Can not clarifying cause a relaxer to not work?

[kittenz]

I used to have to switch up relaxers after a couple of uses because my hair wouldn't respond to them anymore. Could it be that I just needed to clarify? I thought the relaxer would be able to break through anything. I would be able to eventually go back to a particular brand but after maybe 3 consecutive uses it would be pointless and I would switch to a different brand. Has anyone else gone through this? Now I have a relaxer that I like and I'd like to stick with it, any advice? TIA

 

[kittenz]

Bump

 

[HoneyDew]

I used to apply so much silicone that my hair would NOT move in the wind. During that time, my relaxers would not take.

Now that I don't use so much AND shampoo my hair more often, my realaxers work much better. Normally I clarify and moisturize shampoo 3-4 days before a relaxer.

Even if I do it a week before, though, less cone use has made a world of difference.

 

[mango387]

Also, I have read (here I believe) that some women do not pile on the leave-in conditioners and oils immediately before a relaxer in addition to clarifying. That might help your relaxers to straighten better too.

 

[kittenz]

Thanks ladies. I guess relaxers can't cut through everything.

 

[myco]

I agree. Sometimes you can be overzealous in basing your scalp. Then it ends up on your scalp and on the newgrowth. By the time you're ready to rinse out the relaxer, you have uneven processing.

 

[MoMo]

This last relaxer I did I clarified 2 days before with Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo and an ACV rinse. My hair came out beautifully and most importantly my scalp did not burn - not even a tingle! I will be doing this from now on.

 

[LovelyLionessa]

I used to liberally use a wax stick, Stiff Head on my hairline as edges while stretching. My hair in the front was always coming out underprocessed. This time, I ditched the Stiff Head for my water based shine wax from Garnier and my hair actually came out straight for a change. So there is something to be said for build-up.

 

[sareca]

YES! Definitely. Not just build-up either, you have be careful about using products that have a lot oil too. Oil, dirty, product build-up, cones, hardwater build-up... will all inhibit the relaxer.