In regards to relaxers...very long!!

[*closer*2*my*dreams*]

UGH I'm frustrated because i wrote this long thread and then my computer started acting janky and long story short, i have to start over again!!!

Ok, here goes....I haven't had a relaxer since January 2008. In February 2008, I joined LHCF to learn how to grow my hair healthy, long, and strong. I originally began thinking i would stretch my relaxers, but it actually turned into a transition. Now with my full-time course load, full-time job, internship, extra-curricular activities, search for grad school, and studying for the GMAT, i decided that my hair needs more TLC than I can give it. What I mean is, with the two textures, my hair is the site of a war zone, each texture needs something different and i swear i have about 4 different textures in my head! I figured that I should relax my hair and transition again when I have more time. I'm not saying that relaxed ladies have it easier or that relaxing will solve my problems. I know that my relaxed hair needs TLC too, but it's so laid back & easy going. Yes I will co-wash, mositurize, oil, use my OCT/MT and DC like crazy still, but if I miss one day or one step, my relaxed hair is ok whereas my other textures are screaming at me!!

So, I figured i could skip one or two days and be fine, that will give me more time to focus on my studies and sleep as opposed to stressing over my hair. I love the natural texture that has shined through, but i know right now that i'm not equipped to give it what it needs. I don't want to BC because i graduate in May and I'm determined to have full SL bouncy flawless locks underneath that cap!! LOL...

So today i decided I would take the plunge and relax. I decided on Mizani Butter Blends (I think a lye relaxer is best for me. If anyone has any other suggestions for Lye relaxers, i'm open to ideas). I located a salon that uses Mizani & Affirm. I spoke with the stylist and asked her a few questions. Well, I guess I gave off "signals" because she in turn asked me questions. Her first was if i ever had a relaxer,; i told her my last relaxer was in January 2008 and she replied with "you don't touch-up every 5 weeks?"; my eyes immediately cringed and I said no. Then she said that I have virgin hair because it's been longer than 6 months and that the relaxer has to be ran all the way through. I told her ok because I knew I would jump on here and get an answer before my appointment at 6:30 tonight.

So my questions are:

1. Was she correct in saying I have virgin hair even though i clearly have relaxed hair on my head?

2. Should I let her run the relaxer all the way through? I know my relaxed ends look "suspect" but i don't think they need relaxer on them. I don't want to over-process my hair

3. Should I just let her texlax me and not touch my relaxed ends?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA!!!

 

[Odd One]

i would say DONT let her relax the relaxed ends!!

Same thing happend to me.my last relaxer was a year ago when i BCd but still had 1.5 inch of relaxed ends, i relaxed 3 weeks ago and did the ends too... i now have over processed frizzy ends

 

[Briabiggles]

BUMPING for you!

 

[BotanyGrl]

Find a new stylist. She has already proven to you that she doesn't know what the heck she is talking about. Don't risk damaging your hair by going to the appointment because your next thread will be about how she ran a relaxer from roots to ends.

 

[november wind]

She thinks a relaxer should be touched up every five weeks???; unless your hair grows an inch a week, that sounds like to often to me. IMO the best thing would be not to go to this stylist. Your relaxed ends are still relaxed, and they will be until they are cut off--they can't be "revirginized". She ONLY needs to apply relaxer to the new growth, no matter how much you have. If you still decide to keep your appointment, stress to her that you only want the new growth relaxed, not to touch the relaxed hair, and please protect your relaxed ends really well, as I suspect that she will try to sneak relaxer to the already relaxed ends. I use conditioner and/or oil on my relaxed hair, to lessen the chance of overprocessing. I think it would also be a good idea to base your hairline and scalp before the appointment. Good luck =)

 

[*closer*2*my*dreams*]

Thanks ladies!

Unfortunately, I will keep my appointment with her because it's really hard to find time to do something like this and i'll probably stress out more between now & then and aggravate the situation even more (like hair loss etc)...BUT I am going home before and oiling my ends and scalp and I will be watching her like a HAWK!!!

 

[BostonMaria]

Are you sure you want to go to her anyway? You might be risking all that new growth. If you waited 13 months, you can't wait a few more days and try to find a new stylist?

I'm not relaxed anymore, but I used to relax my hair. Here are my answers:

Was she correct in saying I have virgin hair even though i clearly have relaxed hair on my head? Yes your new growth is virgin hair (probably 6 inches). The rest is not.

2. Should I let her run the relaxer all the way through? I know my relaxed ends look "suspect" but i don't think they need relaxer on them. I don't want to over-process my hair Never. But I have a feeling she's probably going to do that anyway.

3. Should I just let her texlax me and not touch my relaxed ends? If your entire hair was new growth I'd say yes. You might have two textures if you texlax.

Good luck!

 

[*closer*2*my*dreams*]

You're absolutely right...i've waited 13 months, so i may as well wait a few extra weeks lol...i'm just so impatient and i definitely do not want this one to work against my disadvantage. thanks!

 

[Foxglove]

I would definitely not go to her. She sounds suspect and she may turn your 13 month new growth into a setback that you may have to chop off anyway. I say get braids or cornrows or something put in and take your time finding a stylist who won't ruin the growth you worked so hard for

 

[sqzbly1908]

I can definitely appreciate you impatience...I know when I am ready to relax, the anticipation kills me. But I am not comfortable with your stylists response. Heck, even the relaxer box states 4-6 weeks - if you are able, to wait and maybe research another stylist it might be in your best interest. If you still go to her, make sure she understands exactly what you want before she even puts the cape on you...and especially show you what products she will be using in your hair as well...

 

[blessedandlucky]

i'm late but i would cancel the appointment b/c she's talking about relaxing every 5 weeks...clearly not knowledgeable. i'm sure you didn't work this hard to sacrifice your growth. hope that it turns out okay and that you like it. let us know.