I Was Going for 12...But I Give Up!

[SmilingElephant]

Okay ya'll.....i've been trying to stretch for 12 weeks...i am now 10 weeks and 1 day post.....so tomorrow....i plan on relaxing my hair.

It's soooo matted...i can barely get my fingers through it!! So it's gonna be over tomorrow...and i think im also gonna get some Manic Panic and dye my hair red.

I need to feel better. I've been so stressed out and depressed all month and not being able to run my fingers through my hair like i like to is just not helping.

 

[TressObsessed]

Ok...if it will make you feel better go ahead but be sure and base really good...I stretched for 12 weeks but I was going for 16..didnt make it erplexed...I was so anxious to see the new length...but I did do the hard core protein treatment one week before and made sure it was ready...for some reason my hair sheds a lot when I stretch, but with the pre relaxer protein treatment...NO SHEDDING!!

 

[C@ssandr@]

I am also 10 weeks post. I'm going for 12 too. I say relax. Your sanity is just as important. This is my second 12 week stretch (from 8 weeks). Evoo+Evco pre poos and low mani have helped me keep the ng in check.

 

[shandaw]

Girl, I completely understand I am 13 weeks post and my hair looks awful. I co-washed on Wednesday for the first time and my new growth was tamed, some what. I will see how much longer I can do it but I don't know. I was going to go next weekend, now I'm not sure. I understand exactly what you are talking about. Stretching is very hard.

 

[Dacia38]

I'm in the same boat. I was going for 12 weeks. I am at week 10 and I have decided to Relax on Sunday. I did an Aphogee Protein Treatment last week becuase my noticed a lot of shedding. My new growth is insane! I would say I have a little over 1 inch of thick NG. Last night I washed and did a pre-poo beforehand. My hair is a lot softer today, but it was hell detangling last night. I'll oil my scalp all weekend so I'll be all set.

~Dee

 

[theprototype]

It's ok OP No use in continuing a stretch if your hair isn't cooperating. You don't want to end up with breakage and/or excessive shedding.

I think stretching is a learning process. Try to increase each stretch by a week or two each time.

Also, there are some great threads here about stretching, which may be helpful to you for the next time!

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=396048
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=356989&highlight=stretch
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=118195&highlight=stretch+support

 

[**SaSSy**]

I know how you feel. I was trying to stretch for 16 weeks, but just yesterday I made it to only 14. I miss wearing my hair out and running my fingers through my hair. I went from being 2 inches from BSL in the back to now being less than half an inch from BSL. So I guess if I waited I would've been BSL in the back :-(

 

[vtoodler]

Yes, I know what you're talking about. I went 15 weeks without perming recently, and it drove me nuts. I would never do that again. I think that 10 weeks is probably my limit.

 

[SmilingElephant]

Yeah, this is actually my second time going for 12 weeks....my last stretch was a successful 12 week stretch...but this time....bc of all the other stress factors...it seems as if the way my hair looks right now just topped it with a cherry.

It's gots to go!

I'm also gonna dye it vampire red today with Manic Panic.

 

[janeemat]

Girl do your thing. I'm not mad at you. I am 17 wks post pushing 18 and when I tell you it's like a jungle. Last night after swim class I let Alter Ego and Silicon mix sit on my hair for over an hour. It was still the worse to detangle. I seriously started questioning my reasoning behind this madness. I don't think I will ever see 24 wks

 

[chrstndiva]

I completely understand. I was also going for a 12 week stretch, but I am only 10 weeks and 2 days post. I plan to relax on Saturday. I have over an inch of NG all over and I am new to stretching (started from 6 wks). It's getting to be too much to deal with all this NG and I am getting tired of braidouts. Maybe next time.

 

[gissellr78]

I am 10 weeks and I can't take it...I am relaxing tomorrow lol

 

[Leesh]

I Wish!, No but I wish I needed to relax at 12 Weeks or even 14 or even 16, I am an extreme Slow-Grower, I only get .33 a Month, so 12 Weeks would have Me at about 1 "Little" inch. Good for You though, Go for it, It will help You to feel a little better, I'm sure.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

I am starting my 9th week of "hopefully" a Successful 16 week Stretch. Hopefully, I will complete the 16th week. But I won't beat myself up about ending it at Week 14.

You want your Stretch regardless of the time-frame, to be "successful." No sense in "stretching" and have to deal with an impending set-back of any kind.

It actually ends up Not being a Healthy Hair Practice if you don't get positive results from your efforts.

Almost, kinda Defeats the Purpose.

SE (and all You Others that are Ending sooner than Later):You Done Good!

Now GO & Enjoy Your Freshly Relaxed Hair

 

[MrsSmitty77]

Fantastic thread thanks OP.

 

[SmilingElephant]

So maybe tomorrow i'll post pics.....it came out really pretty...i finally trimmed my wiry looking ends....so i think it looks soooo much better! I also cut my bangs again...back to the eyebrows

So i guess Waistlength can wait for next year.....i'm stuck at MBL ya'll...and its all good

 

[Reecie]

You guys are a little more advanced in your "stretching" than I. I will hit my 8 week mark on Wednesday. I am planning on stretching for 12 weeks total, so it will be interesting to see if I can make it. I am doing a no heat/bunning personal challenge as well, so hopefully I will get some good results.

I guess the positive side to having to relax early is that your hair has grown like crazy, thus too difficult to manage. Ya'll need to remember to post your post relaxer/comparison pics for inspiration for the rest of us trying to stretch to 12 weeks. Ya'll might be the key to our patience and strength!!!

 

[sharifeh]

Congrats! can't wait to see the pics!

 

[hillytmj]

Congrats everyone!

 

[Lanea87]

Dang I'm like Leesh, I wish I had a reason to relax at 10-12. Heck 16 is always my minimum, though I am going for 24wks this round.