Phyto Relaxer Index I: My heart is broken!

[Serenity_Peace]

So I finally relaxed by hair using Phytorelaxer Index I for fine, delicate hair, after a 4-month stretch. I was so excited, making sure everything was perfect. I did the entire procedure by the book, following the directions down to a "T."

Well, here's my review:

When I first began to apply the relaxer (to the crown area first, then back, then front last), it immediately looked like the relaxer was taking fast, so I sped up the application process, checking the clock. I got all the sections applied and relaxed, and was so proud of myself. Since my hair is extremely fine, I made sure that I only relaxed the new growth, saving my nape and hairline for the final 5 minutes or so. I left the relaxer in for the allotted time, down to the minute!

Then, I used the neutralizing shampoo. In fact I used more than half because I saw the soap foam was pink. I made sure to get all the relaxer rinsed out thoroughly. So far, so good.

I then used Porosity Control Conditioner and Repair to bring the PH level down. Loved this stuff. It was terrific. Gave my hair slip and I was able to comb through using a wide tooth comb.

Finally, I used Phyto reconstructor, applying and allowing to sit as directed, then rinsed out.

Rollerset with my special Infusium 23 mix: I23, alma oil, brahmi oil and a little bit of castor oil, with distilled water. Perfect mixture. Left my hair so soft and I could rollerset very smoothly.

The results:

1. Well, the rollerset came out lovely, but my hair looked really dull. Not dry, just dull. It lacked bling; it lacked shine.

2. The other thing is that the relaxer didn't take. That's right! The relaxer didn't well at all. You can't tell immediately after a wash and rollerset, but by mid-day today, my roots puffed up! I mean, POOF!!! It almost looked as if I didn't relax at all. And this cold, rainy weather didn't help matters much.

3. Though I didn't experience much breakage or hair loss, I have a feeling that my hair will eventually start to dry out. By this evening, after the gym, my hair looked so dry and dull. I was so upset.

There is *some* good news, however:

1. MY HAIR HAS GROWN!!!! I have hair about 3 inches past my shoulders, ya'll!!

2. My ends don't look bad at all. I am convinced that the Jamaican Black Castor Oil that I've been using on my ends daily has helped me tremendously.

3. VERY LITTLE hair loss. No breakage, only a few strands of hair. However, again, I am scared that with my hair looking so dry and dull, I'm wondering if I'll eventually start to experience severe dryness again??!!??

4. My hair looks a little fuller. Not necessarily thicker, just fuller. I like that.

So, ladies, what shall I do about this severely underprocessed hair? I guess I'll have to go back to protective hairstyles rather quickly. I was determined to stretch my relaxer for even longer this time around, but my hair looks like it already needs a relaxer.

 

[Serenity_Peace]

Bumpity bump!

I know my thread is long, but I really need ya'lls input.

 

[SerenavanderWoodsen]

hey i cant realy help u personally but in the LHCF searchbox please type in the term corrective relaxer and u may find some stuff to help u

 

[newflowers]

Someone else just posted a similar thread - Index I, underprocessed. I use Index I and my hair gets straight, so I'm not sure what to say.

To deal with the dull dryness, maybe you can wash and use a super moisturizing conditioner. I use one after the reconstructor and it works well.

I am sorry you've had these problems. Have you considered writing to the PhytoSpecific people and asking their advice about correcting?

 

[Chanteuse]

Hi-
I've been using Index 1 for the past couple of relaxers also. I have very fine hair and I like the fact that I don't have to feel rushed when applying it or worry about it ever over-processing my hair. I have recently decided that it is leaving my hair a little bit more underprocessed than I would like so I'll be switching back to Index II for my next relaxer. My hair gets very straight when I roller set or use it heat but my roots poof much more than the rest of my hair at the first hint of moisture.

As far as the corrective relaxer goes, I would advise you to wait until it's time for your next relaxer and just correct it then. This is what I will be doing. As long as you keep your hair set, straight or protected, you should not experience any breakage. Good luck!

 

[delp]

So I finally relaxed by hair using Phytorelaxer Index I for fine, delicate hair, after a 4-month stretch. I was so excited, making sure everything was perfect. I did the entire procedure by the book, following the directions down to a "T."

Well, here's my review:

When I first began to apply the relaxer (to the crown area first, then back, then front last), it immediately looked like the relaxer was taking fast, so I sped up the application process, checking the clock. I got all the sections applied and relaxed, and was so proud of myself. Since my hair is extremely fine, I made sure that I only relaxed the new growth, saving my nape and hairline for the final 5 minutes or so. I left the relaxer in for the allotted time, down to the minute!

Then, I used the neutralizing shampoo. In fact I used more than half because I saw the soap foam was pink. I made sure to get all the relaxer rinsed out thoroughly. So far, so good.

I then used Porosity Control Conditioner and Repair to bring the PH level down. Loved this stuff. It was terrific. Gave my hair slip and I was able to comb through using a wide tooth comb.

Finally, I used Phyto reconstructor, applying and allowing to sit as directed, then rinsed out.

Rollerset with my special Infusium 23 mix: I23, alma oil, brahmi oil and a little bit of castor oil, with distilled water. Perfect mixture. Left my hair so soft and I could rollerset very smoothly.

The results:

1. Well, the rollerset came out lovely, but my hair looked really dull. Not dry, just dull. It lacked bling; it lacked shine.

2. The other thing is that the relaxer didn't take. That's right! The relaxer didn't well at all. You can't tell immediately after a wash and rollerset, but by mid-day today, my roots puffed up! I mean, POOF!!! It almost looked as if I didn't relax at all. And this cold, rainy weather didn't help matters much.

3. Though I didn't experience much breakage or hair loss, I have a feeling that my hair will eventually start to dry out. By this evening, after the gym, my hair looked so dry and dull. I was so upset.

There is *some* good news, however:

1. MY HAIR HAS GROWN!!!! I have hair about 3 inches past my shoulders, ya'll!!

2. My ends don't look bad at all. I am convinced that the Jamaican Black Castor Oil that I've been using on my ends daily has helped me tremendously.

3. VERY LITTLE hair loss. No breakage, only a few strands of hair. However, again, I am scared that with my hair looking so dry and dull, I'm wondering if I'll eventually start to experience severe dryness again??!!??

4. My hair looks a little fuller. Not necessarily thicker, just fuller. I like that.

So, ladies, what shall I do about this severely underprocessed hair? I guess I'll have to go back to protective hairstyles rather quickly. I was determined to stretch my relaxer for even longer this time around, but my hair looks like it already needs a relaxer.

The same thing happened to me. See my threads below. You will see it is the same story. My hair was very underprocessed after 15min. and when I put water on it it curled up. I waited four weeks then applied Phyto II for roughly 15 min. I got shiny bone straight hair. Now, I love phyto.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=119793&highlight=phyto

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=122916&highlight=phyto

I know I have not posted pictures yet. So, I would wait to see what others advise. I have 4a fine hair. My hair is now bone straight but not breaking. I am happy with that.

 

[Serenity_Peace]

The same thing happened to me. See my threads below. You will see it is the same story. My hair was very underprocessed after 15min. and when I put water on it it curled up. I waited four weeks then applied Phyto II for roughly 15 min. I got shiny bone straight hair. Now, I love phyto.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=119793&highlight=phyto

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=122916&highlight=phyto

I know I have not posted pictures yet. So, I would wait to see what others advise. I have 4a fine hair. My hair is now bone straight but not breaking. I am happy with that.

Thank you so much for this. I will go back and read your postings. I think I'll just try to do what you suggest, since it seems like we have the same problems. I just didn't want this money to go to waste. I've heard so many great things about Phyto. Next time, I'll try Index II. In fact, it kinda makes me feel happy because maybe my hair is thicker/fuller than I though and Index II is for me.

 

[Serenity_Peace]

Hi-
I've been using Index 1 for the past couple of relaxers also. I have very fine hair and I like the fact that I don't have to feel rushed when applying it or worry about it ever over-processing my hair. I have recently decided that it is leaving my hair a little bit more underprocessed than I would like so I'll be switching back to Index II for my next relaxer. My hair gets very straight when I roller set or use it heat but my roots poof much more than the rest of my hair at the first hint of moisture.

As far as the corrective relaxer goes, I would advise you to wait until it's time for your next relaxer and just correct it then. This is what I will be doing. As long as you keep your hair set, straight or protected, you should not experience any breakage. Good luck!

I think you're right. I'd be too scared to do a corrector. What I may do is try this stylist that I've heard about who uses Phyto products. She may be able to give me some pointers. I also thought about doing braids for the summer, but I'm always afraid that braids do more damage than good to my hair because it's so soft and fine.

Thanks again!

 

[Serenity_Peace]

Someone else just posted a similar thread - Index I, underprocessed. I use Index I and my hair gets straight, so I'm not sure what to say.

To deal with the dull dryness, maybe you can wash and use a super moisturizing conditioner. I use one after the reconstructor and it works well.

I am sorry you've had these problems. Have you considered writing to the PhytoSpecific people and asking their advice about correcting?

This is the one thing that I didn't do: I didn't use a moisturizing conditioner after the reconstructor. I just followed the directions and that was it. This coming weekend I'll relax with a henna treatment. Henna has stopped breakage dead in its tracks for me. I will also do a nice deep conditioning as always.

I also considered contacting the Phyto people. They were very helpful the first time I contacted them. Polly from "Polly and Co" was especially friendly. She gave me a business card with my order. Maybe I can call and get her advice as well.

Thanks!!!

 

[Bint Yusef]

Thanks for the info delp. I read your response also in my thread, but I wont bump both since they are both so similar. I plan to do a correct in a month or so, while making sure to do plenty of conditioning treatments up until that point.

 

[alexstin]

I underprocessed big time when using Phyto II. You really have to apply ALOT and probably leave on longer than they recommend. I had waited 18 weeks so I was really disappointed in it. I ended up going another 15 weeks or so before relaxing again so take heart.

 

[Keen]

From my experience, you have to leave phyto longer than the suggested time. You really have to learn what works best for your hair.

 

[MiWay]

I'm so sorry this didn't work out for you! I don't remember having problems with Index 1, but I do prefer Index II because it gets my hair straighter. I can still see where I used Index I because the hair isn't as straight as the rest. Maybe you can do what delp suggested and wait a month or so and try a corrective with Index II.

 

[Candiss]

You didn't mention that you performed a strand test first. People will save themselves a lot of disappointment if they do strand tests first. They tell you so much BEFORE the relaxer even touches your head. If yu do a corrective or whatever, do a strand test first, Use a timer and gauge the results that way.

 

[jasmin]

1. Well, the rollerset came out lovely, but my hair looked really dull. Not dry, just dull. It lacked bling; it lacked shine.

2. The other thing is that the relaxer didn't take. That's right! The relaxer didn't well at all. You can't tell immediately after a wash and rollerset, but by mid-day today, my roots puffed up! I mean, POOF!!! It almost looked as if I didn't relax at all. And this cold, rainy weather didn't help matters much.

Exactly what happened to me. I loved this relaxer..in the beginning. My hair was soft from the initial application but by week 1 or 2 wash it look like I didn't have a touch up. I couldn't retain moisture at all. Also I had to wash my hair so many times to get the relaxer out. It took awhile to recover from that because our hair needs moisture. I used it 3 times before giving up.

I basically had to move to lye relaxers.


e

 

[SvelteVelvet]

Man..so it really is too good to be true? Guess I'll stick with lye, I can't deal with underprocessing, not after spending $60!!!

 

[preciousjewel76]

You didn't mention that you performed a strand test first. People will save themselves a lot of disappointment if they do strand tests first. They tell you so much BEFORE the relaxer even touches your head. If yu do a corrective or whatever, do a strand test first, Use a timer and gauge the results that way.

ITA with the bolded. So many folks skip this essential step.

 

[LJewel]

Bumpity bump!

I know my thread is long, but I really need ya'lls input.

Serenity_Peace - I am so sorry to hear that you had a problem with Phyto I . I also had my first touchup with Phyto I instead of my mild lye relaxer. I had stretched for 3 months and I was very disappointed. My hair was puffy/nappy. But my hair dresser told me that I would probably not see the results I wanted until after maybe the third retouch with 6 to 8 weeks between each retouch. I plan to stick with the Phyto I and see what 2 or three retouches will do. My hair does not do well with lye relaxers and I hoped that the Phyto would be a little gentler with the relaxing agent.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[preciousjewel76]

But my hair dresser told me that I would probably not see the results I wanted until after maybe the third retouch with 6 to 8 weeks between each retouch.

Hmmmm. Are you trying to relax your hair "bone straight" with Phyto? Because if it didn't get it straight the first time, it's not going to get "magically" straight at the next retouch or two (unless your stylist leaves it on for a longer period of time, and smoothes the relaxer over the underprocessed parts). Maybe I'm misunderstanding what your stylist said, but it left me with a look on my face.

 

[MonaRae]

Sweetie I'm sorry about your underprocess experience with Phyto! Index I will give you a texrelaxer where Index II will give you bone straight texture without all the harm done to your hair. I have/had thin hair (we have the same type) and Index II gave me just what I wanted.

Concerning the dryness do you think you over-protein your hair? Phyto is good b/c it doesn't stripe the much needed protein from your hair and I23 is like a protein treatment (correct me if I'm wrong). I23 dryes my hair out so I stay as far away for it as I can.


MonaRae

 

[Bint Yusef]

I underprocessed big time when using Phyto II. You really have to apply ALOT and probably leave on longer than they recommend. I had waited 18 weeks so I was really disappointed in it. I ended up going another 15 weeks or so before relaxing again so take heart.

You think we should wait longer to correct?

 

[sprungonhairboards]

Hmmmm. Are you trying to relax your hair "bone straight" with Phyto? Because if it didn't get it straight the first time, it's not going to get "magically" straight at the next retouch or two (unless your stylist leaves it on for a longer period of time, and smoothes the relaxer over the underprocessed parts). Maybe I'm misunderstanding what your stylist said, but it left me with a look on my face.

I'm too.

The first thing I thought was her stylist is trying to get over. 3 retouches in a row? Cha Ching

 

[Misseyl]

My hair is 4A/B and the first time I used Phyto it was an Index I and it did nothing for my hair. I lived with the results and upon my next touchup I used Index II and have never looked back. It leaves my hair bone straight, as if a professional did it so I can't say anything negative about Phyto...

If you are doing this yourself it could be your application because if you don't smooth in any relaxer properly, it's going to leave your hair underprocessed...I wouldn't give up on Phyto yet because it's a very good relaxer and I've never experienced any breakage/burns w/this relaxer so it's worth another try...

 

[Serenity_Peace]

Exactly what happened to me. I loved this relaxer..in the beginning. My hair was soft from the initial application but by week 1 or 2 wash it look like I didn't have a touch up. I couldn't retain moisture at all. Also I had to wash my hair so many times to get the relaxer out. It took awhile to recover from that because our hair needs moisture. I used it 3 times before giving up.

I basically had to move to lye relaxers.


e

I struggled to make the decision between no-lye Phyto and lye ORS. Sadly I gave in to all the stereotypes about lye relaxers, absolutely convinced that lyes were too strong for my hair type. I had a feeling about no-lye drying out the hair and making it look dull, but then I heard so many great things about Phyto and figured that I could try this to see how things go. I am disappointed. This is day 2 and I decided already to put my hair in a protective style. I just used JBCO on my ends and also put a dime amount through my hair. My hair is weighed down somewhat by it but also very shiny and thick-looking, so I like that. I am fast giving in to a new preference: rather than having thin-looking dull hair that is bouncy and has body, I'd much prefer having thick-looking, fuller hair that is slightly weighed down if it gives the illusion of healthiness. So now, my hair is looking fuller and thicker due to the castor oil, and I just wore it up in a French roll today. I had some broken off hairs and some strands in my comb this morning, but I'm trying not to over-react. I'll simply wait until this weekend, do the henna/indigo treatment, then end the process with a hot oil treatment and a deep conditioner with a silk protein. I won't do a stronger protein right now. I prefer to see how things go first because hard proteins like Aphoghee tend to make my hair break more, no matter how much moisturizer I follow up with afterwards.

 

[Serenity_Peace]

I'm so sorry this didn't work out for you! I don't remember having problems with Index 1, but I do prefer Index II because it gets my hair straighter. I can still see where I used Index I because the hair isn't as straight as the rest. Maybe you can do what delp suggested and wait a month or so and try a corrective with Index II.

Sweetie, your hair looks gorgeous! I think I'm going to make the trip to see Ivy, since she specializes in Phyto products. I'll make the appointment for two weeks from now and perhaps she'll be able to assess my hair and get it back up to speed. My hair doesn't look bad, but it did look dry and dull yesterday. The castor oil is making it look better today, but I'll monitor and keep an eye on things...

Thanks again for your support

 

[Serenity_Peace]

You didn't mention that you performed a strand test first. People will save themselves a lot of disappointment if they do strand tests first. They tell you so much BEFORE the relaxer even touches your head. If yu do a corrective or whatever, do a strand test first, Use a timer and gauge the results that way.

Thanks. Sorry I forgot to mention the strand test. I did, in fact, do one and the hair seemed fine. Everything turned out great with the test. No breakage, no nothing. But it was very interesting that as I started to apply the relaxer, my hair relaxed very quickly. I may have gotten a little scared about that, but I still allowed the relaxer to remain on my hair for the allotted time. Like someone else, perhaps I should have allowed the hair to process for a little longer but I didn't want to run the risk of having overprocessed hair. That happened to me before and it wasn't pretty. Thanks!

 

[Serenity_Peace]

Concerning the dryness do you think you over-protein your hair? Phyto is good b/c it doesn't stripe the much needed protein from your hair and I23 is like a protein treatment (correct me if I'm wrong). I23 dryes my hair out so I stay as far away for it as I can.


MonaRae

REALLY??!! I didn't know this. I didn't realize that I23 is a protein-based leave-in. I'm wondering if my mistake was also that I didn't do a moisturizing conditioner after the reconstructor. My guess is that some of that reconstructor has some protein in it. Well, if I used that, plus I23, that may have been the culprit. However, I didn't apply the leave-in by itself. I mixed it with lots of oil and water. Still, you gave me something to chew on. I'll go back and examine the contents of I23. (The mixture gave me a lot of slip, by the way, and the rollerset itself came out nice and silky.)

 

[preciousjewel76]

REALLY??!! I didn't know this. I didn't realize that I23 is a protein-based leave-in. I'm wondering if my mistake was also that I didn't do a moisturizing conditioner after the reconstructor. My guess is that some of that reconstructor has some protein in it. Well, if I used that, plus I23, that may have been the culprit. However, I didn't apply the leave-in by itself. I mixed it with lots of oil and water. Still, you gave me something to chew on. I'll go back and examine the contents of I23. (The mixture gave me a lot of slip, by the way, and the rollerset itself came out nice and silky.)

Ooooh buddy, Infusium is MOST DEFINITELY a protein-based leave in. It's basically a bottle of liquefied amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). I suspect that's where the problem occurred, too. Anytime you use something called a "reconstructor" (which is almost always protein-based), you should follow it up with a moisturizing, protein-free conditioner. I would suggest that you clarify your hair with a good clarifying shampoo, follow up with a moisturizing shampoo, and DC with a moisturizing conditioner.

 

[Serenity_Peace]

Ooooh buddy, Infusium is MOST DEFINITELY a protein-based leave in. It's basically a bottle of liquefied amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). I suspect that's where the problem occurred, too. Anytime you use something called a "reconstructor" (which is almost always protein-based), you should follow it up with a moisturizing, protein-free conditioner. I would suggest that you clarify your hair with a good clarifying shampoo, follow up with a moisturizing shampoo, and DC with a moisturizing conditioner.

Thank you so much!! I can't believe this. I paid $7.99 for Infusium. Oh, well. I'll do what you say. Clarify, shampoo, then DC. I'll do that tomorrow evening after the gym and see how things go.

Thanks so much again! Next time, I'll check the labels of everything!

 

[preciousjewel76]

Thank you so much!! I can't believe this. I paid $7.99 for Infusium. Oh, well. I'll do what you say. Clarify, shampoo, then DC. I'll do that tomorrow evening after the gym and see how things go.

Thanks so much again! Next time, I'll check the labels of everything!

No prob! I didn't mean to scare you off of I23, though. A lot of people like it (my hair doesn't, because of the cones). You can still use it, you just have to balance it out with moisture.

What are you going to DC with, by the way?