Just a few questions about relaxers...

[Crissi]

...Ok yes i have no hair, but when i did have it...i couldn't handle the thickness/density of my natural hair. I am going to try and grow my natural hair for as long as possible, b due to product formulation changes i am having a problem finding something that will tame my hair, mix that with some PMS stress and scissors . I have never had a relaxer before i am just concerned with some things

1. My nape
Its the longest and fastest growing part of my head its also the softest, its wierd its kinda of kinky but yet its straight, i can't even say what hair type it is, its like a type 1 type 4 (if that makes any sense). However alot of people i know on and offline seem to have a problem with the nape. How would i prevent this if i was to relax

2. Thickness/body
I know i complain, but i do like desntiy i don't like when relaxed hair goes thin. How would i prevent that (so i can rock hair like Traycee!!)

3. Relaxer brand
Which one is the best?

4. Salon
How would i find a trust worthy salon? How would i know what to look out for?

People may ask why i am asking this question now, however i feel like if i had asked these questions before i got so furstrated with my hair i may not have cut it...i may have opted for a relaxer or SERIOUSLY weighed up the pro's and con's of it and dealt with my natural hair. I really regret cutting it. By my Birthday (1.5 year mark). It would have been say 9/10 inches long! . At this moment in time i wouldn't mind whether it was relaxed or natural as long as its healthy. My S/O is not impressed at all and i am forbidden to cut again

 

[ajoyfuljoy]

A lot of people like Design Essentials. That's the one I'm gonna try next time I touch up.

 

[Ebony Majesty]

Crissi! Say it aint so!

 

[RegaLady]

Don't be hard on yourself. I cut my hair time and time again. And this time I swore not to do it this time. My husband wants me to grow my hair out natural (he LOVES kinky natural hair) so I went without relaxer for 3 months. I had great new growth! And last week I snuck behind his back and got a relaxer, I didn't cut it. But boy, do I reallllly regret it. I wish I had more info about whatt o do also. So I am waiting for the same answers you are.

 

[Crissi]

Crissi! Say it aint so!

Im sorry!...i won't cut again

 

[glamazon386]

1 - With the nape, I think a lot of people have a problem with that area mainly because it's usually a looser texture than the rest of the hair. If it's a different texture, you might need to do something slightly different with it. Also, a lot of people start applying the relaxer back there (which can over process the hair) or they don't rinse it out well which both can lead to breakage.

2 - As long as the relaxer is applied correctly and you take care of your relaxed hair properly, your hair will not thin out.

3 - As far as what brand relaxer goes, it really depends on your hair. When I was relaxed I used Mizani for fine hair. Affirm made my hair too straight/thin. But my mother has used Affirm for years with no problems. She has very thick hair. There are a number of other relaxers mentioned here on the board that are options as well. I think as long as it's a salon quality product you will be fine. When you call or visit salons ask what type of relaxers they use.

4 - I would suggest you go to a salon based on a reccomendation and then have a consultation with a stylist. Express your concerns and see what they say. If they sound like they know what they're talking about, and you know people who have been to them before and were pleased you will be alright. While you are there make sure you observe the stylists and their habits.