Difference from Stretching Relaxers?

[Shawn]

I am at the six-week point and, under the "traditional" approach, would be preparing to relax. Based on comments from many of you, however, I have decided to stretch for at least another six weeks (if I can stand it). I am just wondering if some of you who used to do the 6-8 week tour would share any concrete distinction in the progress of your hair. Please state all relevant differences, including growth rate, shed rate, dryness, other aspects of texture, and anything else you can think of. Thanks in advance for your posts.

 

[Shawn]

Bumping for info. Don't tell me no one has any input on this issue.

 

[Dolce_Dawn]

I used to relax every four wks and now I'm slowly stretching (I've reached 6 and trying to go to eight). For me, using the right products makes all the difference in the world. KeraCare Hydrating poo and Salerm have made my new growth feel almost non-existant. I have had no excessive shedding. Aubrey's GPB con helps to relieve that. Plus, I handle my hair as if it were silk. The two textures as a result are pretty well blended.

It does seem like my hair is growing faster, even though I don't think the rate has changed. It's just that I'm allowing more growth to accumulate before I relax.

I hope this helps to answer some of your questions. I didn't respond earlier b/c i thought you were looking for someone who was strecthing 2months+. I haven't reached that yet.

 

[Chichi]

I used to relax every six weeks but now relax at the three month (and maybe four month) mark. I noticed an overall improvement in all of the areas that you have mentioned. I just tried transitioning for six months and my hair didn't suffer at all due to the conditioner washes that I try to do every other day.

When stretching, you will want to take care that you don't overmanipulate your hair when it is almost time to relax. I just wear a condioner washed bun most of the time. It looks like you are not relaxing your hair bone straight so you should be fine.

Chichi

 

[JenniferMD]

There is a huge difference in 6-8 weeks compared with newgrowth for 12+weeks. For me, I know I went through a phase when I did a lot of shedding and I just added more moisture to my regime to take care of that problem. I didn't notice a change in my growth rate, but I was able to see more newgrowth (which is good for retouches because it makes it harder to overprocess). The extra moisture in my routine fixed any problems with dryness.

I"m glad you've decided to stretch your relaxer out, you won't regret it! Let us know if you need any other advice.

 

[Shawn]

Thanks for your comments. Since so few responded, however, I am going to assume that your cases are the exception rather than the rule. I am getting ready to go on and touch up this morning.

 

[shoelover1972]

Hi Shawn

I am now at week 11 and I am aiming for approx 17weeks. I used to re-touch every 8-10wks. I have noticed that my hair has more body and it appears as though I have retained more length. The final 4 wks I will wear cornrow extensions. I have been using S-curl on the new growth, doing conditioner washes, deep tretments 1x week & wearing my hair in a bun most of the time. My aim is to re-touch 2-3 x year.

There are quite a few other threads re this subject. You may want to check them out as alot of ladies here extend their re-touches.

 

[Shawn]

Pradalover-- I went ahead and gave myself the touch-up. (Just finished rinsing.) I am not counting out the stretching at some later point but, for now, I really couldn't stand it another minute. I may try your technique later.