does this happen to you?

[Nicole-27]

when I am trying to stretch my relaxers my hair is extremely dry and brittle. In addition to breakage. I'm only 5 weeks posts and this is happening. Could it be I can't stretch? Granted I still haven't figured out a protective style. Maybe that's the issue. Should I put my hair away when the new growth is coming in??

What do you think? Help

 

[SweetCaramel1]

hi! this is my first stretch and i had to get used to stretching. i've been relaxing for 15 years, every 4-6 weeks and i've forgotten what my natural hair looks like.

this is the 11th week and i'm finally getting used to the new growth. since i've been reading hair boards i learned to keep it moisturized and pinned up and out the way. it's really working. my hand are not picking at it as much and the buns help keep it moist.

i was EXTREMELY skeptical about co-washing, i guess because it's something new but i did my first one a few days ago and it REALLY WORKED! my hair is supersoft!!! LOVE IT.

good luck to you!

 

[Elizabeth26]

Do you do any protein treatments? You might be in need of a protein treatment to stop the breakage.

 

[vickiepickles]

Do you self-relax? I don't think that most of the ladies on this board would consider 5 weeks post a stretch by any means. I think there is probably another reason for the breakage, like the relaxer not being rinsed out comploetely or needing more moisture.

 

[Nicole-27]

Thanks for the responses ladies...

I have been self relaxing so that may be the problem within it's self.

I've done protein treatments (Nexus Emergency) and that helps when I'm relaxed the first couple of weeks. But it seems like the new growth takes over and absorbs all the natural oils.

My last stretch was 10 wks. I had great growth but lost it all because I needed a trim. Can't air dry the hair because it's so dry. My hair is just a mess ....

 

[blueabyss333]

I think the important thing to do is keep the decramation line moisturized.

 

[jrae]

My hair gets difficult after 4 weeks, too. I'm going to increase the frequency of CWs and see if that helps. Normally, I CW about twice a week, but I think every other day might make the new growth more manageable.

 

[Isis]

Thanks for the responses ladies...

I have been self relaxing so that may be the problem within it's self.

I've done protein treatments (Nexus Emergency) and that helps when I'm relaxed the first couple of weeks. But it seems like the new growth takes over and absorbs all the natural oils.

My last stretch was 10 wks. I had great growth but lost it all because I needed a trim. Can't air dry the hair because it's so dry. My hair is just a mess ....

Perhaps your hair needs to be washed more often. I agree wtih Jrae and SweetCaramel1 about conditioner washing 2x each week or more and if that doesn't work for you, washing maybe 2x each week with a moisturizing shampoo without SLS, followed by a good moisturizing conditioner.

 

[MissYocairis]

Do you self-relax? I don't think that most of the ladies on this board would consider 5 weeks post a stretch by any means. I think there is probably another reason for the breakage, like the relaxer not being rinsed out comploetely or needing more moisture.

Good point. At five weeks....you are just getting started. I don't even know that I really have major new growth at 5 weeks.

You should probably be deep conditioning and, Vickie is right, maybe you need to neutralize for the next two poos before switching to a moisture poo. Also, deep condition with something really good at least once a week. And, as someone else mentioned, you might want to take a protein treatment at some point soon.

 

[tinkat]

Conditioner washes will help alot...When i was getting relaxers and stretching, shea butter was my friend

 

[Kimberly]

I have mostly 4b hair and, when I stretch, the longer I stretch, the more CWs I have to do to help control the new growth...up to almost everyday if not everyday up until the week of my relaxer and then I just deal with it for about 5 days. Lots of moisture and S-Curl did help me quite a bit where the line of demarcation is concerned. I'd CW, S-Curl the nappy roots, olive oil my relaxed ends and bun it until the next time. Spritzing with distilled water until it was time to CW again.

It may take a little trial and error but you'll find something that works for you.

 

[pretty-girl#1]

when I am trying to stretch my relaxers my hair is extremely dry and brittle. In addition to breakage. I'm only 5 weeks posts and this is happening. Could it be I can't stretch? Granted I still haven't figured out a protective style. Maybe that's the issue. Should I put my hair away when the new growth is coming in??

What do you think? Help

Hey gurl,

I'd recommend MNT Conditioner! I'm 34 weeks transitioning and I have no problems with my two textures because this keeps my hair super soft and managable!

 

[Mestiza]

You may need to moisturize your hair more. Some of the things that I love for this are conditioner washes and S-curl spray.

 

[LaNecia]

A really good shampoo for slowing up breakage in it's tracks is a garlic poo, Nutrine is the brand most highly recommended on the board. I use the Garlic Shampoo by Hair-Vite, it has helped A LOT with slowing the breakage. You'll definitely need to follow this with a good moisturizer.

Good luck!!

 

[Nicole-27]

A really good shampoo for slowing up breakage in it's tracks is a garlic poo, Nutrine is the brand most highly recommended on the board. I use the Garlic Shampoo by Hair-Vite, it has helped A LOT with slowing the breakage. You'll definitely need to follow this with a good moisturizer.

Good luck!!

Thanks VW ... I've tried garlic poo's and it didn't work.

I think my real problem is follow thru. If I don't see results I usually give up (that's probably why I don't have a regimen).

 

[Nicole-27]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm gonna get a good condition and try some CW's. And I know I do too much heat but I can't master a protective style and my hair looks dry and like crap when I airdry. I'm at a lost ...

Any suggestions on good conditioners?

 

[Samaria]

Not saying Im all that, but when I first started getting relaxers and my stylist would relax my hair 6 weeks, I looked at her like wtf? there is NOTHINg to relax I have no new NG I always felt like 6 weeks was too soon, why did I feel the need share this? IDK don't mind me...

I think once you stretch so long you should start CW like the others said, regular shampoos strip and that's prolly why it feels that way. I think since it's so dry and brittle moisture, and deep conditioning soudns like good idea.