Alter Ego Linange Shea Butter Relaxer and Full Line - Review and Questions

[Opulence]

any updates from new users of this relaxer?

 

[morehairplease]

any updates from new users of this relaxer?

co-signing.

Ladies is there a difference between the following two other than size/the color of the container:

http://www.bluebeez.com/39-42/Linange_Shea_Butter_Relaxer_15_oz.

and this one

http://www.bluebeez.com/39-3062/LINANGE_Shea_Butter_Relaxer_16oz.

tia,
tishee


ETA: Are any of you ladies getting bone straight results without the need to blowdry/flatiron your hair afterwards on relaxer day? I plan on self-relaxing and would rather not use a blowdryer or flatiron and dry flat wrap my hair instead(I plan on going to Regis for a dusting that same day).

 

[morehairplease]

bumping for responses

 

[Nightingale]

I called to ask and was told there is no difference.

co-signing.

Ladies is there a difference between the following two other than size/the color of the container:

http://www.bluebeez.com/39-42/Linange_Shea_Butter_Relaxer_15_oz.

and this one

http://www.bluebeez.com/39-3062/LINANGE_Shea_Butter_Relaxer_16oz.

tia,
tishee


ETA: Are any of you ladies getting bone straight results without the need to blowdry/flatiron your hair afterwards on relaxer day? I plan on self-relaxing and would rather not use a blowdryer or flatiron and dry flat wrap my hair instead(I plan on going to Regis for a dusting that same day).

 

[Cheekychica]

I bought this relaxer, so I'd like to know- Are people still using this and loving it? Any further feedback?

 

[goodmorningruby]

Thanks for bumping.


I've pretty much made up my mind to use this relaxer, but I still appreciate any and all information possible !! BUMP!!!

 

[Tafa01]

I relaxed with it yesterday (sorry I don't have pics). It was my first time using lye.
I left it 10mn only because I have been using clairol luminizer for a few months now.
Since I am switching to lye, I applied some to the lenght of my hair the last 2 mn. My scalp is usually very sensitive but it did not burn AT ALL!!! and my hair feels amazing. I don't have the flat and lifeless "freshly relaxed look". My hair feels like It had always been straight, and it has body and movement. I bought the 16oz and used about half. I think next time I will use less. Its a keeper for sure!

 

[Cheekychica]

I relaxed with it yesterday (sorry I don't have pics). It was my first time using lye.
I left it 10mn only because I have been using clairol luminizer for a few months now.
Since I am switching to lye, I applied some to the lenght of my hair the last 2 mn. My scalp is usually very sensitive but it did not burn AT ALL!!! and my hair feels amazing. I don't have the flat and lifeless "freshly relaxed look". My hair feels like It had always been straight, and it has body and movement. I bought the 16oz and used about half. I think next time I will use less. Its a keeper for sure!

I keep hearing the same comments re the bolded. I can not wait to try it! This is making me want to relax, I feel the junkie itch. 10 weeks into my first stretch and trying to hold out 2 more weeks.

*twitch*

 

[epiphany braids]

I used the texturizer (sorry for the spelling) I LOVE THIS BRAND!!! It left my hair so moisturized, full of bounce a shine and NO breakage!!
I have been using this brand for more than 3 years even well before they came out with relaxers and texturizers ( which the texturizer is recent) I started using the garlic DC and just got swept away!!
I purhased the whole set the neutralizing conditioner:

This made my hair VERY hard. IDK exactly y but I won't be using this again

The Linange Restructuring Mask with Shea Butter & Coconut Oil

mmm

I used their WHOLE treatment line (Nequal) but then I started to go natural and did learned about chemicals. I will ALWAYS use their texturizer because I do not want to go natural (hair) as of now but this company Alter Ego is the bomb!!! It is a bit expensive but for me it works and I do not mind spending money on quality stuff!!!
Here is a pick the day I got my tex done and a ouple of days after.

First day:


Couple of days after:




"i'm conceded I got a reason"

I hope this helps!!
HHG

 

[Cheekychica]

I used their WHOLE treatment line (Nequal) but then I started to go natural and did learned about chemicals. I will ALWAYS use their texturizer because I do not want to go natural (hair) as of now but this company Alter Ego is the bomb!!! It is a bit expensive but for me it works and I do not mind spending money on quality stuff!!!
Here is a pick the day I got my tex done and a ouple of days after.

First day:


Couple of days after:




"i'm conceded I got a reason"

I hope this helps!!
HHG

Your hair looks gorgeous and healthy; thank you so much for your review.

That picture was after a texturizer???? It looks dang near bone straight to me. Wow!


What is Nequal? Is it a treatment line that goes with Linange? (Is it something I need to add to my pj list?

 

[mzsophisticated26]

I just used the Linange Shea butter Lye last friday... OMG!!! I love this relaxer. I am texlaxed and have an ultra sensitive scalp(MBB sensitive stills burns me when applied 10mins) this is a perfect relaxer for me. I had even washed my hair 3 days prior and I did not get burned even when leaving it in for 20mins. I did not mix anything with it, I based my scalp with JBCO 2 days prior and then with grease on relaxer day. total time was 21mins and I smoothed it a little but my hair still came out texlaxed at the roots. I neutralized with Elasta Qp stop action,poo w/ CoN and used Joico k-pak reconc and intense hydrator for conditioners. I dont have any good pics but my siggy is the same day I rolled with flexi rods and put in a banana clip.

 

[Cheekychica]

Your hair looks great! I am so excited to relax I guess I shouldn't have bumped this thread until I was closer to relaxing time. It's making me want to relax ASAP!

2 more weeks to go...I can do it...*twitch*!

 

[la mosca]

Has anyone noticed that this relaxer takes longer to process their hair than the instructions indicate? I aim for fully-relaxed results (not necessarily bone straight), but 20 minutes doesn't do it for me.

 

[casey3035]

Wow! How long are you having to leave it in?

 

[la mosca]

Wow! How long are you having to leave it in?

Well, the real problem area is the crown. My hair is coarser there, so that's where I start (and consequently, that area processes the longest). With smoothing, that area takes about 30 minutes.

 

[Cheekychica]

Has anyone noticed that this relaxer takes longer to process their hair than the instructions indicate? I aim for fully-relaxed results (not necessarily bone straight), but 20 minutes doesn't do it for me.

ITA with the bolded. I just used this relaxer this weekend and ended up under processed. erplexed... Sucks for me because I was really excited to use it. I didn't burn at all so I was thinking next time I should do it without basing... Maybe I got some base on my hair and that contributed to the under processing.

I know this flies in the face of accepted LHCF practices though..

 

[la mosca]

ITA with the bolded. I just used this relaxer this weekend and ended up under processed. erplexed... Sucks for me because I was really excited to use it. I didn't burn at all so I was thinking next time I should do it without basing... Maybe I got some base on my hair and that contributed to the under processing.

I know this flies in the face of accepted LHCF practices though..

I know, right? I feel kind of sheepish admitting that I don't abide by the recommended processing time. But I've used this relaxer several times now, and I've noticed that I really need to leave it on longer to get the degree of straightness I want.

The funny thing about basing is that I based the heck out of my whole head, and most areas got very straight, but that crown still has a little texture. It isn't underprocessed, but at the same time, I exceeded the recommended processing time. I'm super-paranoid about overprocessing, but on the other hand, I know that the recommended processing times are generally advisory and may not fit every individual head of hair . . .

 

[Cheekychica]

I know, right? I feel kind of sheepish admitting that I don't abide by the recommended processing time. But I've used this relaxer several times now, and I've noticed that I really need to leave it on longer to get the degree of straightness I want.

The funny thing about basing is that I based the heck out of my whole head, and most areas got very straight, but that crown still has a little texture. It isn't underprocessed, but at the same time, I exceeded the recommended processing time. I'm super-paranoid about overprocessing, but on the other hand, I know that the recommended processing times are generally advisory and may not fit every individual head of hair . . .

The front got the straightest but I started in the front so next time I know to leave it in a little longer.... I remember that a stylist used Mizani on me last Spring and got me straight and sillllllky (she didn't base but I didn't burn) and I wanted that luxurious feeling again. (The only reason I won't return to her is that she had me waiting for an hour and a half for my 1st & last appointment with her! I don't do that. )

I am going to try again without base but shhh don't tell nobody.

 

[lux10023]

i tried it last week @ the salon--and waited 30 mins---and was under processed but i dont like bone str8 hair so it worked out well for me...

 

[casey3035]

Well, the real problem area is the crown. My hair is coarser there, so that's where I start (and consequently, that area processes the longest). With smoothing, that area takes about 30 minutes.

MY CROWN HAS TO BE RELAXED FIRST TOO...MY MOM TAUGHT ME TO CHECK AN AREA TO SEE IF IT HAS RELAXED(PROCESSED) PROPERLY...YOU TAKE THE BACK OF THE COMB OR THE TAIL END AND PRESS IT INTO THE HAIR(WHILE RELAXER IS ON THE AREA) iF A DENT IS STILL IN THE HAIR AFTER YOU LIFT THE COMB...THEN IT IS STRAIGHT IF NOT IT IS NOT QUITE PROCESSED... hth...

 

[HairGurl]

BUMP!!! Does anyone have any new relaxed pics?? I'm still loving this relaxer!

 

[brooklyngal73]

Within the week, I'll put the relaxer and the neutralizer up for sale in the exchange forum. Dunno why it doesn't work for me (burns and underprocessed hair) yet it works for many others.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

My mom has been using this relaxer since June. Although I'm natural, she isn't. I showed her the reviews, purchased it online at amazon for her, and she's been taking it to her hairstylist. I thought this might be better than the affirm she was using. (she uses lye btw) She LOVES it.

I came home to visit for the Holidays and noticed her hair is retaining even better than before. I'd say she was bsl, now mid back. My mom has always had apl or bsl hair. Even with lupus and some shedding from that. However lately, she always hovered around bsl with lupus and not feeling well so she has lazy hair practice. She definitely doesn't suscribe to lhcf and just uses products I suggest.

Yes she has a wide tooth comb, and always wears a head scarf, but she really doesn't moisturize or seal or dc as much as she should. She goes a week or two w/o moisturizing when she doesn't feel well. I touched her hair. SHe said something about the relaxer combined with the reconstructor allows her to retain moisture better so when she applies moisture it stays in the hair longer. I don't know if it's possible but her hair looks more moisturized and feels that way. PLUS it is longer despite lupus which has made her hair dryer (previously) and break so that it pretty much stays the same length. At this rate I think she'll be wsl soon. I realize it's only on the roots for that time, but there is a difference between that hair and the rest of her hair. SHe has also used that restructurizing mask that a few say makes their hair hard. She hasn't had that problem, but she says that she uses it every other time she goes to get her hair washed (she gets it washed sometimes once a week sometimes every two week, or three if she isn't feeling good). She uses it as a dc. I wonder if that has helped too with the retaining thing. Anyways so far so good!

Now her hair shines and looks silky. So I think linange is doing her well. IF I ever texlax I believe this is what I'll use. The proof is in my mom's hair.

 

[bahamababe242]

keeping an eye on this thread. considering relaxing with this in Dec 2010 if I still have the urge. Any one else with a new review?

 

[goodmorningruby]

I used this relaxer (the lye) on the 7th and 8th of this week to touch up my six month post hair. It worked very well, I like this relaxer a lot. I mixed EVOO in it, and I think that's what gave me under processed results. I texlax, so I like it to have some texture in it, but not this much. This relaxer is mild so you don't need to add anything to it or you will have very under processed results. Next time I use it there will be no additives. It may even need to leave it on longer than recommended depending on the amount of "straighness" that is desired.

Shea butter is like the third or fourth ingredient; it's not like other products that make it all about one ingredient and it's the last one on the list. No burning (I never base). The consistency is nice, like a thick deep conditioner. Doesn't smell like chemicals. I can confirm that the hair does look like it wasn't treated chemically, but rather that it was always growing out of the scalp like that. And my hair seems insanely thick. It's actually very fine, so stretching and texlaxing helps with that but with this relaxer I don't feel like I compromised the density of my hair. There's no thinning at all. My hair was extremely heavy in the shower, I didn't want to get out.

So far I have no abnormal shedding or breakage. I'm rocking my first style post relaxer today and all I can say is that I'm feelin' myself, because my hair looks hot. It's super shiny.

The neutralizing conditioner is great and it truly works. I am super cautious and went ahead and used a neutralizing shampoo with color alarm after I used the conditioner and to my surprise the suds were all white. The neutralizing conditioner says it can help with no lye calcium build up/dryness and treat porosity issues/cuticle damage, so I'm wondering if it's just as good as or better than Porosity Control in that regard. (I use both) I talked to someone who used this relaxer and the neutralizing conditioner before (she has reviewed in this thread) and said that whenever she was experiencing problems with her porosity the neutralizing conditioner eliminated that problem.

IDareT'sHair is such a nice lady and she sent me the full sized tub of the restructuring mask complete free of charge. BIG SHOUT OUT TO T!!! I know a lot of people didn't care for it, but so far I like it. The ingredients lead me to believe that it's more on the moisturizing side. I only used it once and I mixed it with Redken Real Control Intense Renewal moisturizing DC, but the results were good. I can see myself using this mask consistently.

This relaxer (so far) gets 5 stars from me. The only complaint that I have is that in some spots it was more underprocessed than I like, but that's because I put oil to the relaxer, not because it doesn't perform well. But it is mild even on its own so this is perfect for texlaxers and fine haired ladies. I will continue to use this relaxer for sure.

 

[OneInAMillion]

I'm going to take the plunge and try the lye texturizer next weekend.

Does anyone have an idea of how much I may need to texturize my whole head? Is the 16 oz jar enough?

Thanks in advance!

 

[VirGoViXxEn]

i ust relaxed with the linange shea butter lye and I LOVE IT! This is my first lye relaxer i was very nervous about burning, but it did not burn one bit. I was 22 week spost. My mother did it for me and it took 30 minutes. My hair didnt fall out at all. My hair feels very smooth and moisturized.. i was definetely able to tell the difference in comparion to no lye which i have been using forever. After i rinsed out the relaxer i used aphogee 2 step and let sit in my hair for 5 m in next i applied hawaiin sily 14 n 1n neutrzlier and dc with keracare humecto. I love this. This will be my only relaxr from now on!!! i reccomend this to all no lye ladies wanting to switch to lye and nervous about burning. i found it at beauty of ny in manhattan for 13.99. i wil try to post pics later.

 

[tanyaj]

I love this relaxer. Ill never use any other.

 

[OneInAMillion]

I'm going to take the plunge and try the lye texturizer next weekend.

Does anyone have an idea of how much I may need to texturize my whole head? Is the 16 oz jar enough?

Thanks in advance!

I just wanted to update and say that I finally self-texturized with the Shea Butter Cream Texturizer (Lye) and I love my results.. My hair feels smooth, sleek, and moisturized. That was one thing I was worried about--how my ends were going to respond. They feel great. Also, I always hear about people losing hair during the relaxer process but this was not the case. No abnormal shedding and I didn't have any breakage. This product is such a gentle texturizer--my hair is fine, 4a and has broken down very quickly with other mild lye relaxers that I've used in the salon (Dudley's & Nairobi). Here's my review:

First...I applied a protein to my hair before I applied the relaxer. After reading a million threads on this topic (particularly the Curve Salon Silkener secret thread), I wanted to find a product with Hydrolyzed Human Hair Keratin. Unfortunately, I couldn't get that product last minute, so I applied a small amount of Dudley's DRC-28 (which has Hydrolyzed Animal Keratin) to my sectioned hair, focusing on the ends and length. My intent was to maintain the integrity of the curl as much as possible, while eliminating the frizz.

The texturizer has a thick consistency and is so easy to apply. I relaxed in two halves (front and back) and it was easy to apply and keep from getting the relaxer all over the place. I did two strand tests to determine how long I wanted to leave it on. I did 5 minutes on my nape in the back left. It's the most coarse part of my hair, but also the most susceptible to breakage. It made my curls defined and no frizz, but didn't do much in the way of stretching. Next, I tested a small part directly above for 7 minutes. It came out perfected, so that's the time that I went with. I completed the entire back section, applying to my roots and then down the shaft. I smoothed with my hands at the end of the 7 minutes, and then went and rinsed. Having hair that has typically broken down very quickly, I would say that this texturizer is extremely mild. My biggest fear is overprocessing, but I think I could have gone 10 minutes and still maintained a decent amount of curl. Next time I texturize, I'll go for about 8 and a half minutes.

The neutralizing conditioner isn't the most pleasant smelling, and its more like a watery shampoo. I say that because it definitely forms suds. I left it on for about 5 minutes. Although I was skeptical of it, it definitely neutralized my hair well. I used Elasta QP Neutralizing shampoo after, and the suds were white.

I tested the restructuring mask last week, so I knew it worked well on my hair. My hair was so easy to detangle and felt silky.

Overall, I'm so happy I did my own hair and I'll never trust a salon with chemicals again! It came out exactly how I wanted. The true test will be when I straighten my hair, and that will be closer to Friday for my birthday weekend. I'm enjoying conditioner washing for now, but I'll definitely post the pics of my straight hair later. I also can't take all the credit for doing this, my SO helped my by applying the texturizer to the parts closest to the separating sections. He also rinsed, neutralized, shampooed, and conditioned. So helpful! I figured he was the best person to trust...it must have come out nice because he won't stop touching my hair!

Sorry for the long post! I have more specific instructions on my process in my fotki. Just wanted to post a couple of pics so far.

 

[sikora]

i ust relaxed with the linange shea butter lye and I LOVE IT! This is my first lye relaxer i was very nervous about burning, but it did not burn one bit. I was 22 week spost. My mother did it for me and it took 30 minutes. My hair didnt fall out at all. My hair feels very smooth and moisturized.. i was definetely able to tell the difference in comparion to no lye which i have been using forever. After i rinsed out the relaxer i used aphogee 2 step and let sit in my hair for 5 m in next i applied hawaiin sily 14 n 1n neutrzlier and dc with keracare humecto. I love this. This will be my only relaxr from now on!!! i reccomend this to all no lye ladies wanting to switch to lye and nervous about burning. i found it at beauty of ny in manhattan for 13.99. i wil try to post pics later.

Where is this store located? I've been hunting all over Queens for this relaxer and none of the BSS around me sell it.