Ever Since I Started Stretching...

[Skydancer]

It has become more difficult to relax my hair. It seems as if my scalp has become less and less used to relaxers. So when I get a touch-up, my scalp is on fire in about 10 minutes (even when I base it) and I have to wash it out. The outcome? VERY underprocessed hair . Has anyone else experienced this? Please tell me how you solved it or feel free to recommend a relaxer that will not make me want to immediately dunk my head into a bucket of water. Thank you:]

 

[JenniferMD]

What brand of relaxer are you currently using? Is is lye, no lye? Super, regular or mild? Your relaxer may be the problem.

I stretch for 16 weeks at a time. My hair doesn't get ultra straight, but it's not because my scalp burns and I have to wash it out.

 

[Skydancer]

What brand of relaxer are you currently using? Is is lye, no lye? Super, regular or mild? Your relaxer may be the problem.

I stretch for 16 weeks at a time. My hair doesn't get ultra straight, but it's not because my scalp burns and I have to wash it out.

Hi:] I use no-lye/regular. Usually Dark & Lovely or Optimum Care. Although, I just tried Paul Brown Hawaii. My hair doesn't get ultra-straight either and I like it that way:] After a relaxer is the only time I blow dry my hair, so it is straight for awhile and then settles into wavy. But recently, the new growth has not settled into wavy. Instead, it looks like I never relaxed it .

 

[alexstin]

What's your new growth like. Are you able to keep it soft?

 

[Skydancer]

What's your new growth like. Are you able to keep it soft?

Hi:] My new growth is 4a/b. When it is less than an inch, I can usually keep it soft. But after that... it's a battle .

 

[Healthb4Length]

Hi:] My new growth is 4a/b. When it is less than an inch, I can usually keep it soft. But after that... it's a battle .

Have you tried co-washing and moisturizing with a product like Elasta's mango butter? I'm 10 months post relaxer and my NG is soft as ever, I'm 4a and have absolutely no problems combing my hair at all.

I also wanted to know your experience with the Paul Brown Hawaii relaxers? Thanks!

 

[princesmich]

I agree with you about the way your scalp burns when you get a perm, it's because your scalp hasn't tolerated any type of abuse in a while, it becomes sensitive when you do get a relaxer. Mine burns like crazy, I use motions, even if i'm using mild I get the same burning.
I stretch for 9 - 12 weeks usually, my new growth is manageable because I use a moisturizer and I co- wash with coconut milk, it helps keep the new growth looking straight.

 

[sareca]

I never did the every 6-8 week touch-up thing, but every relaxer burned (and left big scabs) until Phyto. I've used it twice now and there's no sensation at all, not even a tingle. I also have never have any scabs.

 

[Elizabeth26]

How soon did you wash your hair before the relaxer? I know when I relaxed my hair about 3 weeks ago it burned so bad. I use mizani and been using it for the past 2 years and my hair never burned like that any other time. i started rethinking what i did different and I shampoo and condition my hair two days before the relaxer. I usually wait a week to 4 days before the relaxer. Next time I will wait a week.

 

[Skydancer]

Have you tried co-washing and moisturizing with a product like Elasta's mango butter? I'm 10 months post relaxer and my NG is soft as ever, I'm 4a and have absolutely no problems combing my hair at all.

I also wanted to know your experience with the Paul Brown Hawaii relaxers? Thanks!

Co-washing does help a lot, but the weather is no joke up here in upstate NY :] So usually from October until the end of March or April, I do not do it often because it is just too cold. I co-wash almost every day in the summer though and I love it:] Mango butter and such does help, but only for awhile, and I do not like to put products in my hair every day.

I used the Paul Brown Super Relacks; and although it has lye and does not require any mixing/activating I was not impressed. It is 2 or 3 times as expensive as the no-lye relaxers I have been using, and does nothing that the others do not.

 

[Skydancer]

I never did the every 6-8 week touch-up thing, but every relaxer burned (and left big scabs) until Phyto. I've used it twice now and there's no sensation at all, not even a tingle. I also have never have any scabs.

Auuugghh... do not tempt me... I am so broke... I know that you get what you pay for, but there must be a cheaper alternative.

How soon did you wash your hair before the relaxer? I know when I relaxed my hair about 3 weeks ago it burned so bad. I use mizani and been using it for the past 2 years and my hair never burned like that any other time. i started rethinking what i did different and I shampoo and condition my hair two days before the relaxer. I usually wait a week to 4 days before the relaxer. Next time I will wait a week.

I usually wait 4 days to a week also. I waited a week last time, which is why I was even more puzzled as to why my head was on fire.

 

[tallygirl]

Might want to try relaxing in sections.....Relax and neutralize one section of hair before moving on to the next section. This takes more time but could be helpful to you next time.

 

[Ariana4000]

My scalp has gotten sensitive too since stretching. I have been on fire! I was like that when I first started getting relaxers as I child. However last month when I relaxed I used Motions, and for some reason that didn't burn.

 

[Angelicus]

My hair does not get straight at all anymore if a relaxer touches it. I try to not comb or brush my hair about 5-7 days before my relaxer. that helps me a lot I wonder how you are manipulating your hair before you get your relaxer :scratchch

 

[LuvLiLocks]

It has become more difficult to relax my hair. It seems as if my scalp has become less and less used to relaxers. So when I get a touch-up, my scalp is on fire in about 10 minutes (even when I base it) and I have to wash it out. The outcome? VERY underprocessed hair . Has anyone else experienced this? Please tell me how you solved it or feel free to recommend a relaxer that will not make me want to immediately dunk my head into a bucket of water. Thank you:][/QUO

True for me too

 

[Mystic]

I used Phyto Index 2 for the first time 7 months ago and it burnt my scalp like hell because I used MTG 3 days prior to relaxing. I used Phyto Index 1 recently and I didn't feel a single thing - not even a tingle. I left it on for longer than the recommended 20 minutes and I did not feel any sensation whatsoever. This has never happened to me before - I always feel something and try to wash out quickly to avoid any burn. I am going back to Index 11 since my hair is WAY underprocessed but if you are trying to avoid burn, try Phyto 1.

I never did the every 6-8 week touch-up thing, but every relaxer burned (and left big scabs) until Phyto. I've used it twice now and there's no sensation at all, not even a tingle. I also have never have any scabs.

 

[Isis]

Just in case this applies, I want to add that it's important not to relax during your cycle - this increases scalp sensitivity and the relaxer may not take. There was a thread on this topic a while back.

 

[cocoberry10]

It has become more difficult to relax my hair. It seems as if my scalp has become less and less used to relaxers. So when I get a touch-up, my scalp is on fire in about 10 minutes (even when I base it) and I have to wash it out. The outcome? VERY underprocessed hair . Has anyone else experienced this? Please tell me how you solved it or feel free to recommend a relaxer that will not make me want to immediately dunk my head into a bucket of water. Thank you:]

I actually find that the longer I stretch, the less my scalp burns when I retouch. However, my last 2 relaxers were underprocessed. This is not because I waited too long, but instead because I used Phyto, which didn't work on my hair (I've used other mild relaxers, but this one just didn't take).

I also have 4a/b hair, and find that frequent contact with water is essential to keep this hair type soft and pliable in between relaxers. I am desperately in need of a retouch, as I waited 12 weeks since my last underprocessed relaxer, and before that had gone 34 weeks without a relaxer. So I have lots of underprocessed hair on my head, and the straight, relaxed ends are starting to come right out!

 

[plainj]

Just in case this applies, I want to add that it's important not to relax during your cycle - this increases scalp sensitivity and the relaxer may not take. There was a thread on this topic a while back.

Thanks Isis for this tip.

 

[Legend]

I apologize, but this is long.

It’s hard to give input without knowing your exact situation, Skydancer. But it sounds like you self-relax your hair. I had this same problem when I relaxed my own hair, and I had scabs and burning galore after a while. I don’t know if I could associate it with stretching specifically, but there are things you can look into changing.

One thing you might try is having some one you trust apply and smooth the relaxer for you. This way, less chemical is apt to be on your scalp. Like I said, I used to self-relax my hair for years, and having someone else do it made a tremendous difference. If it is in your budget, maybe try a good salon. I’m really blessed to have an excellent stylist who has been in the business for ages. She uses an “off-the-scalp” technique with an Affirm relaxer and I don’t burn or have scabs. Also, my stylist sits me under a cool hooded dryer for about 10 minutes after applying a base to ensure that my pores are closed. This makes a difference as well. Also, if you have done this, try not to wash, brush, or in any way over-manipulate your scalp for at least 72 hours before relaxing. It’s also good not to exercise before a chemical service which opens your pores. Finally, I know some medications (and vitamin supplements, too) cause scalp/skin sensitivity. If this is a concern for you, contact your doctor for advice.

If none of these apply, it could be your scalp is sensitive (a skin allergy) to an ingredient in your relaxer. I know some contain different herbs and oils as well as chemicals that may be irritating to some people. The only practical way to really test this is to try a different relaxer. I would usually say wait until you have 2-3 inches of new growth before trying the switch, but if waiting for that much growth is not an option for you, do your best to prevent overlapping. Currently, I use Affirm relaxer and do not have any burning. Good luck!

 

[Phoenix]

Something similar happened to me. I was natural for 1 1/2 years. Prior to going natural I never had a problem getting my hair straight with a relaxer. The first time I relaxed after being natural I left it on the normal amount of time (the amount of time that used to get my hair straight) and it didn't take at all. I got a corrective relaxer to try to get it straighter and it basically just texturized my hair. Since then I've been relaxing about twice a year and my hair never gets straight. My stylist said something about my hair "getting used" to being curly and having to "train" it to be straight by wearing straight styles more often. I don't know if I believe that, but something has definitely changed with my hair.

 

[goldensensation]

I dont think that it has to do with "stretching". I self relax every three to four months and I have never had any burning and scars.