dumb question? what is basing

[gissellr78]

Hi all,

Am getting my relaxer touch up tomorrow and I was reading for tips I don't already know or do. And I want to know what is basing?

Maybe I do it already and latinas call it differently?

 

[Crystal22]

Basing means using a protective oil/lubricant/grease on one's scalp before chemical process to help protect against scalp irritation/burns. A good at home product to use would be good ole Vaseline. There are professional bases that stylists use as well. I think Affirm has one called Protecto. I'm not sure what ingredients the professional products have though. They are probably petroleum based as well with other ingredients added.
HTH

 

[gissellr78]

Does it take the relaxer longer to work if I have vaseline on my scalp? Because when I read about overlapping it said to make sure not to get it on the scalp. So should I apply coconut oil all over my head ? Or

Vaseline on my scalp and oil on my hair?

 

[Crystal22]

Does it take the relaxer longer to work if I have vaseline on my scalp? Because when I read about overlapping it said to make sure not to get it on the scalp. So should I apply coconut oil all over my head ? Or

Vaseline on my scalp and oil on my hair?

It may take the relaxer longer to work but I'm not 100% sure bc I do not apply my relaxers myself, and never have done a relaxer on myself. I always get them done at my salon. I'm thinking it will probably take it longer to work though. If you use Vaseline try to just get it on your scalp however and not your newgrowth and it shouldn't make too much of a difference in processing time that way. (I know thats near to impossible). I always base my scalp with Vaseline at home before I go get it done (ususally the nite before or morning of) and my stylist has never said its taken longer for my relaxer to process than when I haven't based my scalp (I've forgotten to do it in the past). But she says that it doesn't take my hair long to break down anyway(don't know if thats good or bad) so I don't know if I'm a good example.erplexed

I've never used oil to base my scalp so I don't know what to tell you about whether coconut is good or not. Some oils might cause you to burn because oils genearlly have a stimulating effect on the scalp so I'm not going to recommend you to use anything other than vaseline because I know that has never made me burn personally. I wish I could be of better service to you since no else has chimmed in who self relaxes. Does your kit not come with some kindof protective product? The coconut oil on the length of your hair itself should not be a problem as far as I can tell.