Cornrow Help!

[dedicatedshopper]

I hope one of the ladies with more healthy hair experience than I have will be able to answer this question. I am currently 12 weeks post relaxer, and was hoping to stretch for a bit longer but have to change my plans because I have a wedding to attend. I am currently in cornrows which I am planning on taking out soon and getting a relaxer.

Is it best ti take them out, wash my hair, and then wait for a few days before relaxing? Or should I take them out, and go straight to salon to relax and not bother washing? Any advice is greatly apprciated.

 

[dedicatedshopper]

anyone have any ideas?

 

[hopeful]

I think you should wash and deep condition first, then wait a few days before relaxing. But I'm not relaxed so hopefully a relaxed lady will respond...

 

[Fine 4s]

Co-signing with above....when is the wedding? Or how many days in between do you have left?

 

[mstk]

I think you should wash and condition first as well. But it depends on how you've been taking care of your hair in cornrows I suppose. If you've been washing and conditioning regularly, you should be fine to take them out, detangle, and head to the salon with unwashed hair.

 

[yaya24]

^^ IA w/ mstk

 

[frizzy]

You want as much time as possible between braids and relaxing. I think 2 weeks is the target time. Wash, protein, DC and a rest from the stress of braids is what you hair needs before relaxing again.

 

[dedicatedshopper]

Thanks everyone. The wedding is on the 17th of June but my last opportunity to relax will be the 15th. I guess I will take them today, and do wash, dc etc. I will wait until the 15th to relax. Thanks for all the input.

 

[Minty]

What condition is your hair in now in the braids? This will determine what coarse you should follow before a relaxer.

Have you kept up your hair while in braids?

My general - generic recommendation would be to take down the braids, gently finger detangle, check for any matting and detangle on DRY hair.

Deep condition or give yourself a hot oil treatment on dry hair.
Shampoo
Deep Condition using a protein based product (Aphogee 2 min, Nexxus Emergencee, Thermafuse)
Light DC with Moisture based rinse
Moisture based leave-in

Relax after 3 days if you can hold out
On relaxer day - coat the relaxed portions of your hair with light protein, acid balanced based conditioner.