Anyone relax/texlax 4 or less times a year?

I'm into my 2nd year of hair care and so far this year I've only relaxed once. I've been stretching since April and I don't intend to touch-up again until January with Phyto II. No major breakage so far with lots of oil rinses, DC'ing, loads of moisturizing and ultra-low manipulation/protective styling. Roll on January...
 
ok, you ladies are great examples.

my hair has been dry since I started texlaxing in January of this year. Edges and Nape are also bald!!

I'm thinking if I'll have to go natural. I don't want to. The thought of breaking out the pressing comb.... the smell... trying to work out.. UGH!

Maybe my hair can handle a LYE relaxer just once a year.

I also started oil rinses. LOVE IT!!
 
I have a texturizer and I get touchups every 12 weeks, so yes I go 4 times a year.

P.S. - When did we start calling a texturizer a "texlax"? Doesn't make sense...either you're relaxed or texturized.

I think people think of a texturiser as when you use a product that's called a *texturiser,* and the end product is kind of a straightish fro.

For a texlax, you use a *relaxer*, and add oil / conditioner or something else to it to make it milder and/or leave it on for less time than would get it completely straight.


Texlax is a term that originated here on this board. Texturized means that the pattern is just loosened or softened. The hair can still hold natural styles. Texlaxing takes more of the curl out of the hair and is closer to a relaxer. It's more straight. Both can be achieved with a regular relaxer though. You don't necessarily have to use a texturizer.
 
How do you tie and wash in sections?

Instead of braiding it up, I section my hair in 8 and tie each section with the pony holder, then when I get in the shower I remove each holder and wash each section separately then put back the pony holder. Now this sounds like a lot of work but I don't get a lot of natting this way and it's easier to manage when I'm ready to set it.
 
I relaxed 4 times this year (March, May, August, and November). I limited breakage by keeping the hair well-moisturized, and limited manipulation. I only combed my hair before washing. When I did this, I divided my hair into four sections and saturated the NG with S-Curl before combing.
It's rough at time. But it is so worth it to limit the amount of retouches you do.
 
First off, kudos to you for breaking free from a damaging stylist! :clap:

I've only relaxed once this year, but I don't think I'll be returning to it. However, the past 2 years, I haven't relaxed more than 4 times in either year.

Maintaining the moisture/protein balance has been the key for me staving off breakage. I shampoo and deep condition weekly, and I avoid direct heat.

I definitely think texlaxing 4 times/year would be healthier for your hair. You'll probably notice it thicken up and break less. :yep:
 
Instead of braiding it up, I section my hair in 8 and tie each section with the pony holder, then when I get in the shower I remove each holder and wash each section separately then put back the pony holder. Now this sounds like a lot of work but I don't get a lot of natting this way and it's easier to manage when I'm ready to set it.
I too stop braiding it up in sections to wash and just use ponytail holders to separate each section for washing. IMO, it's so much easier and less manipulation. :yep:
I was texlaxing 4 times each year, this year I may do three before January, we'll see. The easier stretching is, the longer I can wait. :)
 
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I relax my hair every three months, which is about 4 times a year. As a matter of fact, I just got a relaxer on the first of this month, and it's pretty strong. Things that have helped me maintain hair-strength are:

1.Coat my edges with some Oil or grease before relaxing

2. Mix some natural oil with my relaxer to prevent over-rocessing

3. Use a protein reconstructor every week for one month after you get your relaxer to bring the strength back to your hair.

4. Low manipulation for a while until hair strength has returned

5. Co-washes and/or diluted shampoos to prevent over-drying your hair.


By doing this, I have gained hair thickness and strength. I hope that I helped you.
 
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Me! Me! Me!

For 2011, I've only relaxed 3 times. I might relax 4 times in 2012, just depends on how well I stretch and if I ever get around to rollersetting.

I keep breakage in check by dc'ing with Motions CPR bi-weekly and keeping my ends moist.
 
Hahaha Sunnie you're the relaxed hair Ambassador.

I'm going to do my 3rd relaxer of the year tomorrow. I think I can get by with 3 relaxers a year at most 4 very easily.
 
For those who do, how do you deal with the texture difference and styling?

ETA: I just realized that I'm on schedule to be a 4 relaxers a year person. I relax every 3-4 months, but really struggle at 3. I wonder if it'll get easier once my hair is longer.

Dag, this is an old thread. I like old threads. :)

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Also, in response to OP it sounds like you had a stylist who didn't listen to you and your wants and it sounds like he valued straight hair over textured hair. If you decide to relax in the future, coat your strands with conditioner or oil to prevent overprocessing.

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I relaxed 2xs a year in the past. I basically bunned my hair the last 3 months of my stretch. I used very low heat on my buns and retained my length. My hair never gets bone strait, but I think that's why my relaxed hair was healthy. I miss the ease of relaxed hair at times, but it is great education going natural. If I ever did go back to relaxers, I could stretch for a year.
 
I relax 3 times a year. I bun 80% of the time, and do the occasional bantu knot out. Co-washing + Mane N' Tail Detangler helps me deal with the two different textures especially after the 10 week mark.
 
I relaxed 3 times this year, but will relax in December making it 4.
So..January, May, September and December.
Next year I plan on relaxing only 3 times...April, August and December.

I protective style heavily and when I feel like my new-growth is too much, I put in some braids.
 
I relaxed 3 times this year, but will relax in December making it 4.
So..January, May, September and December.
Next year I plan on relaxing only 3 times...April, August and December.

I protective style heavily and when I feel like my new-growth is too much, I put in some braids.

The bolded is my schedule! I protective style 90% of the time with buns and/or half wigs. I made it to BSL (and got stuck there) this year because I went 6 months and suffered a slight set back. I've been trimming and trying to keep my hair on track this year so I can go back to my normal 3x/yr relaxer schedule.
 
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