PLEASE help me get thru this NEWGROWTH!!!

[gabulldawg]

Okay. I am currently 10 weeks and 3 days post and I CANNOT get through this new growth!! It's really killing me! I am currently in the process of trying to set up an appointment to get a touch-up ASAP. I was trying to make it through to at least 12 weeks but I don't think I'll be able to manage without really hurting my hair!! I'm actually afraid that I already have ruined some of my ends by being too rough. Does anyone have ANY kinds of tips for me? I've tried s-curl and it works for a short while, but I still can barely get my wide-toothed comb through it!! Am I using the wrong kind of comb? Do I need to get something else to help? Is there any kind of technique that I'm missing? I need to find something to do to my hair while I'm awaiting my hair appointment. I'm sorry this is so long, but I just really need help!!

 

[KAT25]

have u tried doing an oil rinse?

 

[gabulldawg]

No I haven't. I don't want to have to wash my hair anytime soon since I'm tryin to get a relaxer in the next few days. Does it involve having to wash my hair? Do you mind posting any abbreviated instructions?

 

[LadyZ]

How about Profective Breakfree... Put it as close to your roots as you can get... HTH

 

[mrsjohnson75]

Try NOT to comb the new growth, just keep it moisturized with the s-curl and just comb the top part (relaxed hair) only and leave that new growth alone.

 

[janee]

Try combing with denman brush if new growth needs to be combed.

 

[HoneyA]

Try NOT to comb the new growth, just keep it moisturized with the s-curl and just comb the top part (relaxed hair) only and leave that new growth alone.

Ditto. Don't even try to comb it. When I stretch for 15+ weeks, I don't touch my ng for weeks. Just keep moisturising and gently comb the processed hair. Smooth your edges down with S-curl or a gel and a scarf. That's how you "manage" your ng. You leave it alone

 

[Neroli]

Ditto. Don't even try to comb it. When I stretch for 15+ weeks, I don't touch my ng for weeks. Just keep moisturising and gently comb the processed hair. Smooth your edges down with S-curl or a gel and a scarf. That's how you "manage" your ng. You leave it alone

ITA with MrsJohnson and HoneyA: Leave that new growth strictly alone right now, especially right before a touchup. No product can help right now, IMO, just use what you have on hand and put into a protective style so you don't have to fool with it AT ALL, until touchup.

Is this your first stretch? If it is, then you're doing the right thing to go ahead and touchup if you can't handle the new growth. I'm 4bcdezzzz, whatever, and I strech 12 weeks now. However, I started out slow, where I use to go only 6 weeks and my first strech I went 8 weeks, then next time around 9 weeks, then 10 weeks, etc. and that is how I got to 12. Actually, went 16 weeks once, but that was too much (unless I wear braids) so I've settle at 12 but it took me almost a whole year to stretch that much so that I could learn to handle my new growth without stressing myself or damaging my hair. Sometimes it's better to take it slower, you'll get there faster -- like the tortoise .

 

[ChocalateDiva]

Im with the other ladies...............DONT comb the NG!! When I am stretching, I dont comb the NG except in the shower 1 time a week with a Jibere Shower Comb. That comb is the truth.

Moisturized like hell and relaxer if you cant handle it any longer. Best of luck to you.

 

[sunnydaze]

Yep, I am 5 months into transitioning and combing my hair anywhere near my roots is a no no. That's just setting myself up for failure (and lots of broken strands)

 

[chica_canella]

Please, do not, do not comb through it.

I haven't had a relaxer since June 7 since I had braids which I will be putting back in this week and I only combed through it section by section with a large comb and some Suave Humectant conditioner as moisturizer. Apply moisturizer everyday to your new growth and the other parts of your hair.

After that, use your FINGERS to gently seperate the new growth.

When you are ready for your touch-up go through section by section (small sections) and semi-straighten it so the stylist doesn't rip through your hair.

 

[gone_fishing]

ITA with MrsJohnson and HoneyA: Leave that new growth strictly alone right now, especially right before a touchup. No product can help right now, IMO, just use what you have on hand and put into a protective style so you don't have to fool with it AT ALL, until touchup.

Is this your first stretch? If it is, then you're doing the right thing to go ahead and touchup if you can't handle the new growth. I'm 4bcdezzzz, whatever, and I strech 12 weeks now. However, I started out slow, where I use to go only 6 weeks and my first strech I went 8 weeks, then next time around 9 weeks, then 10 weeks, etc. and that is how I got to 12. Actually, went 16 weeks once, but that was too much (unless I wear braids) so I've settle at 12 but it took me almost a whole year to stretch that much so that I could learn to handle my new growth without stressing myself or damaging my hair. Sometimes it's better to take it slower, you'll get there faster -- like the tortoise .

that made me chuckle...lol

 

[Lady Esquire]

Please, do not, do not comb through it.

I haven't had a relaxer since June 7 since I had braids which I will be putting back in this week and I only combed through it section by section with a large comb and some Suave Humectant conditioner as moisturizer. Apply moisturizer everyday to your new growth and the other parts of your hair.

After that, use your FINGERS to gently seperate the new growth.

When you are ready for your touch-up go through section by section (small sections) and semi-straighten it so the stylist doesn't rip through your hair.

This is exactly what I was gonna say. Especially the underlined portion.

When applying moisturizer, concentrate on the demarcation line to soften the NG.

Are you experiencing tangling? Is that why you're overwhelmed? If so, that is the only time I may put a comb thru it but I finger-part first in very small section, and do some light detangling with fingers (cause my NG wraps around and tangles sometimes), I spray some plain water on the NG, then I finger-comb, and lightly comb only if NECESSARY with a shower comb or some sort of large tooth comb, and then I follow it with the regular moisturizer, oil, and scarf.

 

[Neroli]

that made me chuckle...lol

I know, right? When my hair gets to a certain point, ain't no product on earth can help it

 

[Alpha Female]

I just finished my first stretch to 10 weeks, and had been moisturizing the new growth, finger combing it vs. actually combing it, only combing the top part of the hair, etc., etc. But I finally got tired of 'dry, crunchy' roots that were getting a bit matted, and losing hair that I could have kept if I had just stopped the stretch and gotten the touch-up! To make matters worse, all the product gunk I put on my hair to soften the new growth and make it somewhat presentable and manageable basically caked onto my scalp, such that when I got the touch-up, the chemicals created major itching on my scalp. I scratched my scalp so hard after she washed the relaxer out that I drew blood and caused sores in my head! erplexed

I say all that to say - don't make the mistake of trying to do what other people do - do what's best for your own hair. Some people can stretch 8 months, others can only stretch 8 weeks. If your hair is breaking from trying to manage the new growth, and you're losing more strands by trying to stretch then you would if you just got the touch-up, then by all means, get the touch-up! The end doesn't always justify the means.

 

[chica_canella]

What I've learned is that when you have alot of new growth, braid your hair in small sections and wash it like that.

Then let it air dry.

Then section by section take your hair and apply the moisturizer and comb through gently with a large comb. This is about the only time I would comb it after the airdry.

Then pull the hair flat as you can so the new growth won't bunch up and wear in a bun or ponytail or clip. And to apply the moiturizer use a nozzle/squeeze bottle. Try using something light like Suave Humectress not something heavy.

When you are ready for your touch up, go through and put the curling irons on a low/medium heat to gently straighten your new growth. This is so the stylist won't pull through it and it will be much easier for her to relax it.

 

[chica_canella]

Oh don't forget the deep condition after you wash.

 

[gabulldawg]

WOW!! Everyone has really been SO helpful. I really appreciate that! This isn't my first stretch. I guess it's actually my 2nd official stretch. The first one wasn't bad. But for this one I've been using BT and I had a sew in for about 3.5 weeks. I guess what I'm getting is basically NOT to comb through the new growth until maybe the day before (or day of) my touch up so I can straighten the roots in order to preven the stylist from breaking my hairs. Will the stylist still be able to tell where the NG ends if it's straight? Also, if I'm trying to get a touch up on Friday or Saturday, isn't it too late for me to wash my hair?

 

[Neroli]

WOW!! Everyone has really been SO helpful. I really appreciate that! This isn't my first stretch. I guess it's actually my 2nd official stretch. The first one wasn't bad. But for this one I've been using BT and I had a sew in for about 3.5 weeks. I guess what I'm getting is basically NOT to comb through the new growth until maybe the day before (or day of) my touch up so I can straighten the roots in order to preven the stylist from breaking my hairs. Will the stylist still be able to tell where the NG ends if it's straight? Also, if I'm trying to get a touch up on Friday or Saturday, isn't it too late for me to wash my hair?

I, personally, would not attempt to straighten the roots before touchup cuz easier to know where new growth/relaxed hair met. I don't understand why you would need to straighten and certainly would not disturb scalp and new growth the day before or day of touching up and definately would not use heat on new growth before relaxer . But that's just me . . .

I don't think it's too late to wash and may be to your benefit to so, like today. I wait at least 3 days after washing before touching up. If you wash now, will give you a chance to do a good protein treatment (follow with good moisturizing DC) to strengthen your hair before relaxing as well as a chance to detangle hair and put in a good protective style that you can leave alone until you relax. IMO, if you wash today, you will be good to go . . .

 

[chica_canella]

WOW!! Everyone has really been SO helpful. I really appreciate that! This isn't my first stretch. I guess it's actually my 2nd official stretch. The first one wasn't bad. But for this one I've been using BT and I had a sew in for about 3.5 weeks. I guess what I'm getting is basically NOT to comb through the new growth until maybe the day before (or day of) my touch up so I can straighten the roots in order to preven the stylist from breaking my hairs. Will the stylist still be able to tell where the NG ends if it's straight? Also, if I'm trying to get a touch up on Friday or Saturday, isn't it too late for me to wash my hair?

OOOh, I don't know what you can do. Hmmmm, you don't want to wash your hair because it will irritate your scalp and prob make it burn. you also can't semi-straighten dirty hair.

what is your hair texture?


How does she relax? in sections I am believeing.

this is a hard one. does she rip through your new growth or take her time.

One thing you can do is apply a little moisturizer and gently use your fingers to seperate it and a big comb to comb it. But the reason I said not to use a comb now is because some people think they need to comb it everyday but in this instance it is necessary for the touch-up.

Thinking about it I would probably do that today and wear a bun until the day of touch up cause if you do this Friday your scalp will be irritated.

Does she apply the base or do you do that?

 

[gabulldawg]

The last time I got a relaxer from her she actually ripped through my new growth. My head was hurtin! I didn't notice much breakage, though, which is why I was planning to go back. Now that you mention it I also don't remember her doing a base. I guess that means I should do one myself. Do you basically use vaseline? Basically I go to her because she is somewhat of a family member of mine and her shop is extremely close to my house (like within 15 minutes). So, unless someone in the Atlanta, GA area knows of a salon that I could go to that does better with relaxer touch-ups... I guess I will be going to her.

 

[itismehmmkay]

Please, do not, do not comb through it.

i dont' know why, but that was funny

 

[Neroli]

The last time I got a relaxer from her she actually ripped through my new growth. My head was hurtin! I didn't notice much breakage, though, which is why I was planning to go back. Now that you mention it I also don't remember her doing a base. I guess that means I should do one myself. Do you basically use vaseline? Basically I go to her because she is somewhat of a family member of mine and her shop is extremely close to my house (like within 15 minutes). So, unless someone in the Atlanta, GA area knows of a salon that I could go to that does better with relaxer touch-ups... I guess I will be going to her.

I self-relax now, but I use to go to the Dominincian Hair Salon in Cobb County, Marietta, off Franklin Road -- phone number (770) 421-8380. They do a decent job. I just got tired of spending the $$$ and whole days in there. If you're in Cobb, good place . . .

 

[gabulldawg]

Oh, boy. Whole days?? Lol I don't live far from Marietta so I guess if I become desperate I'll check them out.

Also, is it that hard to self relax? I remember doin it once a few years ago when i was in college and I didn't do too great of a job. I've been thinking about tryin it, but I don't want to ruin my hair. Any input?

 

[Neroli]

Oh, boy. Whole days?? Lol I don't live far from Marietta so I guess if I become desperate I'll check them out.

Also, is it that hard to self relax? I remember doin it once a few years ago when i was in college and I didn't do too great of a job. I've been thinking about tryin it, but I don't want to ruin my hair. Any input?

Yeah, they have a lot of clients with long, healthy hair (I was one of them!) and you could be up in there a while, especially on a friday or saturday.

I hesitate to give much advice about self-relaxing 'cuz it took me years, years, to get up the nerve to do it myself and then, took another year to get it right, with lots of stress in between. But that's just me. You gotta make up your mind to do it, then do your research (lots of info on this board) then watch how your stylist do it, then try it. If you're not ready, then don't do it. My advice, just go and get it done this time and resolve to do yourself next time and start your reseach now so that in a couple of months, you'll be informed and ready to try it yourself . . .

 

[gabulldawg]

Thanks a lot. I think I may try them. You think it's too late to make an appointment for this Friday or Saturday?

 

[Neroli]

Thanks a lot. I think I may try them. You think it's too late to make an appointment for this Friday or Saturday?

You should be okay, call them tho. Ask for Delia or Joan and then be FIRM in letting them know what you want done when you're sitting in the chair. They do a good job of basing and of NOT overlapping, which is why I stuck with them a while. . .

If you feel they're ripping you hair, SAY SOMETHING. I use to take my own seamless combs and insist they use that. If they man-handled my hair, I would speak up, nice, but I would speak up and if necessary, I would comb out myself. I told them I was "tender-headed" even tho not really. Just wanted them to be gentle. Like any stylist, I watch them like hawks and asked a lot of questions about what kind of relaxer (lye or no-lye, what brand, strength, etc.). After a while, I started taking my own relaxer with corresponding products and my own poo, leave-in, etc. Shoot, I would walk in there with a whole bag full of products and just let them know what I wanted them to use when, and they did what I asked.

 

[chica_canella]

The last time I got a relaxer from her she actually ripped through my new growth. My head was hurtin! I didn't notice much breakage, though, which is why I was planning to go back. Now that you mention it I also don't remember her doing a base. I guess that means I should do one myself. Do you basically use vaseline? Basically I go to her because she is somewhat of a family member of mine and her shop is extremely close to my house (like within 15 minutes). So, unless someone in the Atlanta, GA area knows of a salon that I could go to that does better with relaxer touch-ups... I guess I will be going to her.

No, I mean like the Haiwiian silky bases or the bases that come in large jars when the cosmetologists buy their relaxer. My stylist has his own and goes through and kind of takes gobs and puts in on and slowly lets the tips of his fingers stay to melt it on my scalp.

If you don't want her to rip through it you can use some moisturizer and go through and put braids where you think she will section your hair. Like, maybe you can have four big braids and make sure the sections are combed out. To comb each section out, take small sections that are maybe 2X2 inches depending on how you feel each section should be. Gently start by seperating it with your fingers first and then apply a dab of light moisturizer. Do that until you are finished with the first one of the four sections. Then you can either braid it in a french braid or a regular braid. If she uses the base you should be pretty good if she lets it slowly melt into your scalp.

Oh, and so you won't be looking like a big kid you might want to wear a cap.

 

[chica_canella]

You should be okay, call them tho. Ask for Delia or Joan and then be FIRM in letting them know what you want done when you're sitting in the chair. They do a good job of basing and of NOT overlapping, which is why I stuck with them a while. . .

If you feel they're ripping you hair, SAY SOMETHING. I use to take my own seamless combs and insist they use that. If they man-handled my hair, I would speak up, nice, but I would speak up and if necessary, I would comb out myself. I told them I was "tender-headed" even tho not really. Just wanted them to be gentle. Like any stylist, I watch them like hawks and asked a lot of questions about what kind of relaxer (lye or no-lye, what brand, strength, etc.). After a while, I started taking my own relaxer with corresponding products and my own poo, leave-in, etc. Shoot, I would walk in there with a whole bag full of products and just let them know what I wanted them to use when, and they did what I asked.

Oh, wow! My stylist isn't like that. He told me once, "I like to use my own products especially if I haven't researched or used that product before."

 

[Neroli]

Oh, wow! My stylist isn't like that. He told me once, "I like to use my own products especially if I haven't researched or used that product before."

I would politely walk out and find me another stylist who would use products I like. It's my hair and my money. I mean, I wasn't walking in there with strange, foreign and unknown products. I like nexxus and would take those. I use either motions or affirm relaxers and would take those.

Ummm, what kinda research does THAT require? Plus, here's your chance to do research, I'm volunteering to be your lab rat for my own products Anywho, if a stylist won't do what I want, and that includes using products I want, they lose me as a client. I've spent too much time, energy, money and emotion on getting my hair long and heathy and no sylist gonna set me back.

Anywho, that's why haven't visited one in over a year now . . . .