How to Stretch 101- Class in session

[HWAY]

This is A great thread. I'm 8 weeks post relaxer and only relaxing because I'm attending a wedding this weekend. I've been getting Dominican blowouts . I don't wear buns or falls, but I may have to start because my goal is to stretch for 12 weeks. Now I'm shedding a lot, so I think its time for a relaxer.
I rely on my UBH moisturizer, Sidr butter and shea butter. These are great moisturizers.

 

[Anna9764]

I remember one girl recommending to listen to your hair. In other words stretch for as long as your hair allows you to. Shedding or losing too much hair and it's time to relax.I remember waiting for 3 months before I knew what stretching was, I can only dream of 5 and 6 months. Practice makes perfect I guess

 

[jeabai]

I'm also new and planning to stretch for 11 weeks (I usually relaxed at exactly 6 weeks). My next touch up will be December 16.

Anyway, a few questions:
1. How do you ladies go about moisturizing your new growth without combing/manipulating your hair too much? Do you part it and spray the moisturizer on?

2. Do you massage your scalps at all during your stretch? I love to massage my scalp for a few minutes nightly, but I usually tangle my hair in the process. I'm thinking it might be a better idea to part my hair and massage my scalp in sections.

Thanks for any suggestions!

My question is similiar. I'm using MT on my scalp 3-4 days per week any suggestions on how I can continue use with combing?

 

[mahogany_horizons]

on my 11 week stretch, and I am by no means a huge stretcher, nor am I fit to be giving advice, as 12 weeks is the limit for me, but when I got to a certain point of tangling, I began deep conditioning for up to 2 hours, and I also started finger combing to detangle all of my hair as upposed to using a comb. I'm scared to go beyond 12 weeks, as I don't want to risk breakage, but stretching has thickened my hair out sooooo much!

 

[nikki2229]

I just finished my second stretch.
The first one was 10 weeks and this one was 2 days shy of 12.
I decided to relax because the tangles and breakage was nerve racking to me. I didn't want to lose my progress. I would eventually like to go to 16 weeks or be able to do a consistent 12. Hopefully one day I will be able to transition but I know that I am not ready for that yet.

Where do you buy a Jilbere comb?

 

[vestaluv1]

I originally planned on transitioning, but it turned out to be an almost 10 months stretch. I did this succesfully through:

• Finger combing first to detangle, then using a shower comb-once a week
• Handling the hair VERY gently... extra careful
• Low manipulation hair styles. I braided my hair twice a week after every wash and wore wigs for the most part.
• Deep conditioning after every wash with light protein ORS Mayo.
• Moisturing ad sealing every day, concentrating on the ends ad demarcation line.
• Using heat only once every three months.

AND THATS IT!

 

[MzOptimistic]

I remember one girl recommending to listen to your hair. In other words stretch for as long as your hair allows you to. Shedding or losing too much hair and it's time to relax.I remember waiting for 3 months before I knew what stretching was, I can only dream of 5 and 6 months. Practice makes perfect I guess

Best advice ever. ^5 The best way for me is to stretch a week longer each time I touch up. I was finally able to make it up to 12 weeks last time. Another thing I have done was to not track what week I'm in. I set a memo in my cell phone, so I know to relax my hair at 12 weeks. I use to monitor what week I was in but not anymore. Next thing you know, you look around and you have a head full of new growth, thinking wuh tha?!?....where that come from Right now I think I'm 4 or 5 weeks post. Idk but I feel the newgrowth.So basically try to stretch a weeker longer than the last time you relaxed, deep condition weekly, around 6 weeks start doing Co washes, protective style, and don't track what week you're in (set a reminder for when you want to touch up and keep it moving)

 

[MzOptimistic]

I originally planned on transitioning, but it turned out to be an almost 10 months stretch. I did this succesfully through:

• Finger combing first to detangle, then using a shower comb-once a week
• Handling the hair VERY gently... extra careful
• Low manipulation hair styles. I braided my hair twice a week after every wash and wore wigs for the most part.
• Deep conditioning after every wash with light protein ORS Mayo.
• Moisturing ad sealing every day, concentrating on the ends ad demarcation line.
• Using heat only once every three months.

AND THATS IT!

Good Advice Minus the heat. I don't use heat but that's me...

 

[soonergirl]

Almost 12 weeks, getting a relaxer next week , cannot wait...

I co wash daily or every other,deep condition, i finger comb under the shower water and only actually detangle 1 time a week. I only go 12 weeks at this point, I am too antsy to see my progress...

 

[MzOptimistic]

on my 11 week stretch, and I am by no means a huge stretcher, nor am I fit to be giving advice, as 12 weeks is the limit for me, but when I got to a certain point of tangling, I began deep conditioning for up to 2 hours, and I also started finger combing to detangle all of my hair as upposed to using a comb. I'm scared to go beyond 12 weeks, as I don't want to risk breakage, but stretching has thickened my hair out sooooo much!

Darn it I keep forgetting When I relaxed at 12 weeks for the first time ever, I had to be extra careful because my newgrowth was a beast. I had to take my time and I was starting to get a little frustrated I ummmmm....think I'm going to keep it at 12 weeks...cuz....I don't want to risk breakage either

Thanks for reminding me of that Mahogany ^5erplexed

 

[likewtr4chklit]

So far I'm on week 16 and I can just cosign with the others as far as washing once a week, combing only on wash day, good moisturizing conditioners, light protein when needed, and bunning, phony pony's, half wigs, and twistouts. My only extra is that I use honey and water to hold my edges down....luv it! I'm going for 22 weeks.

 

[Aveena]

My new growth needs a different level of moisture than my relaxed hair. What I've noticed when I'm past 10 weeks is that I always ran the risk of over moisturizing my relaxed hair so I started to treat my new growth differently. This is what I do.

Deep condition my roots prior to washing/cowashing the hair. I apply the conditioner like I would a relaxer to new growth.

Then, I'll cleanse and condition my hair as I normally would. This has helped a lot with breakage along the line of demarcation.

 

[tnorenberg]

I usually stretch between 8 and10 weeks if I can. Definitely cosigning on the cowashing 2 to 3 times a week. Currently I am using MegaTek growth aid so it is protein rich to help keep the line of demarcation and entire shaft strong. My detangling Holy Grail is Silicon Mix. It melts any tangle I have ever had very gently. Another good detangler and new growth manager is Pantene's Extra Liso Combing Creme.It makes my new growth look like a fresh perm. HTH

 

[jeabai]

I usually stretch between 8 and10 weeks if I can. Definitely cosigning on the cowashing 2 to 3 times a week. Currently I am using MegaTek growth aid so it is protein rich to help keep the line of demarcation and entire shaft strong. My detangling Holy Grail is Silicon Mix. It melts any tangle I have ever had very gently. Another good detangler and new growth manager is Pantene's Extra Liso Combing Creme.It makes my new growth look like a fresh perm. HTH

Do you apply MT to your scalp? How often and how do you get it there. I know it sounds silly but If your suppose to comb as little as possible.... I'm 10 weeks post, going for twelve and my demarcation line seems to be really fragile. Would spraying my hair down before parting for the help? Can U tell I'm new

 

[TemiLnd]

I change up my regime as the montsh go by. i can stretch anywhere between 4-6 months. right now I'm transition so its been almost 9months.

What i do:
1st month after relaxer - min manipulation and enjoy my hair, wash once a week, only comb on wash day and finger comb the rest of the time.
Month 2: Braidouts and twistouts are your friend!!!
Month 3: Some type of cornrows, too much growth to deal with.
Month 4 - 6: Individual braids.

Well done for stretchimg. Once you perfect it, you'll find yourself only relaxing 2/3 times a year...

 

[mahogany_horizons]

Darn it I keep forgetting When I relaxed at 12 weeks for the first time ever, I had to be extra careful because my newgrowth was a beast. I had to take my time and I was starting to get a little frustrated I ummmmm....think I'm going to keep it at 12 weeks...cuz....I don't want to risk breakage either

Thanks for reminding me of that Mahogany ^5erplexed

You are welcome.....once around week 12....for me, that's the limit, I'm seeing too much breakage. Like someone else said on here, you don't want thick hair, and thin ends

 

[Honi]

I’m currently at 4 months and got two more months to go.

I stopped using shampoo. With my hair it just makes the newgrowth dry and draw up tight and the hair begins to matt at points on the length of my hair. I switched to shampoo bars and no more matting.

Do not comb your hair when dry. You are just asking for breakage. Comb only with conditioner in your hair and the shower stream running over your hair to assist.

Protein…a must to keep it strong. I use AO GPB or Aphogee reconstructor. In between I’ll do shakaki rinses twice a week followed by a good moisturizing conditioner.

Hair one as a hairdress on dry hair is fab! When you rinse your hair in preparation for a co wash, etc you will be able to comb thru your hair almost effortlessly! I love this stuff.

Frequent CO washes to deep the hair detangled and to removed shed hair. You will know when it’s time.

Wide toothed combs only!

Low manipulation. Oil ends and length of hair daily. This is the oldest part of your hair so keep it moist.

If you airdry, tie your hair down with a scarf so that the newgrowth lays flat.

 

[tnorenberg]

Do you apply MT to your scalp? How often and how do you get it there. I know it sounds silly but If your suppose to comb as little as possible.... I'm 10 weeks post, going for twelve and my demarcation line seems to be really fragile. Would spraying my hair down before parting for the help? Can U tell I'm new

I use MT on my scalp for every co wash ( 2 to 3x a week).I let the MT stay on 5 -10 min while I shower. I only rinse it slightly then do my regular cowash with Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship (people will refer to this here as LTR). Then I comb my hair out and detangle under running water. If it is still difficult to comb then I slather on the Silicon Mix, then rinse and comb.

I use a small applicator bottle from Sally's to put the MT on my scalp. I just use about a quarter size amount of MT and add about 2 oz water to the bottle and squeeze it on and rub it in.

When I started out stretching I used Keraphix a lot to strengthen the D line. As for combing dry. Be careful and take your time. I know some people swear by S Curl to soften the new growth to make it more manageable.
HTH

 

[charmtreese]

I usually stretch anywhere from 3 to 5 months.

Here are my top 10 methods that help me!

1. Washing once a week (with WEN)- This helps keep the scalp clean as well as limits manipulation. I tried increasing co-washing while stretching and the manipulation was too much for my fine strands.
2. Using protein treatment weekly once the line of demarcation is noticeable. I use Nexxus emergencee weekly (for 1-2 minutes) once I have a substantial amount of NG, normally around week 8.
3. Deep conditioning Weekly with a moisturizing conditioner - DC’ing keeps my NG soft
4. Rollerset - I can’t airdry past 8 weeks or my hair will dry weird! However I can rollerset and then airdry, but that usually takes too long so I use my bonnet dryer
5. Flatiron roots- past week 10 My roots get ubber thick and can tangle so to keep them smooth and the line of demarcation less stress I flatiron my NG (ONLY) weekly after each rollerset!
6. Moisturize daily- this keeps my hair soft and smooth
7. Oil daily- this keeps tangles away, my strands cling together less with oil
8. Finger comb daily- I only comb my hair on wash day, so I smooth and detangle daily with my hands. This way I have a lot less stress on my strands.
9. Use VERY little product. I always rub my moisturizing cream into my palms before applying and I use very little. When I use less I tend to have no build up which can cause matting if I have a lot of NG.
10. Wrap hair at night- This just keeps all of my hair nice and flat and I have NO tangles or dryness issues in the morning. If I do it’s normally the NG in the center of my head, and I just apply a little extra oil to that area.

HTH!!

 

[A856]

Best advice ever. ^5 The best way for me is to stretch a week longer each time I touch up. I was finally able to make it up to 12 weeks last time. Another thing I have done was to not track what week I'm in. I set a memo in my cell phone, so I know to relax my hair at 12 weeks. I use to monitor what week I was in but not anymore. Next thing you know, you look around and you have a head full of new growth, thinking wuh tha?!?....where that come from Right now I think I'm 4 or 5 weeks post. Idk but I feel the newgrowth.So basically try to stretch a weeker longer than the last time you relaxed, deep condition weekly, around 6 weeks start doing Co washes, protective style, and don't track what week you're in (set a reminder for when you want to touch up and keep it moving)

this is what I do!...it's sooo much easier

 

[jeabai]

I use MT on my scalp for every co wash ( 2 to 3x a week).I let the MT stay on 5 -10 min while I shower. I only rinse it slightly then do my regular cowash with Herbal Essence Long Term Relationship (people will refer to this here as LTR). Then I comb my hair out and detangle under running water. If it is still difficult to comb then I slather on the Silicon Mix, then rinse and comb.

I use a small applicator bottle from Sally's to put the MT on my scalp. I just use about a quarter size amount of MT and add about 2 oz water to the bottle and squeeze it on and rub it in.

When I started out stretching I used Keraphix a lot to strengthen the D line. As for combing dry. Be careful and take your time. I know some people swear by S Curl to soften the new growth to make it more manageable.
HTH

Thank You! That's the method I'll use!

 

[chocolatethai]

i agree with the baby steps i started with 4 fours-back when i didnt know no better, then upped it it to 5 weeks then six weeks then 8 weekes and now i'm stretching for 12 weeks

 

[RODI]

I'm also new and planning to stretch for 11 weeks (I usually relaxed at exactly 6 weeks). My next touch up will be December 16.

Anyway, a few questions:
1. How do you ladies go about moisturizing your new growth without combing/manipulating your hair too much? Do you part it and spray the moisturizer on?

2. Do you massage your scalps at all during your stretch? I love to massage my scalp for a few minutes nightly, but I usually tangle my hair in the process. I'm thinking it might be a better idea to part my hair and massage my scalp in sections.

Thanks for any suggestions!

BUMPING! BUMPING!

 

[prospurr4]

I stretch my relaxers up to 3 months (13 weeks maximum). A successful stretch for me depends on lots of moisture and low manipulation.

 

[hillytmj]

I have never stretched past 8 weeks, but my hair is growing really slow right now. My hair normally grows the fastest from June to September, but it's not really bad right now. I think I will stretch until I feel I need a relaxer (when it becomes unmanageable), but all of the tips here make me believe it will be manageable for a long time.

My question...how do you know when you need to use protein? Also, do any of you mix it in your conditioner? My stylist does this.

 

[patientlygrowing]

:bouncegre bumping... any new suggestions for unruly NG?

 

[Simply_Kelz]

I didn't read the whole thread so this has probably been said but I stretch anywhere from 12-16 weeks. I try to time it around holidays, birthdays and special occasions, which is why it changes.

I cowash daily, and I know alot of people with a 4a/4b people may think that this is not for them, but it's great for me, whether I wear a twistout, braidout or a bun. I only detangle once a week, usually in sections towards the end of the stretch.

I begin to apply my DC like a relaxer, and I usually add either EVOO or coconut oil to it.

I work WITH my hair, not against it. If my hair is 14-weeks post, I'm not going to try to straighten it, I instead give it what it needs, and wear textured styles that camoflauge the new growth.

 

[blessedandlucky]

bumping...

 

[India*32]

Your hair looks beautiful. I have to learn to post my pics now that I have a Fotki account. Any advise?

Simone

 

[amber815]

I just finished up my 1st 6 month stretch. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, probably since its not humid outside at the moment lol. I washed and DC'ed weekly. Aussie Moist and Deeeeep became my friends. I did ponytail rollersets and just flatironed the roots. I already use fermodyl 619 but I started using the 619 extra strength and it seemed to work really well on my NG. After this stretch I ended up a lil past BSL so I was extremely excited!