I'm serious about streching my relaxer...

[aileendq]

...but I 've never done it before. I think I'll have problems with keeping the new growth flattened / smooth. I can use a scarf at night, but sometimes I sweat when I sleep, which will be exacerbated by having a scarf on my head. Also, I rollerset and airdry (or go under the dryer) and I wonder how difficult it will be to get the roots flat afterward.

I'm seriously considering laying off the relaxer altogether for the sake of my hair's health (=longer hair, imo) but I'm worried I won't be able to pull it off.

Can anyone offer suggestions or comments? Are there products anyone uses to help with this?

TIA

Aileen

 

[CandiceC]

I make use of my flat iron on my roots in order to stretch my relaxer. I'd rather put a little heat on them once a week for an extra four weeks than to give into a relaxer every 8 weeks. I'm able to go much longer this way, but I'll probably relax at 12 or 13 weeks.
Either that or I'm wearing a strawset for a week or two to hide my 4a/b new growth.

Make sure you keep your roots as well as the rest of your hair moisturized.

How many weeks post relaxer are you?

 

[aileendq]

Thanks, Candice!
I didn't think of the flat iron, and I would have never thought to moisturize my my roots.

Right now I'm only six, but I usually relax at eight. I'm going to *try* to go until twelve weeks.

Wish me luck!

Aileen

 

[WhipEffectz1]

You can do it dear! I once went six months but the last time was four months which I will probably stay at. When the going gets tough for me, I wear protective styles or do condition washes. I use s-curl to soften my new growth since after eight weeks, I rarely wear my hair down. I only comb new growth under the flow of water from the shower. Neutrogena Triple Moisture leave in is good to use. Find what works for you because everyone hair is different. Like the other poster said, just try to keep your new growth moisturized so it won't begin to break. I have some threads where I asked questions before and during my stretch. I will try to post them. Good Luck!

 

[WhipEffectz1]

Here are some links:

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=670&highlight=relaxer+stretch

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=18455&highlight=relaxer+stretch

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=18455&highlight=relaxer+stretch

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Hey girl!

First, let me say that I am loving your proper usage of the word exacerbate...very nice
About stretching...I have multiple suggestions. The first would probably be finding a style like CandiceC's that camouflages new growth or at least makes you comfortable enough to go out in public. I'd also recommend Wild Growth Oil on new growth since it's heavier, and as far as I can tell, does a great job of keeping new growth manageable.
Another favorite of mine, especially if you plan to rollerset or flat iron roots, is Giovanni Direct Leave-in. It's alcohol free, and it's leaves hair soft and manageable. It also does a great job at eliminating frizz and waves when incorporated into a roller set.

Whatever you do, hang in there as long as you can without breakage/shedding...and even then, you may just need to step up the conditioning. I have certain conditioners that are great for weeks 1-5, but after weeks 6-??? I have to bring out the heavy duty stuff and may even deep condition more than once a week.

Be encouraged...good luck!

 

[aileendq]

Thank you, everyone for your advise and for your encouragement. I've made myself a promise that if I can make it to November (four months and twice as long as I'm used to) I will buy myself a digital camera and finally post pictures here on LCHF.

I'm off to get some WGO....

Pax!
Aileen

 

[Naijaqueen]

Gooluck, initially I was only doing 9 weeks, now going for full 12 weeks, 3months, should be interesting seeing that I usually get a relaxer every 7 weeks or so. Its 6weeks now, and so far, so good, did deep conditioner today and have it in a baggie, with a dorag wrapped as my phony bun it looks nice, my aunt was asking who did my hair