12 week stretch.....is it possible?!?

[br0wney3z]

Hi ladies, so I am on my first 'super' stretch; i'm trying to make it to 12 weeks for the first time, but at week 9 its proving to be quite hard at the moment. I usually shed what I think is more than usual, but this past week has been really crazy. Literally, my hair is falling out of my head in clumps . I'm not sure if its b/c I recently added a new moisturizer to my regimen (sunsilk hydra TLC); i love that stuff so I am really hoping that's not the cause. Anyway, my question is, should I still try to stretch to the end of the month, or should I suck it up and just relax soon?

 

[ShiShiPooPoo]

I feel you... I'm currently going into my 11th week. I took my braids out after only a week and couldn't believe how thick my new growth was. I think the products make all the difference too. If it weren't for Silicon Mix, I would have no choice. I would say that if your gut is telling you to relax then do it. Nine weeks is still a good stretch.

 

[Tee]

Stretching is really unique and based on each person. Honestly, I would say take your time and stretch a week or more each time. Build it up. If your hair is acting out like you described, relax your hair and try to go a lil longer in your stretch next time.

Some people stretch with no problems. They look at 12 weeks and laugh. I am still trying to make a full 14 weeks. Once I get to 13 weeks my hair starts to tangle and shed. I am not risking my hair for an extra week.

I started out trying to go AT least one week longer than my last stretch. So far so good. Now when I make that 14 week mark, (and i know some ladies are laughing) that will be a wonderful thing for me.

To sum it all up, Listen to your hair.

 

[br0wney3z]

Thanks for the replies lady. Today is wash day, so based on how my hair acts while I wash it I'll decide. But I am proud of myself b/c I have never gone this long stretching a relaxer without braids/weaves etc. So I think I will take your advice and relax and then next time extend it by a week.

 

[BrooklynSouth]

Stretching is really unique and based on each person. Honestly, I would say take your time and stretch a week or more each time. Build it up. If your hair is acting out like you described, relax your hair and try to go a lil longer in your stretch next time.

Some people stretch with no problems. They look at 12 weeks and laugh. I am still trying to make a full 14 weeks. Once I get to 13 weeks my hair starts to tangle and shed. I am not risking my hair for an extra week.

I started out trying to go AT least one week longer than my last stretch. So far so good. Now when I make that 14 week mark, (and i know some ladies are laughing) that will be a wonderful thing for me.

To sum it all up, Listen to your hair.

Yup, last stretch was 8 weeks, this one almost 10. Each stretch, I learn a new trick to go a little longer.

 

[Tamrin]

Hi ladies, so I am on my first 'super' stretch; i'm trying to make it to 12 weeks for the first time, but at week 9 its proving to be quite hard at the moment. I usually shed what I think is more than usual, but this past week has been really crazy. Literally, my hair is falling out of my head in clumps . I'm not sure if its b/c I recently added a new moisturizer to my regimen (sunsilk hydra TLC); i love that stuff so I am really hoping that's not the cause. Anyway, my question is, should I still try to stretch to the end of the month, or should I suck it up and just relax soon?

You can do it. I just finished mine. Im Happy, I wish I could have gone for longer but Im using BT and I could no longer comb thru. I have gained 2 inches. Im happy

 

[SaintLuxe]

don't give up! i've gone almost 6 months w/out a relaxer by getting blowouts every 2 weeks. I would use minimal heat, wash once a week, & deep condition. This is the first time I have ever gone that long w/out a relaxer & I never thought I could do it-my hair is superthick 3c/mostly 4a. I used to get touch-ups every 6wks So, keep trying...in the end, your hair will thank you for it!

 

[Lady Esquire]

Stretching is really unique and based on each person. Honestly, I would say take your time and stretch a week or more each time. Build it up. If your hair is acting out like you described, relax your hair and try to go a lil longer in your stretch next time.

Some people stretch with no problems. They look at 12 weeks and laugh. I am still trying to make a full 14 weeks. Once I get to 13 weeks my hair starts to tangle and shed. I am not risking my hair for an extra week.

I started out trying to go AT least one week longer than my last stretch. So far so good. Now when I make that 14 week mark, (and i know some ladies are laughing) that will be a wonderful thing for me.

To sum it all up, Listen to your hair.

Couldn't have said any better. I have stretched anywhere from 10-14 weeks, and I learn something new each time. Sometimes, I have lost some hard-earned strands in the process. It is definitely an education when you are first learning how to stretch successfully. With each stretch you will learn what your hair can and cannot handle. Watch it closely. But do not risk progress for the sake of stretching. Been there and done that, and in the long run, your hair is happy with you simply for the fact that you're taking better care of it. Good luck.

 

[divinefavor]

Yes, for some it is possible to stretch 12 weeks. But, as Letitia so profoundly said, it depends on the individual. Because my hair is fine and soft, I always got a touch at about 8-10 weeks. My new growth never really gave me problems at that point. Then when I came to the boards in 2005, I learned about stretching and did my first 12 week stretch. I did another 12 week stretch after that, then a 14-15 week stretch. My longest stretch ever was from the middle of October 05-March 06 (If I remember correctly it was a 19 week stretch). But after going to Balisi for a touch up after that long stretch we decided that anything over 17 weeks (unless I'm transitioning) is probably not good for me due to her finding a little breakage in one area. So, I've been pretty much staying at the 15 week range since then. I may graudally increase it again once I learn how to tame the new growth and keep it from matting.

Gradually increasing the number of weeks each stretch is great advice. Over time you will be able to determine what products and techinques will get you through longer stretches.