HELP...PHYTORELAXER dried out my hair!

Longhealthyhair

Longhealthyhair

New Member
Hey ladies
I went to the salon today for my 1st phytorelaxer experience. I had been using Affirm for sensitive scalp for the past 5 years and since it is very drying on my hair I wanted to try Phyto.

Okay so here's what went down in the hair salon...:blush:
1) She mixed and applied phytorelaxer. There was some tingling and discomfort so I told her it was burning so that she didn't keep it in too long.
2) She rinsed out the relaxer and applied the phyto reconstructor that came with the relaxer :wallbash: (1st thing I didn't agree with...I wanted her to use aphogee 5 min for that step).
3) Now she applied the neutralizer.
4) She applied my black rinse (color showers) and sat me under the dryer.
5) She applied the phyto reconstructor AGAIN and put me under the dryer. I wanted to use a dominican moisturizing condn instead but she argued that this would allow me to see how the phyto products work together. :wallbash: (2nd thing I didn't agree with).
6) Now she felt that my hair was too hard and dry so she applied my moisturizing conditioner and put me under the dryer. :hammer:
7) Then she roller set me and wrapped me afterwards.
8) Then I cried about the results...(joking--this part didn't happen)

RESULTS: My hair feel strong but very very dry. I am frustrated because I spent all that money on phyto to prevent the drying that Affirm causes and how I'm back to dry hair.:offrant:
Also now I am not sure whether my hair actually liked phyto and whether it would have felt more moisturized than affirm without all the extra reconstructor treatment. This is where you ladies come in...

Where did I go wrong with Phyto...? Should I give it another chance...(what should I do differently next time)? What should I do now about my dry brittle hair..? :feedback: Thanks for reading this long frustrating rant... Why can't my hair journey be smoother...:ohwell:
 
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Hey sweetie,

I'm so sorry that you're having a bad experience. I researched on this board about the Phytorelaxer and I learned not to use the reconstructor as it contributes to drying out the hair. When I applied the Phyto-relaxer in Sept., I replaced the reconstructor with the Jheri-redding protein mixed with ACV (and some Keracare Con. a min. before washing out) and then neutralized. I then did a serious DC after neutralizing for about 45min- 1 hour with Nexxus Hummectress mixed with EVOO.

I would recommend doing DCs mixed with EVOO every 3 days as your moisture balance is more likely off. Keep moisturizing and sealing at least 2x a day and you should see a difference. Hopefully the other Phyto heads will be in to give comments and recommendations :yep:.

PS: I love using the ORS replenishing pak while DC-ing. It really helps add the moisture to my hair.
 
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Phyto is definately not for everyone. I tried Phyto once and decided to go natural. It was that bad for me. It dried and tangle my hair.:ohwell:
 
caribgirl said:
Hey sweetie,

I'm so sorry that you're having a bad experience. I researched on this board about the Phytorelaxer and I learned not to use the reconstructor as it contributes to drying out the hair. When I applied the Phyto-relaxer in Sept., I replaced the reconstructor with the Jheri-redding protein mixed with ACV (and some Keracare Con. a min. before washing out) and then neutralized. I then did a serious DC after neutralizing for about 45min- 1 hour with Nexxus Hummectress mixed with EVOO.

I would recommend doing DCs mixed with EVOO every 3 days as your moisture balance is more likely off. Keep moisturizing and sealing at least 2x a day and you should see a difference. Hopefully the other Phyto heads will be in to give comments and recommendations :yep:.

PS: I love using the ORS replenishing pak while DC-ing. It really helps add the moisture to my hair.
Click to expand...

Oh my gosh...I had no idea that the reconstructor wasn't good. I should have used my aphogee 2 min! That damn hairdresser always thinks she knows everything. When I suggested using aphogee she said that has too much protein. I will take your advice and do moisturizing dcs every 3-4 days over the next few weeks to restore the moisture.

PS. I love the ORS pak too!!! I have one so I will use that soon.
 
*Original statement retracted - Phytorelaxer sucks. Agreeing with all that dislike the relaxer 110%*
 
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I agree with the above poster in regards to the order of items that this "hairdresser" put on your head. Was this person new to Phyto as well? It really sounds like they didn't know what they were doing. With Phyto, you have to find someone who really knows what they are doing, as in has been fully trained in Phyto.

I made the mistake of putting a rinse in my hair about two weeks after my phyto relaxer-dried my hair out really bad. I even noticed breakage. I am still pretty new to Phyto and still trying to learn its idiosycracies. I have been loading up on the moisture, moisture, moisture and the trade off is worth it to me. The texture of my hair with the Phyto is Fab-u-lous but ya gotta do it right!

One conditioner that almost immediately cures my dryness issues is the ORS Replenishing Conditioner. Also, I left it on my head overnight and that really helped as well.

Feel better!:yep:
 
MonaLisa said:
I know I'm going to regret this....but I'm hungry right now...and I don't care if I get hit with a rock...so I'm going for it....this is a tough love moment..and I've been watching Law & Order...


Question #1 -why did the reconstructor have to go back on after the rinse?...making the application of that happen twice. *complexed*
Answer 1: The hairstylist advised me on this (please see the OP) and I trusted her expert opinion

Question #2 -when did the reconstructor come before the neutralizing on the instructions?
Answer 2: It's not on the instructions but we don't always use the products as instructed in LHCF. Plus once the cuticle is opened by the relaxer, that's the best time to deposit protein back into the hair.

Question #3 - did the rinse have to be done when trying out a new relaxer?
Answer 3: Well I know that rinses work best after relaxers and I wanted a rinse.

I've been using Phyto for about 3 years now...I don't really deviate from the instructions and I've never had a problem.

I personally used Affirm once...and ran....that stuff had my hair crispier than pork bacon that has been sitting out on the porch under the sun.

Again, I'm reppin for Phyto...and I know that it doesn't work for everyone...all heads are different...ya, ya...ya, ya....

but I'm really feeling in my heart, soul, mind, spirit and body - I'm swearing on my cat -- I do not think the relaxer itself dried your hair out.
Okay...

And I also refer to Statement 'A' that you were using a relaxer (Affirm) for five years prior that you said was already making your hair dry.
Yeah but I was taking care of that with DC-ing every 3 days. My hair was moisturized before this relaxer

As I've told ladies who have asked me about the relaxer...I recommend getting the hair in a healthy state (deep conditioning, oil treatments) before moving on to a new relaxer.
Again, I was DC-ing every 3 days for the last 3 months. My hair was ready for this relaxer.

I waited five months after Affirm before I moved onto Phyto (washed, deep conditioned, worked to put moisture back into my hair).

Sorry that the process did not work out for you though. Hopefully your next relaxer experience, with whatever product you decide to use, turns out more positive.

Yes, I gave this thread five stars.
No, I didn't. I'm playin. Y'all know that wasn't me...:look:
I'm going to bounce now before Allandra finds me in here...
Click to expand...

Ummm...okay...good luck with your hair journey too. Glad we are all here to help each other.
 
ShiShiPooPoo said:
I agree with the above poster in regards to the order of items that this "hairdresser" put on your head. Was this person new to Phyto as well? It really sounds like they didn't know what they were doing. With Phyto, you have to find someone who really knows what they are doing, as in has been fully trained in Phyto.

Yeah...that was her first time applying Phyto. Thanks for acknowledging (unlike the last poster) that I didn't self-relax and that this was a salon and that the HAIRDRESSER was also responsible for the way things turned out.

I made the mistake of putting a rinse in my hair about two weeks after my phyto relaxer-dried my hair out really bad. I even noticed breakage. I am still pretty new to Phyto and still trying to learn its idiosycracies. I have been loading up on the moisture, moisture, moisture and the trade off is worth it to me. The texture of my hair with the Phyto is Fab-u-lous but ya gotta do it right!

Hmmm...perhaps there are some phyto-licensed hairstylists in my area...

One conditioner that almost immediately cures my dryness issues is the ORS Replenishing Conditioner. Also, I left it on my head overnight and that really helped as well.

Yeah I love ORS pak also.

Feel better!:yep:
Click to expand...

Thanks for your compassion. I feel like **** about this experience and I appreciate the positivity of your post.
 
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I have been using Phyto for years with never a problem, as long as I stick with phyto. Reading the process, I think the problem is a combination of double reconstructor and the rinse, but I don't color my hair, I just know it is drying and that the phyto box says to wait for color and too much protein is never a good thing.

I also would recommend moisture and lots of it. If you have not done so already, then at latest by tomorrow. The ORS is good (and smells divine), but whatever super moisturizing conditioner you use should work. Try the moisturizing conditioner on dry hair with heat and then rinse. I also suggest conditioner washes a few times a week fir the next few weeks and avoid heat or anything else that dries your hair.

I hope your hair is better soon.
 
I'm sorry you were displeased w/your experience. It's a bit early though to determine how your hair really reacted to the relaxer. Reconstructor isn't a moisturizing product and since it was used twice w/o one, I'd expect your hair to feel dry now. As always, deep condition your hair to death the next time you wash it. When a product dries out my hair some times it takes a few week for it to really feel hydrated. I'm sure you will have no issues recovering.

However, I used Phyto for awhile. Actually, for a bit too long b/c it did a number on my hair. :nono: The Reconstructor has always sucked tho. After an attempt or two I never touched that stuff again. My hair has performed much better on Affirm, but it seems like you had issues w/that as well. :sad: Best Wishes tho, it's just that everythang ain't for everybody. *sigh* You'll be fine tho, do not despair. It's one day in the life of your hair and it looks like it's in great condition. :yep:
 
newflowers said:
I have been using Phyto for years with never a problem, as long as I stick with phyto. Reading the process, I think the problem is a combination of double reconstructor and the rinse, but I don't color my hair, I just know it is drying and that the phyto box says to wait for color and too much protein is never a good thing.

I also would recommend moisture and lots of it. If you have not done so already, then at latest by tomorrow. The ORS is good (and smells divine), but whatever super moisturizing conditioner you use should work. Try the moisturizing conditioner on dry hair with heat and then rinse. I also suggest conditioner washes a few times a week fir the next few weeks and avoid heat or anything else that dries your hair.

I hope your hair is better soon.
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MonaLisa said:
Basically what I was saying, but I wasn't supportive enough with my tone...I'm an Aries. Sorry again...
Click to expand...

I think your response was on point - not everything is sweetness and light.

While I am just as guilty as the next person, I also do not always use products as instructed - one day, it's going to bite me in the butt, and I know it, so I tend to be very cautious with my mixing.
 
newflowers said:
I think your response was on point - not everything is sweetness and light.

While I am just as guilty as the next person, I also do not always use products as instructed - one day, it's going to bite me in the butt, and I know it, so I tend to be very cautious with my mixing.
Click to expand...

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Longhealthyhair said:
RESULTS: My hair feel strong but very very dry. I am frustrated because I spent all that money on phyto to prevent the drying that Affirm causes and how I'm back to dry hair.:offrant:
Also now I am not sure whether my hair actually liked phyto and whether it would have felt more moisturized than affirm without all the extra reconstructor treatment. This is where you ladies come in...

Where did I go wrong with Phyto...? Should I give it another chance...(what should I do differently next time)? What should I do now about my dry brittle hair..? :feedback: Thanks for reading this long frustrating rant... Why can't my hair journey be smoother...:ohwell:
Click to expand...

I agree with the other ladies that I think doing the reconstructor twice dried your hair out. Since you really wanted to try phyto, you should give it another chance but next time use as directed on the product for best results.

You should try doing a strand test beforehand following all the instructions so you'll know what to expect. You can even do two different strand tests using both reconstructors; the phyto recon for one and the aphogee recon for the other. You can decide afterwards which reconstructor will give you the best results. I think after your second experience you'll be able to conclude as to whether this product is for you or not. Not everything is for everyone and there is nothing wrong with that;).

In the meantime, deep condition with a moisturizing deep conditioner at least once a week for the next few weeks. Your hair will turn around.

Lastly, one thing I recommend is that you consult with your stylist before she touches your head just to ensure you both are on the same wavelength with respect to the type of results you want and how exactly you want your hair done. If she doesn't agree, you can always find someone else and consult until you find the right person that will address all of your hair needs. Good luck;)!
 
Phyto works great for some and not for others. I was one that it didn't work for and i was mad because I really liked Phyto. I loved phyto but after a few weeks I couldn't buy moisture and my hair would revert. I still continue to use it for 3 or maybe 4 times but I had to give it up.
 
This is just my 2 cents...
I tried Phyto for the first time on my last relaxer.. 2-3 weeks ago. I LOVED how thick my hair was after I used it. Usually my hair comes out very thin with other relaxers, but the Phyto kept a lot of body and thickness to my hair which was great! The problem started in that my hair felt dry after I used it. It felt like straw! :eek: I thought I may have to stop using it. But it also felt like it was coated with something so I did a chelating shampoo on the first wash after my relaxer which made a HUGE difference. I also did an ACV rinse, and my hair is back to normal. I also agree with the other ladies because I did not like the reconstructor at all, so using it twice is serious over-kill. I am still waiting to see how it goes until my next relaxer but so far it has been great! And I am going to stick with Phyto now! HTH
 
Phyto has been a Godsend for me! My stylist though is trained in using the product, and most of her clients use the product. I think it is all in how its applied, and the moisture being replaced once the process is complete. I haven't had an issue w/dryness from the relaxer, but I always seemed to have dryness w/lye relaxers in the past. So maybe its just my strange hair! I love it though...my hair has retained its natural thickness after 9 months w/Phyto...and is super healthy...i can't imagine using anything else. I know some people mix some oils into their relaxers, maybe you should have her try this.
 
I did have dryness the first time I used Phyto, but I learned soon after that it is a very hard relaxer to neutralize and you must be very particular about neutralizing well. The next time I didn't use the poo in the box, I used Elucence acidifying poo and I put Porosity Control on my hair and let that sit for 5-10 minutes after the first poo, then continued with more shampoos. This made the world of difference. No more dryness and my hair had so much more body post relaxer. I have deviated from the instructions more so in that I now add 1 T of aphogee EFA to the relaxer (half of the kit) and immediately after rinsing well I coat my hair with aphogee intensive reconstructor (not the hard one) and let sit for 5 minutes, then one poo, then PC for 5 minutes, then 2 or 3 more poos. It may seem like a bit much but my hair has never been this luxurious after a relaxer...so the extra attention is definitely worth it!!!!
 
I think you are correct - the neutralizing process with phyto requires more effort than with other relaxers. An avc rinse after rinsing the relaxer helps tremendously. This is where I do deviate from the instructions. After the first rinse, I apply my proteins, rinse with water, shampoo, rinse with water, rinse with avc, then water, then shampoo two more times. The second shampoo is already at white suds, but I like to be really, really sure.
 
The first time I had Phyto applied it was done by a stylist and it was the best ever! She read and followed the directions to a tee and I do remember her neutralizing several times before moving on to the conditioning steps. Maybe 4 or five times using up all of the shampoo that was given in the box. The reconstructor was applied and I sat under the dryer for 15 minutes only (I can't remember if that was on the directions or not). I got a roller wrap Friday and on Sunday one of the kids I saw in the grocery store parking lot asked his mother "momma, is that Oprah?!?" No joke!!! I'm not kidding. My hair was full of body and bounce and straight!

Now, the second time I got it done, a whole different story. I went to a different stylist and although this was her first time applying it, she did not follow the directions. At first, I don't think she had any intentions of neutralizing my hair until I asked her to do so. She instead used some kind of PH-balancing conditioner after rinsing out the relaxer (no poo whatsoever). And even after I asked her to neutralize she only did it twice, not four times like the previous styist, and I don't even think she bothered to use the reconstructor. Nonetheless, my hair was dry, brittle, and CRISPY!!!! So much so I had to go to the BSS, purchase some more neutralizing poo, and redo my own hair. In the end it was limp, lifeless, and superslick - it wouldn't keep a curl or anything else (and did I say that this was 3 days before my wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!).

I said all of that to say, the first time Phyto is used the directions should be followed as is and you have to wash more than twice when neutralizing (read that on the board and believe it from own experience) to make sure all of the relaxer is removed from the strands. After the first time, you will be able to tell whether or not any extra steps should be added. Phyto is a good relaxer overall so don't give it the boot just yet.

I have one under the sink ready for December - my next relaxer!
 
I always mix the reconstructor with their vital force cream bath and my hair comes out fab everytime. You should also concentrate on neutralizing, it seems that phyto takes longer to wash out.
 
I would wash 4 or 5 times each time. I was very particularly about not seeing pick. My hair would be soft, nice and I loved it....for 2 weeks but after that reversiona and dry city. I tried it over and over because I loved the initial results. It just didn't like me but I know it works for a lot of people.
 
Sorry this had to happen to you.

I didn't read all the posts but as a user of Phytorelaxer Index II for 3 years I gotten to know that the reconstructor should not be used for more than the alloted time. It does dry out your hair and it must been used after the hair is neutralized and not before. What I do is relax, neutralize, reconstructor, conditon then set.
 
What the heck is it with that reconstructor?? :perplexed

It seems that every body who uses Phyto knows/learns the hard way not to use that stuff. Why even put it in the box? And they give you a gang of it, that tube is huge. I mean really, what IS that stuff? I do like it's strengthening properties, but I use a very small amount of reconstructor and cut it with a moisturizing conditioner. That seems to work well.
 
sprungonhairboards said:
What the heck is it with that reconstructor?? :perplexed

It seems that every body who uses Phyto knows/learns the hard way not to use that stuff. Why even put it in the box? And they give you a gang of it, that tube is huge. I mean really, what IS that stuff? I do like it's strengthening properties, but I use a very small amount of reconstructor and cut it with a moisturizing conditioner. That seems to work well.
Click to expand...

You are absolutely right...I'm not too fond of that or the shampoo, but especially the shampoo. It just doesn't neutralize for me. I mix half the reconstructor with my usual DC mix. I never, ever use it alone. You gotta do what works for you. If you can get a good regimen down to use with phyto, you can get awesome results. It does take some trial and error, but hopefully not at the expense of your hair's health.:perplexed
 
newflowers said:
I have been using Phyto for years with never a problem, as long as I stick with phyto. Reading the process, I think the problem is a combination of double reconstructor and the rinse, but I don't color my hair, I just know it is drying and that the phyto box says to wait for color and too much protein is never a good thing.

I also would recommend moisture and lots of it. If you have not done so already, then at latest by tomorrow. The ORS is good (and smells divine), but whatever super moisturizing conditioner you use should work. Try the moisturizing conditioner on dry hair with heat and then rinse. I also suggest conditioner washes a few times a week fir the next few weeks and avoid heat or anything else that dries your hair.

I hope your hair is better soon.
Click to expand...


Thanks Newflowers...I am going to dc my hair until it can't get any softer...LOL... I feel much better about my hair today (after some time has pasted) so I am sure that it will get better with enough dc-ing. I will give phyto another try in 3 months without the protein overkill.:grin:
 
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