healthy (or even it is has some damage). Itchy scalp comes from that too.

So, is your hair damaged or dry? Or are you just stretching your relaxer?

 

[Artemis]

Here's an alternate routine
Shampoo 1x/wk
Deep condition, plastic cap with heat 20 min
Apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner, add a little oil to the ends (maybe last 2-3 inches)
Cornrow or flat twist the hair, airdry

Then when it's time to wear your wig, pin the ends up and put on a satiny wig cap and go like that for the week. When you want to wear your hair out, undo the cornrows and do a bun or french roll from there until wash day.

You should clarify every 2-4 wks too. Protein shouldn't be done too often either.

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

Hi,
Besides seeing this on YT, why is is that you are saturating your hair like that? I mean is it dry, tangly? And then you are doing a braidout and then putting a wig on it?

Not trying to be snarky, and maybe it's that I've been away for awhile, but that seems like a lot of work to do a protective style. Any breakage you do get is from over-manipulation IMO. The treatments, etc is just to much if your hair is already healthy (or even it is has some damage). Itchy scalp comes from that too.

So, is your hair damaged or dry? Or are you just stretching your relaxer?

I am no longer using the plastic cap. Ive actually been noticing good results to what Ive been doing but I didn't want to hurt my hair in the long run. My hair gets extremely dry and I wanted to retain the moisture. Also, the breakage isn't really bad, but I have been monitoring my hair and taking notice of it. I thought that it was normal especially where the demarcation line meets. I am very fragile with the manipulation of my hair but the shedding I can't stop.

 

[Artemis]

Thanks for that. The plastic cap is no longer being used thank goodness. I just thought that would hold in the moisture better since my hair gets so dry.

Your hair might be getting dry in response to your method. See above for my earlier posts. Good luck.

 

[Artemis]

I am no longer using the plastic cap. Ive actually been noticing good results to what Ive been doing but I didn't want to hurt my hair in the long run. My hair gets extremely dry and I wanted to retain the moisture. Also, the breakage isn't really bad, but I have been monitoring my hair and taking notice of it. I thought that it was normal especially where the demarcation line meets. I am very fragile with the manipulation of my hair but the shedding I can't stop.

Ideally any breakage is bad, esp at the line of demarcation. It is not normal. Trust me, I am six months post relaxer and will continue to 12 months or more, and I don't do any of those things u mention. You asked if your current method was ok, and I'm giving my views.

What deep conditioner are you using? If you use a good one and don't wear your hair out, then it shouldn't be dry, right?

 

[Artemis]

And also, what good results have you noticed from your routine? Just trying to get a handle on what you want answered...thanks.

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

Ideally any breakage is bad, esp at the line of demarcation. It is not normal. Trust me, I am six months post relaxer and will continue to 12 months or more, and I don't do any of those things u mention. You asked if your current method was ok, and I'm giving my views.

What deep conditioner are you using? If you use a good one and don't wear your hair out, then it shouldn't be dry, right?

Thanks! Will change my method!

 

[shasha8685]

You shouldn't have to slather your hair in moisture like that. Is your hair's porosity in check? That may be a reason why it isn't able to retain moisture.

Also, I believe that keeping moisture in your hair starts at the level of shampooing and you build on that. Do you have a good moisturizing shampoo? What DCs do you use? Typically, I use AO White Camilla (moisturizing) and AO GPB (mild protein). I make it a point to apply my DC directly to my new growth. I tend follow up a final rinse of porosity control and a leave in (Giovanni Direct if I use a moisturizing DC or Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave In if I use a protein DC).

My styles tend to be low manipulation so I wear phony ponies or bantu knot outs a lot. Currently, my hair is in cornrows.

I strongly urge you to look at the products that you are using OP. The dryness you are experiencing may be indicative of the products you are using or it may be indicative of something you are not doing.

HTH!

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

And also, what good results have you noticed from your routine? Just trying to get a handle on what you want answered...thanks.

My hair has been extremely soft especially after shampooing and conditioning which Ive never noticed and Ive been noticing lots of growth and my braids are stretchy which only happened as a child when I was natural. Is that a bad thing???
I'm new at this and learning. Also, this is one of my first relaxer stretches. Maybe my hair isn't used to this type of stretch. I will take your advice and also progress each stretch within time. Oh, and the conditioner I am using is the Aphogee balancing moisturizer which I add honey and olive oil to. I also just purchased Avalon Organics Biotin B complex thickening conditioner since it is water based and organic. Let me know if that conditioner is okay.
Thanks again.

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

You shouldn't have to slather your hair in moisture like that. Is your hair's porosity in check? That may be a reason why it isn't able to retain moisture.

Also, I believe that keeping moisture in your hair starts at the level of shampooing and you build on that. Do you have a good moisturizing shampoo? What DCs do you use? Typically, I use AO White Camilla (moisturizing) and AO GPB (mild protein). I make it a point to apply my DC directly to my new growth. I tend follow up a final rinse of porosity control and a leave in (Giovanni Direct if I use a moisturizing DC or Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave In if I use a protein DC).

My styles tend to be low manipulation so I wear phony ponies or bantu knot outs a lot. Currently, my hair is in cornrows.

I strongly urge you to look at the products that you are using OP. The dryness you are experiencing may be indicative of the products you are using or it may be indicative of something you are not doing.

HTH!

Thanks so much for that. I am new at this as you can see. i feel so stupid, but I guess that's why I am here. I will build up a new regimen.
Currently, I am using the red label cream of nature because it detangles my hair. I use Aphogee balancing moisturizer as a conditioner. Every now and then I purchase the sample packs of the olive oil restructionizer conditioner. I just purchased Avalon Organic Biotin B-complex thickening conditioner. As for the moisturizing, I just use Organic root stimulator olive oil moisturizer and seal with olive oil. My hair has always been dry thats why I turned to saturating my hair in moisturizer which is something that I will stop doing immediately.
Do you recommend me trying out things like shea butters and natural oils like jojoba, coconut and castor oils?
Thanks again!

 

[Artemis]

My hair has been extremely soft especially after shampooing and conditioning which Ive never noticed and Ive been noticing lots of growth and my braids are stretchy which only happened as a child when I was natural. Is that a bad thing???
I'm new at this and learning. Also, this is one of my first relaxer stretches. Maybe my hair isn't used to this type of stretch. I will take your advice and also progress each stretch within time. Oh, and the conditioner I am using is the Aphogee balancing moisturizer which I add honey and olive oil to. I also just purchased Avalon Organics Biotin B complex thickening conditioner since it is water based and organic. Let me know if that conditioner is okay.
Thanks again.

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. If you hair is soft after shampooing and conditioning, how do you know it's dry? And when it is dry? Too much stretch can be a bad thing. When you use up all the Aphogee Balancing mix, switch to something more moisturizing. Thickening conditioners are often protein based, so wait until u relax to start using that. If you live near Sally's you should look into their moisturizing deep conditioners from Silk Elements or Ion. Something that will give your hair some slip so that you won't have a hard time detangling

 

[Artemis]

Thanks so much for that. I am new at this as you can see. i feel so stupid, but I guess that's why I am here. I will build up a new regimen.
Currently, I am using the red label cream of nature because it detangles my hair. I use Aphogee balancing moisturizer as a conditioner. Every now and then I purchase the sample packs of the olive oil restructionizer conditioner. I just purchased Avalon Organic Biotin B-complex thickening conditioner. As for the moisturizing, I just use Organic root stimulator olive oil moisturizer and seal with olive oil. My hair has always been dry thats why I turned to saturating my hair in moisturizer which is something that I will stop doing immediately.
Do you recommend me trying out things like shea butters and natural oils like jojoba, coconut and castor oils?
Thanks again!

Keep that shampoo if it helps you to detangle. Use the products you have but just use less on your hair when it's drying after the wash. Do not saturate your hair with stuff anymore. That totally defeats the purpose.

If you get a good deep conditioner you won't need so much product to seal the moisture in, you hair will do it on its own.

 

[Artemis]

Also, forget the eggs for protein (eat them instead, they will have more benefit). Use Aphogee 2 min Keratin on your hair every other week for protein. Leave in no longer than 5 min or so. Then spray a leave-in conditioner and a little amount of ORS moisturizer on your hair and cornrow it or twist it and then airdry. Do not airdry your hair loose and then style it. That's more trouble that it's worth.

 

[shasha8685]

Thanks so much for that. I am new at this as you can see. i feel so stupid, but I guess that's why I am here. I will build up a new regimen.
Currently, I am using the red label cream of nature because it detangles my hair. I use Aphogee balancing moisturizer as a conditioner. Every now and then I purchase the sample packs of the olive oil restructionizer conditioner. I just purchased Avalon Organic Biotin B-complex thickening conditioner. As for the moisturizing, I just use Organic root stimulator olive oil moisturizer and seal with olive oil. My hair has always been dry thats why I turned to saturating my hair in moisturizer which is something that I will stop doing immediately.
Do you recommend me trying out things like shea butters and natural oils like jojoba, coconut and castor oils?
Thanks again!

Hmm....It sounds like you have a lot of protein in your reggie (the Avalong Organic Biotin B-Complex conditioner, the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer, and the Olive Oil Conditioner).

As a newbie, I suggest you establish your "core" products and then branch out to oils and things like that. That way, if something doesn't agree with your hair, you have a solid reggie to fall back on. For your core products you should have:

1) A good moisturizing shampoo (Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo is a good one)
2) A good moisturizing DC (some moisturizing DCs are: Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner, Mizani Moisturefuse, Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, Kera Care Humecto, Motions Moisture Plus, Silk Elements Megasilk Moisturizing Treatment)
3) A good protein DC (some protein DCs are: ORS Hair Mayo, ORS Replenishing Conditioner, Aubrey Organics GPB, Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor)
4) A good leave in
5) Roux Porosity Control (or an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. You really should include this. If your hair is sucking up moisture, it may be because your hair is really porous

With a good core in place, you can then begin to add additional moisturizers if necessary. For example, I use ORS Carrot Oil on my hair only when I feel like I need additional moisture.....which isn't often.

As for the additional oils, I can't really speak too much on them. Typically, I may add some Extra Virgin Olive Oil or coconut oil (when I have it) to a DC for added oomph.

I suggest that you get your protein/moisture balance in check. So, your next few DCs should be moisture DCs. Once the balance is in check you can alternate between the moisture and protein DCs with each wash.

 

[Artemis]

Also, I meant to ask you: Do you wear a lye relaxer or no-lye? What's the brand?

 

[Artemis]

Hmm....It sounds like you have a lot of protein in your reggie (the Avalong Organic Biotin B-Complex conditioner, the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer, and the Olive Oil Conditioner).

As a newbie, I suggest you establish your "core" products and then branch out to oils and things like that. That way, if something doesn't agree with your hair, you have a solid reggie to fall back on. For your core products you should have:

1) A good moisturizing shampoo (Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo is a good one)
2) A good moisturizing DC (some moisturizing DCs are: Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner, Mizani Moisturefuse, Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, Kera Care Humecto, Motions Moisture Plus, Silk Elements Megasilk Moisturizing Treatment)
3) A good protein DC (some protein DCs are: ORS Hair Mayo, ORS Replenishing Conditioner, Aubrey Organics GPB, Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor)
4) A good leave in
5) Roux Porosity Control (or an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. You really should include this. If your hair is sucking up moisture, it may be because your hair is really porous

With a good core in place, you can then begin to add additional moisturizers if necessary. For example, I use ORS Carrot Oil on my hair only when I feel like I need additional moisture.....which isn't often.

As for the additional oils, I can't really speak too much on them. Typically, I may add some Extra Virgin Olive Oil or coconut oil (when I have it) to a DC for added oomph.

I suggest that you get your protein/moisture balance in check. So, your next few DCs should be moisture DCs. Once the balance is in check you can alternate between the moisture and protein DCs with each wash.

I agree with the advice here, but she may not need Porosity Control if her leave-in conditioner and DC are good (meaning they are in the correct pH range for hair). OP needs to keep the amount of products she uses to the minimum.

OP, your regimen should definitely be your focus right now. Do a forum search for Sistaslick, who wrote a lot on maintaining a protein moisture balance and how to build a regimen. Its definitely worth your time. In fact do that before you do anything else, ok?

Take care.

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused. If you hair is soft after shampooing and conditioning, how do you know it's dry? And when it is dry? Too much stretch can be a bad thing. When you use of the Aphogee Balancing mix, switch to something more moisturizing. Thickening conditioners are often protein based, so wait until u relax to start using that. If you live near Sally's you should look into their moisturizing deep conditioners from Silk Elements or Ion. Something that will give your hair some slip so that you won't have a hard time detangling

Its really hard to explain my hair. Its soft after my hair has air dried but so dry that it looks funny. Like its a lighter brown color that looks a bit like I blow dried it after I combed it which to me indicates very dry damaged hair. Hopefully i am making sense. Once I apply my moisturizer, it brings sheen and movement. However, it weighs my hair down which i know may be a bad thing which I will stop.
Should i only moisturize my hair after my conditioning or should I add a little moisturizer every few days. Thanks so much for the silk elements suggestion. I actually have a bottle which i never use anymore because all of the aphogee videos on Youtube. I'll start with that.

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

Also, I meant to ask you: Do you wear a lye relaxer or no-lye? What's the brand?

I usually use a no lye relaxer, however, my last 3 chemical treatment have been texturizers.

 

[Artemis]

Its really hard to explain my hair. Its soft after my hair has air dried but so dry that it looks funny. Like its a lighter brown color that looks a bit like I blow dried it after I combed it which to me indicates very dry damaged hair. Hopefully i am making sense. Once I apply my moisturizer, it brings sheen and movement. However, it weighs my hair down which i know may be a bad thing which I will stop.
Should i only moisturize my hair after my conditioning or should I add a little moisturizer every few days. Thanks so much for the silk elements suggestion. I actually have a bottle which i never use anymore because all of the aphogee videos on Youtube. I'll start with that.

1) That lighter brown color is hair in which the cuticle has been removed. It is damaged. No amount of deep conditioning will reverse that. Sooner or later it will have to be removed. Truth hurts sometimes, but you said it yourself, it's dry damaged hair. Dry hair can be dealt with, damaged hair must go. The good news is that you are airdrying so you are not adding to the problem.

2) Only add moisture when you hair feels dry. If after a few days it feels dry, spritz the hair with leave-in spray or water and then apply a tiny bit of moisturizer. But if you leave your hair braided up and covered, then it shouldn't feel dry. Don't apply product every few days just to be doing something. Only use you moisturizer when your hair needs it. Start out only on wash day so you can see how long it takes your hair to absorb the product. Then when it's gone, add more. Not before that.

 

[Artemis]

I usually use a no lye relaxer, however, my last 3 chemical treatment have been texturizers.

I knew you were going to say no-lye What does "texturizers" mean? Those are still relaxers that are either no-lye or lye. Do you know the brand name? They are probably also no-lye. Do you relax at home, or at the salon?

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

Hmm....It sounds like you have a lot of protein in your reggie (the Avalong Organic Biotin B-Complex conditioner, the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer, and the Olive Oil Conditioner).

As a newbie, I suggest you establish your "core" products and then branch out to oils and things like that. That way, if something doesn't agree with your hair, you have a solid reggie to fall back on. For your core products you should have:

1) A good moisturizing shampoo (Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo is a good one)
2) A good moisturizing DC (some moisturizing DCs are: Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner, Mizani Moisturefuse, Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, Kera Care Humecto, Motions Moisture Plus, Silk Elements Megasilk Moisturizing Treatment)
3) A good protein DC (some protein DCs are: ORS Hair Mayo, ORS Replenishing Conditioner, Aubrey Organics GPB, Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor)
4) A good leave in
5) Roux Porosity Control (or an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse. You really should include this. If your hair is sucking up moisture, it may be because your hair is really porous

With a good core in place, you can then begin to add additional moisturizers if necessary. For example, I use ORS Carrot Oil on my hair only when I feel like I need additional moisture.....which isn't often.

As for the additional oils, I can't really speak too much on them. Typically, I may add some Extra Virgin Olive Oil or coconut oil (when I have it) to a DC for added oomph.

I suggest that you get your protein/moisture balance in check. So, your next few DCs should be moisture DCs. Once the balance is in check you can alternate between the moisture and protein DCs with each wash.

Thanks so much for this. This is exactly what I needed. I actually thought i needed more protein lol...I will try some of what you have suggested here. Hopefully my hair agrees.
Looking forward to building a new regimen. Much appreciated!

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

I knew you were going to say no-lye What does "texturizers" mean? Those are still relaxers that are either no-lye or lye. Do you know the brand name? They are probably also no-lye. Do you relax at home, or at the salon?

i relax using luster's pink touch up I'm pretty sure that may not a good thing which makes me nervous...I haven't salon relaxed for about 3 years. I don't have a reason why I stopped. Really, I just got cheap. As for the texturizers...i am guilty for just reading the box. I am guessing it is a way to softened the texture without totally straightening it.

 

[Blaq-N-GoLd]

1) That lighter brown color is hair in which the cuticle has been removed. It is damaged. No amount of deep conditioning will reverse that. Sooner or later it will have to be removed. Truth hurts sometimes, but you said it yourself, it's dry damaged hair. Dry hair can be dealt with, damaged hair must go. The good news is that you are airdrying so you are not adding to the problem.

2) Only add moisture when you hair feels dry. If after a few days it feels dry, spritz the hair with leave-in spray or water and then apply a tiny bit of moisturizer. But if you leave your hair braided up and covered, then it shouldn't feel dry. Don't apply product every few days just to be doing something. Only use you moisturizer when your hair needs it. Start out only on wash day so you can see how long it takes your hair to absorb the product. Then when it's gone, add more. Not before that.

Truth does hurt. I am okay with trimming over time. Or should i do a BC? Any suggestions on a good leave in? I actually liked silicon mix leave in however my choices have been poor in the past.
I can't thank you enough for the help and advice.

 

[Artemis]

Truth does hurt. I am okay with trimming over time. Or should i do a BC? Any suggestions on a good leave in? I actually liked silicon mix leave in however my choices have been poor in the past.
I can't thank you enough for the help and advice.

Trimming or BC is up to you--it's your hair, so take the time to decide for yourself. Regardless of anyone's state, I am in favor of regular trims to prevent damage from ruining the whole head. Not everyone agrees with me on that, and that's cool. I just know that it works. But "regular" is always subjective to a certain extent...it just needs to be consistent regardless.

I really like Kenra Daily Provision and Paul Mitchell The Conditioner. These two have been great long-term despite my tendency to try new products. I'm sure there are others out there that folks here like, so just take some time and search the forum and see what's out there. Take your time, and tackle one issue at once so you don't get overwhelmed. Getting a solid regimen is a process, so embrace that fact

HTH

 

[Artemis]

i relax using luster's pink touch up I'm pretty sure that may not a good thing which makes me nervous...I haven't salon relaxed for about 3 years. I don't have a reason why I stopped. Really, I just got cheap. As for the texturizers...i am guilty for just reading the box. I am guessing it is a way to softened the texture without totally straightening it.

I am not a fan of the salon, but I am less of a fan of no-lye relaxers. Usually when a no-lye relaxer damages the hair, it does it in a sneaky way, where you don't realize until it's too late. Not that lye relaxers are that much better, but its been my experience that you can catch problems in the hair faster with lye. Just food for thought. Not here to make you change everything about your process, but just offering some insight based on personal experience and knowledge.