Real reason you stretch your relaxer

[Aggie]

I stretch now for the health and thickness of my hair. Stretching my relaxers allows my hair to retain a lot more moisture as well.

 

[Arcadian]

I'm committed to it because relaxing 2-3 times a year is just ideal. (and I'm a 4!)

My hair is much thicker because I stretch, and its definitely happier that I do. Plus, my relaxers are nearly 60 bucks a pop (and thats with me doing them) so stretching is also good on my wallet.

-A

 

[destine2grow]

I use 2 stretch before I new it was stretching. However I was not taking care of my hair at all. So I consider this 2 be my first stretch.

 

[*Muffin*]

Reasons why I want to do 6-month stretches:

1. Hair health/growth
2. Trying to force myself to learn protective styles/methods of dealing with my NG
3. I want to flat-iron .
4. Want to see how it will be to transition
5. I don't want to be a slave to relaxing
6. I'm slightly envious of those who can stretch for long periods of time, and I want to see if I can do it to.

 

[hair4romheaven]

I've always stretched relaxers since i started relaxing but once I left NY and moved to ATL the problems started I couldn't find a stylist that can handle my hair they didn't understand me stretching relaxers and gave me a super virgin perm. Bone straight hair all the way to the ends. I cried for weeks and weeks. I didn't even wear my hair out after the relaxer I went right to BSS and purchased a wig. That was last year and I am still cutting ends to get my hair back to the original thickness. my piki strip shows my horror. ;-( I know I'll be on track by spring tho.

 

[Lexib]

The first two reasons in your list AND because I'm heavily considering transitioning and want to test out the waters.

 

[danibot]

I started stretching relaxers because I moved and I didn't have a stylist. Then I found this site and the rest is history.

 

[blackberry815]

bumping for 2011

 

[Nix08]

For health but also I like that length surprise

 

[Mische]

My hair is thicker, and the obvious length difference is great motivation. I also hate the process of relaxer day, so having to go through it less frequently is nice.

 

[SuchaLady]

I don't.

Sent from my DROID2 using DROID2

 

[StarScream35]

I'm trying to transition to natural and really contemplating getting a relaxer. I personally don't see how ladies do it. I can't even comb my hair unless it's wet with conditioner. The new growth is always so dry the next day after washing. It's not that big of a deal cause I wash every other day but still...............nothing like having that stuff feel like the Sahara Desert!! I see why ladies do it but I know it's got to be LOTS of work!!

 

[Nix08]

I've been co washing on a regular and it makes my new growth so soft and nice also and when I'm airdrying I use a satin headband. I start with it right on my hairline...after about half an hour I move it further back on my head. This keeps my new growth tame and very manageable...no work involved. I'm at 10 weeks right now.

 

[koolkittychick]

Primary reason was hair health. When I was relaxing every 4 weeks, my hair started to thin something awful and it kept snapping off at my shoulders, not to mention I almost entirely lost the back of my hair to breakage. Since I got the great advice from LHCF and found a regimen and line of products that work for my hair, it has made a great comeback.

It didn't hurt that I was saving mad cash by not going as often to my very expensive salon.

I recently completed my first successful 12-week stretch, and am aiming for a 16-week stretch (next touchup in December for Christmas), armed with my products, my regimen, and the great support of you ladies here.

BSL by 2012, here I come!

 

[Myjourney2009]

Because the relaxing process takes too dang long.

 

[Myjourney2009]

I'm trying to transition to natural and really contemplating getting a relaxer. I personally don't see how ladies do it. I can't even comb my hair unless it's wet with conditioner. The new growth is always so dry the next day after washing. It's not that big of a deal cause I wash every other day but still...............nothing like having that stuff feel like the Sahara Desert!! I see why ladies do it but I know it's got to be LOTS of work!!

Actually for some it isnt, in the beginning yes but as time went on it became rather easy. Also stretching on hair that is shorter than SL is a bit difficult.
My NG used to feel really dry too until I found a good shampoo.

Since then yeah my NG may get a bit dry but nothing like it was before I found that wonderful shampoo.

 

[blackberry815]

I havent actually stretched yet (6 weeks post) but the reason im trying it this time around is because i have a very mild case of traction alopecia from my locs ( i was a dread for 6 years) i want to give my baby edges a chance to grow in fully... Ive been relaxing every 6-8 wks since combing my locs out and my baby hairs in the front are really trying to come back.... they get a little fuzzy before a relaxer but everytime i relax they look a little balder... So im going for 12-16 weeks...im only six weeks post now but when i get tired of the newgrowth im going to braid it up and slap a wig on it...

Thanks JJamiah for the wig tip!

Sent from my ADR6400L

 

[Myjourney2009]

I havent actually stretched yet (6 weeks post) but the reason im trying it this time around is because i have a very mild case of traction alopecia from my locs ( i was a dread for 6 years) i want to give my baby edges a chance to grow in fully... Ive been relaxing every 6-8 wks since combing my locs out and my baby hairs in the front are really trying to come back.... they get a little fuzzy before a relaxer but everytime i relax they look a little balder... So im going for 12-16 weeks...im only six weeks post now but when i get tired of the newgrowth im going to braid it up and slap a wig on it...

Thanks JJamiah for the wig tip!

Sent from my ADR6400L

If stertching isnt for you, try leaving out your edges

 

[blackberry815]

If stertching isnt for you, try leaving out your edges

I probably could but im not self relaxing anymore due to not being able to see and avoid my scalp.. I dont know if a hairdresser would be open to this idea... U know how theyre usually stuck in their ways...

Sent from my ADR6400L

 

[WaistLengthDreams]

I stretch so that I can avoid overlapping when I relax. The more new growth that I have the easier it is for me to identify the line of demarcation. I typically stretch for about 3 to 4 months at a time and that works for me.

 

[Myjourney2009]

I probably could but im not self relaxing anymore due to not being able to see and avoid my scalp.. I dont know if a hairdresser would be open to this idea... U know how theyre usually stuck in their ways...

Sent from my ADR6400L

I think getting some on the scalp is inevitable. I would say if you really want to be a DIY'er base your scalp first. When applying try to avoid getting it on your scalp, once it is time to smooth it will get on the scalp, there is no way around it.

I put a large rectangular mirror in my bathroom up on a rolling cart. That is the only way I am able to see my scalp. I also put another light in the bathroom. I purchase mind from BB&B on 18th St in Manhattan.

 

[Skyfall]

To see if I can make it to natural...