Another Lurker Checking In

[Yanna]

I am coming out of lurkdom with a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all you “hair heffas” (I am still smiling about that one msportugal) that have been such a tremendous help and support as I struggled with my hair during the last 4-5 months. To all of you who take the time and effort to share your incredible knowledge of all things hair, I repeat THANK YOU!

I just wanted to say that….AND….never being one to miss the chance to multi-task, I have a question for you all.

Which of these two scenarios is LESS damaging to the hair:

1. Relax hair every 8-12 weeks. Wash and deep condition hair 2-3 times a week. NO HEAT.

-or-​

2. NO RELAXER. Wash and deep condition once a week. Blow dry and press with hot comb and/or flat iron once a week.

By using the advice that I have taken from this board, my hair has improved at least 1000%. I have kept the manipulation to a bare minimum, but...... it's been 19 weeks since my last relaxer and this 4B head is begging me to make some kind of decision. I want to wear it straight, but I want to do the least amount of damage possible. So what do you think?

If you would, could you please let me know "why" you voted the way that you voted.

Thanks!

 

[TigerLily]

I think that no relaxer would be less damaging because with a relaxer you're breaking down your hair. I don't think that putting heat on your hair once a week is good, either. Maybe biweekly or once a month, but not once a week.

 

[NewYorkgyrl]

I have also been deciding on this same situation.

I am relaxed (9 weeks post) and I am thinking about transitioning but I still want to wear my hair out and straight once in a while.

I think that if you are going to press/flat iron that it should be like once a month. I don't know if this is better than relaxing. Hopefully someone can answer these questions for us.