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How to Stretch 101- Class in session

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gymfreak336

gymfreak336

New Member
Okay ladies, for all of you who stretch successfully please pretty please give me all of your secrets. I know I am not the only on here ready to learn. I need all the help I can get so please whip me into shape:whip:
 
Patience,washing once a week,moisturize daily,deep condish once a week,stretch at least two to three times and it will get easier......Some woman like to take baby steps and go an extra week like 6 weeks, than 7 to 8, than 8 to 9 than 10 to 11, etc. Also find seamless combs and be extra gentle while detangling, dont rush.....detangle hair under running water is a good idea.
 
leleepop said:
Patience,washing once a week,moisturize daily,deep condish once a week,stretch at least two to three times and it will get easier......Some woman like to take baby steps and go an extra week like 6 week, than 7 to 8, than 8 to 9 than 10 to 11, etc. Also find seamless combs and be extra gentle while detangling, dont rush.hth
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help. I usually go 6-7 weeks. I would love to be able to relaxer every three months.
 
Kudos to you for wanting to stretch. As many ladies here will tell you, stretching can be addictive. Once you stretch for a few months and see the amazing results when you get a touch up, you'll want to continue stretching and reaping the benefits of thicker, healtheir hair. I'm about 11 months post texturizer so I feel like I've gotten a good handle on what it takes to stretch.

For me, washing/CO washing once or twice a week was a must when I was just starting out. I agree with Leleepop that patience is necessary, and you have to find new styles to deal with the two textures. If not, you'll go batty trying to keep the new growth as straight at the rest or you may damage your hair with too much heat. Bantu knots, twistouts, braidouts, and other textured styles will become your best friend during long stretches.

I highly recommend a Jilbere de Paris shower comb for any and all combing that you ever do. This was key for me.

Also, I don't comb my hair outside of wash day. It gets detangled really well on wash day and other than that, it's finger combed.

Keeping the line of demarcation moisturized and strong is extremely important in order to prevent breakage. For me, bi-weekly protein treatments and weekly deep conditioning keep breakage away.

Shea butter keeps my new growth soft and manageable. I was trying a variety of other products in the past, but nothing beats plan shea butter for me.

Find a good leave-in and a good detangler. Giovanni Direct works wonders on my new growth. Once I got past 5 or 6 months post relaxer, a new detangler was necessary. I mix about 4 dollops of Paul Mitchell The Detangler into my deep condition mix, and my hair is easy to comb minus the knots and matting I usually deal with.

This is all I can think of for now. Good luck!

{DI}
 
Divine Inspiration said:
Kudos to you for wanting to stretch. As many ladies here will tell you, stretching can be addictive. Once you stretch for a few months and see the amazing results when you get a touch up, you'll want to continue stretching and reaping the benefits of thicker, healtheir hair. I'm about 11 months post texturizer so I feel like I've gotten a good handle on what it takes to stretch.

For me, washing/CO washing once or twice a week was a must when I was just starting out. I agree with Leleepop that patience is necessary, and you have to find new styles to deal with the two textures. If not, you'll go batty trying to keep the new growth as straight at the rest or you may damage your hair with too much heat. Bantu knots, twistouts, braidouts, and other textured styles will become your best friend during long stretches.

I highly recommend a Jilbere de Paris shower comb for any and all combing that you ever do. This was key for me.

Also, I don't comb my hair outside of wash day. It gets detangled really well on wash day and other than that, it's finger combed.

Keeping the line of demarcation moisturized and strong is extremely important in order to prevent breakage. For me, bi-weekly protein treatments and weekly deep conditioning keep breakage away.

Shea butter keeps my new growth soft and manageable. I was trying a variety of other products in the past, but nothing beats plan shea butter for me.

Find a good leave-in and a good detangler. Giovanni Direct works wonders on my new growth. Once I got past 5 or 6 months post relaxer, a new detangler was necessary. I mix about 4 dollops of Paul Mitchell The Detangler into my deep condition mix, and my hair is easy to comb minus the knots and matting I usually deal with.

This is all I can think of for now. Good luck!

{DI}
Click to expand...

I was going to post the bolded part. Do not comb dry hair!
DC is your friend
moisturize-moisturize-moisturize then
seal-seal-seal

Oh, I would recommend that you find your Holy grail staples before you venture into stretching. Finding products that work for you will lessen your frustration! HTH.
 
I agree with many of the techniques mentioned. Here's my two cents:

1.) As Divine Inspiration said, as you get into month 4 or 5, you may have to modify your regimine. I have products that I can use in the beginning of my relaxer stretch, and products that I can use at the end. For example, my V05's and Suave cheapies are great for the first month or two. After that, I need conditioners that aid in detangling, such as Sedal's Keraforce.

2.) As tangles mount, wash in sections & comb in sections. This will minimize the breakage you experience at the demarcation line.

3.) Protein is necessary toward the end of the stretch. By using heavy protein rather consistently (every 4-5 weeks at the end of the strech) minimizes the hair that I lose.

4.) Rollersetting - this keeps my hair in a uniform texture. It's most helpful in months 3+

5.) Bone combs - I use the wide tooth and the fine tooth ones.

Hope that helps!
 
My methods is basically about reducing manipulation:
  • Be gentle with your hair especially around the demarcation line
  • Detangling only once/week with a seamless comb
  • Bun it or braid it
  • Lots of moisture and lots of henna (or light protein if you're not into henna).
 
Divine Inspiration said:
Kudos to you for wanting to stretch. As many ladies here will tell you, stretching can be addictive. Once you stretch for a few months and see the amazing results when you get a touch up, you'll want to continue stretching and reaping the benefits of thicker, healtheir hair. I'm about 11 months post texturizer so I feel like I've gotten a good handle on what it takes to stretch.

For me, washing/CO washing once or twice a week was a must when I was just starting out. I agree with Leleepop that patience is necessary, and you have to find new styles to deal with the two textures. If not, you'll go batty trying to keep the new growth as straight at the rest or you may damage your hair with too much heat. Bantu knots, twistouts, braidouts, and other textured styles will become your best friend during long stretches.

I highly recommend a Jilbere de Paris shower comb for any and all combing that you ever do. This was key for me.

Also, I don't comb my hair outside of wash day. It gets detangled really well on wash day and other than that, it's finger combed.

Keeping the line of demarcation moisturized and strong is extremely important in order to prevent breakage. For me, bi-weekly protein treatments and weekly deep conditioning keep breakage away.

Shea butter keeps my new growth soft and manageable. I was trying a variety of other products in the past, but nothing beats plan shea butter for me.

Find a good leave-in and a good detangler. Giovanni Direct works wonders on my new growth. Once I got past 5 or 6 months post relaxer, a new detangler was necessary. I mix about 4 dollops of Paul Mitchell The Detangler into my deep condition mix, and my hair is easy to comb minus the knots and matting I usually deal with.

This is all I can think of for now. Good luck!


{DI}
Click to expand...

I keep hearing sooo much about this product. Where can one purchase this?
 
Even though I've been a lurker for a long while... I was amazed when I did my first stretch of 8 weeks (not a long time I know). I relaxed my hair because I had a wedding and this time I plan to go as long as possible.

These are the things I did that I believe made a difference:
*I made sure I washed and conditioned my hair every weekend. I kept a standing appointment with myself.
*I started using an oil, like Kemi Oyl or Ije Oil daily. It kept my new growth soft and even loosened the curl pattern a bit.
*The first few weeks I would wear my hair flat ironed and wrapped. After the 3rd or 4th day of those weeks (when it lost its bump) I would bun it up until my next wash and condition.
*During the 4-8 weeks, I wore different rollersets and did not put any heat on my hair and did not have to worry about combing my hair either. I had a great time experimenting with different size rollers!!!

Not combing and finding an oil that works for my hair really helped me stretch. This time I'm going to try and ditch the flat iron for a no direct heat challenge.
 
You get Giovonni Direct from a health food store. I got mines for Vitamin Shoppe.
 
Last edited:
Great thread ladies!!! I'm trying to stretch for 12 weeks for the first time so I too need all the help I can get. Keep the info coming.
 
Ms_Twana said:
You get Giovonni Direct from a health food store. I got mines for Vitamin Shoppe.
Click to expand...

Oh for real?!!!! Okay, okay. Vitamin Shoppe is about 10 minutes away from the house. Think I'll stop by there tomorrow.

Thaaaaaaanks!!!!
 
Class dismissed! giggles. The ladies have given all this great info that I really have nothing to add.

My first stretch was 9 weeks.
My second was 14 weeks.
I think I will try to stay around 12 or 13 weeks.

Moisture is the ultimate key to me. (Plus all the other tips given.)
 
Divine Inspiration said:
Kudos to you for wanting to stretch. As many ladies here will tell you, stretching can be addictive. Once you stretch for a few months and see the amazing results when you get a touch up, you'll want to continue stretching and reaping the benefits of thicker, healtheir hair. I'm about 11 months post texturizer so I feel like I've gotten a good handle on what it takes to stretch.

For me, washing/CO washing once or twice a week was a must when I was just starting out. I agree with Leleepop that patience is necessary, and you have to find new styles to deal with the two textures. If not, you'll go batty trying to keep the new growth as straight at the rest or you may damage your hair with too much heat. Bantu knots, twistouts, braidouts, and other textured styles will become your best friend during long stretches.

I highly recommend a Jilbere de Paris shower comb for any and all combing that you ever do. This was key for me.

Also, I don't comb my hair outside of wash day. It gets detangled really well on wash day and other than that, it's finger combed.

Keeping the line of demarcation moisturized and strong is extremely important in order to prevent breakage. For me, bi-weekly protein treatments and weekly deep conditioning keep breakage away.

Shea butter keeps my new growth soft and manageable. I was trying a variety of other products in the past, but nothing beats plan shea butter for me.

Find a good leave-in and a good detangler. Giovanni Direct works wonders on my new growth. Once I got past 5 or 6 months post relaxer, a new detangler was necessary. I mix about 4 dollops of Paul Mitchell The Detangler into my deep condition mix, and my hair is easy to comb minus the knots and matting I usually deal with.

This is all I can think of for now. Good luck!

{DI}
Click to expand...

Now you tell me. :) I just combed out of a handful of hair after I took down my tree braids.:eek:

I just did my first 14 week stretch. I am planning to get a perm this week.

I go to the Dominican hair salon to get Dominican blowouts. I also got tree braids put in my hair for a protective style. In spite of the breakage, (I think a lot of it had to do with how I was combing it too.) my hair is very healthy. I am going to do another three or four stretch. HTH
 
I decided to just go for it, I stretch a little over 7 months , around 33 weeks, and only thing I found hard is having paitents with detangling my hiar. But i got better and less hair came out. its a work in process. Am ready to see my new growth again. I find it to be a blessing, the waves, oh how I love the waves.:lol:
 
Hey, girls! For me it's all about... 1)keeping the line of 'doom' (demarcation) moist and happy. I only use the Jilbere shower comb and basically use Surge twice a day followed by S- curl ( or other moisturizing detangler of choice) on the new growth. 2) My hair also loves to be washed more frequently, though it might be easier for others to stretch out wash days to avoid manipulation. There was a regimen I used a couple years ago when I was 6 months post and only losing a couple hairs a day but it was pretty labor/ product intensive for most people. 3) Always comb while rinsing out conditioner and avoid towl blotting! It'll cut down on tangles like a dream.
Sorry for babbling, HTHS.
 
For me the key is protective styling with no combing until wash days.

I couldn't imagine stretching while trying to wear my hair down or styled.
 
metalkitty said:
Hey, girls! For me it's all about... 1)keeping the line of 'doom' (demarcation) moist and happy. I only use the Jilbere shower comb and basically use Surge twice a day followed by S- curl ( or other moisturizing detangler of choice) on the new growth. 2) My hair also loves to be washed more frequently, though it might be easier for others to stretch out wash days to avoid manipulation. There was a regimen I used a couple years ago when I was 6 months post and only losing a couple hairs a day but it was pretty labor/ product intensive for most people. 3) Always comb while rinsing out conditioner and avoid towl blotting! It'll cut down on tangles like a dream.
Sorry for babbling, HTHS.
Click to expand...

That sounds like good advice, especially the towel blotting. I never thought of that. Great tip.:up:
 
I am now at 22 week post planning to relax this week and it has been a journey. The one think I would say has helped the most is not combing dry hair, only combing on wash day. Also as mentioned before shea butter has been a Godsend for me. I also have been sporting tight curly rollersets, phonytails and 3/4 falls during my last 2 months streching. I would never had though I would be able to go 4+ months without a relaxer and still look human but I have.
 
Great tips in here since I am still learning to stretch. My first one I did alot of braid outs and buns to help add the new growth.
 
I am trying to stretch til 13 wks for the first time..3 more weeks to go:) ...and i would like to go to the dom salon to get a rollerset but i get paranoid that they are combing my two-textured hair too much to get it smooth into the rollers...so i guess my ? is...is rollersetting with all the combing it entails..damaging for your hair when u r stretching?
tia
 
I'm currently 10 weeks post relax, my hair texture is very good and my hair is very shiny, I've gotten compliments i n the last week about how shiny my hair is, my secret is this when stretching,
  1. in the first 5 weeks post I go to the dominicans for blowout
  2. between weeks 5-7 I go for rollersets only, no more blowouts or it will cause hair to be dry and break
  3. week 7-9 I do braidouts going back while moisturizing with care free curl
  4. weeks 10+ I only do single braids not laying down to avoid breakage and spray with care free curl
  5. during my stretches I use the following products poos:gueye's detangling shampoo, garlic shampoo before week 8 only, conditioners: gueye's stimulating scalp conditioner and end with garnier fructis for smell and extra moisture, I also spray mane and tail's hair strengthener in 3x per week
  6. after week 7 I use my vidal sasson steam rollers this helps to keep my hair looking like i've been to a salon and I put my hair into a bun with curls.
I have to get a perm next week because i have a big event otherwise I would keep stretching
 
I'm also new and planning to stretch for 11 weeks (I usually relaxed at exactly 6 weeks). My next touch up will be December 16.

Anyway, a few questions:
1. How do you ladies go about moisturizing your new growth without combing/manipulating your hair too much? Do you part it and spray the moisturizer on?

2. Do you massage your scalps at all during your stretch? I love to massage my scalp for a few minutes nightly, but I usually tangle my hair in the process. I'm thinking it might be a better idea to part my hair and massage my scalp in sections.

Thanks for any suggestions!
 
What are tree braids? Also, what is a 3/4 fall? What else do you use to moisturize other than Care Free Curl and Shea Butter? I have used Care Free Curl in the past, but I feel like it leaves residue on my hair...

TIA!
 
L_Mo said:
What are tree braids? Also, what is a 3/4 fall? What else do you use to moisturize other than Care Free Curl and Shea Butter? I have used Care Free Curl in the past, but I feel like it leaves residue on my hair...

TIA!
Click to expand...

I can't describe tree braids in words, but a Google search will give you lots of examples of that style.

A 3/4 fall is also known as a "half wig" or an "instant weave" or "fall". It's a hairpiece that you attach to your own hair with combs, and it covers up the back portion of your own hair. You can leave some of your own hair loose in the front to blend with the fall. You can take them on or off whenever you like. They're a great option for when you don't want to manipulate your own hair. I have pics of my falls in my Fotki (linked in my signature).

I use S-Curl to moisturize my hair, but I dilute it with a little water and add some jojoba oil to it. This gets rid of the sticky, glycerin after-feel in my experience.
 
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