Is it possible for Anyone to Stretch Successfully

[Sweet_Ambrosia]

I've read soo many posts on here and other hair forums when some folks say they can't stretch for "X" amount of weeks else they'll get major breakage. When hair breaks it's either lacking protein, moisture or a combination of both. Since there are soo many products and natural remedies that can help curb and even eliminate breakage altogether why is it so hard for some to stretch more than they're used to? Just a thought.

 

[Blu217]

I hated my first stretch and had the breakage issues. But I'm working from home now and, since I don't have to leave, I also don't have styling concerns. Thus I can avoid a lot of manipulation. My breakage is minimal because I rarely comb; only when detangling is absolutely necessary--and then I use S-Curl. When I'm stretching and leave the house, I wear a scarf or hat and keep my hair in a bun. I just completed a successful 3-month stretch and my hair is way long now (yay!); I am VERY gentle with my hair. But if and when I return to the office, I will not be stretching for such long periods, if I am stretching at all.

I think the problem for most of us is that even with products, different grades of hair may not be as strong as others. And not everyone follows super-gentle hair maintenance, even tho they know they should--detangling can get VERY frustrating and it's easy to find yourself giving up and guiltily ripping thru a section just to get it over with. Thus long periods of stretching are not universally possible. I think it's most successful for certain people with certain types of hair and certain hair regimines.

 

[LynnieB]

not stretching between relaxers but i do have almost a year's worth of new growth......

not only the moisture/protein balances and low manipulation, i think ALOT also has to do with the 2 textures themselves.

folks that have relaxed bone-straight, imo, would have the biggest challenge of all stretching. not only is the hair much weaker, there's such a humongous difference between the texture of the ng and that of the relaxed ends. so if someone's hair is very kinky/curly and relaxed bone straight, there'd be alot of stress on the line of demarcation especially in the detangling department.

i think the biggest reason why i haven't experienced alot of breakage is because my relaxed hair is very close in texture to the chemically treated hair.

just thinking out loud though......everyone's mileage will vary.

 

[navsegda]

I've read soo many posts on here and other hair forums when some folks say they can't stretch for "X" amount of weeks else they'll get major breakage. When hair breaks it's either lacking protein, moisture or a combination of both. Since there are soo many products and natural remedies that can help curb and even eliminate breakage altogether why is it so hard for some to stretch more than they're used to? Just a thought.

Everyone's hair is different. But all hair--no matter how great the balance of moisture/protein or how strong--breaks at a certain threshold angle and when pressure is applied in a certain way (although these threshold angles may vary from head to head) and no product in the world is going to prevent this from happening. Shedding is moreso a problem than breakage for some people who cannot stretch extended periods of time and there isn't a product to glue your follicles into your scalp forever.

 

[Mars_Reiko]

I had a hard time stretching my first go around as well. The first stretch was 10 weeks, and I thought I was going to die My problem was that I didn't have enough paitence when handling my hair. Also, I wasn't doing things that worked for me. I was taking advice from others about what I should do. I do agree air drying is safe but for me to do that so many week post was just a disaster. Heat and less washing has helped me stretch my relaxer to my current 16.5 weeks now.

 

[tryingto]

I found that since I have chosen texlaxed(sp) hair over bone straight, I have no probleums whatso ever stretching, my 1st stretch of 12 weeks was rough, however I had the bone straight overprocessed hair, I now am currently at 17 weeks post, have not decided yet when I will touchup, I have no mad tangles, or shedding issues,In my case I believe it had a lot to do with the texture of hair, more so than any product, or handling I was doing,

 

[InnerSoul]

I have been stretching for 3months and am getting relaxed tommorrow
I had breakage.. I think everyone has some form of it.. but to minimize my breakage at the demarcation line(sp?) I have to keep my new growth soft by washing hair 2x per week...but this is what works for me and my hair. Someone else may have to do other things to stretch for a certain amount of time. I also think texture has a lot to do with it.

 

[deltagyrl]

For me the key has been to keep my NG soft. This will be my longest stretch (17 weeks) when I relax on Saturday. I normally stretched for 12 weeks but since discovering the power of prepooing, I can probably stretch for 20 weeks next time.

 

[Catina72]

I think I am stretching successfully! i started slow, first 6 weeks, then 8, then 10 and now I am on my 2nd 12 week stretch!! Although I am getting relaxed this weekend I feel like I could have stretched for several more weeks! I make sure to keep the hair moisturized 2x per day and I seal with WGO. I deep condition pre-poo each wash and so far so good!!

 

[MissFallon]

I think I stretch successfully. However, I think stretching for me is longer than a lot of ppl on the board. I usually consider stretching anything over 36 weeks post. I am currently 42 weeks post and havent had any issues. I think learning what products makes your hair more manageable is the key. I have learned that Aussie 3 Minute Miracle is my miracle product along with S-Curl. B4 LHCF rollersetting was my savior and the longer my ng got the easier it was to straighten with just rollers. I use a mild protein conditioner (Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, Motions CPR, and Hair Mayo) every wash and then follow with a moisturizing one. Airdrying has helped me stretch along with the moisturizing conditioners because my ng dries really soft and blends well with the length of my hair. I am aiming for a 100 week stretch. I guess after that I will decide whether I am really transitioning. My ng right now is really easy to manage tho. One of the main things that helped me is that I have always gone atleast 5 months between relaxers.

 

[leleepop]

I think the more you do it the better. I have 4a hair and at first I thought it was too coily to stretch but it isnt. I think if anyone is determined to, they can find the key to strech their texture.

 

[e$h]

Before finding this board, I was already touching up every 3 months. I was always taught to do this. I never even knew that people would touch up every 2 months. When I read that, I was shocked . I was patting myself on the back having to deal with my ng for that even that long. Then finding out that stretching actually benefits your hair (stylist always said stretching was bad) in the long run, I just had to do it. Don't get me wrong, it was hard. But finding out what products to use when stretching, helped out MAJORLY.
Getting to the point, after week 18 or so, I found out that I had to leave my ng alone. I washed 1nce a week and had to flat iron after. Airdrying was outta the question at that point.

 

[Amarech]

Stretching is all relative. I mean a stretch for some might just be normal for others. I agree with the whole protein = strength to a certain degree. But all the protein in the world won't make up for other factors such as difference in hair texture, styling methods, patience! I know! I have personal experience. I could probably stretch to 5 months if I had the patience. But stretching is more than just a pause between touch ups. Remember that the longer you go before your next touch up, the more you have a difference in texture on your head. Doesn't matter if you use protein, no heat, carefully comb. Most of us don't have the patience or the time to give hair with two textures the TLC it needs. For that reason, the hair will break at the line of demarcation (sp?).

I cannot go beyond 3 months, but I'm sure there are some here that cant go beyond 2 or those who can stretch way past 5. Either way, its a lot more than strengthening hair.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

Well, I'm about 14 months post relaxer, and I've still got some hair.

I've dealt with minor breakage which is to be expected with a stretch/transition this long, but it hasn't been major or anything I couldn't control with moisture/protein.

It's all about finding the products and techniques that work for YOUR hair.

For me, ACV rinses, cold rinses, the Mebco comb, Nexxus Keraphix, PM The Detangler, and patience have been my best friends.

 

[Bosslady1]

I am currently 10 weeks post and I am having a hard time. This is my first stretch. Next stretch I will aim for 3 months. I am giving in at 2.5 months this time.

 

[LocksOfLuV]

I think the more you do it the better. I have 4a hair and at first I thought it was too coily to stretch but it isnt. I think if anyone is determined to, they can find the key to strech their texture.

OMG I totally agree.

I was in the boat that my hair was too "rough" or too "coarse" to stretch. I gave up on stretching a while back then I changed a few things. I really did learn that keeping the newgrowth soft, detangling products, and the right combs can be the truth for stretching. All this stuff was right here at LHCF in my face but I thought it wouldn't work since my hair was "too nappy."

Like Lelee said, I think if you put your mind to it anyone can stretch longer than 6 weeks. IMHO 6 weeks is nothing. You just have to learn that when stretching your newgrowth might not straighten like your relaxed hair because it isn't relaxed and I learned not to treat it as such. I stopped fighting with my newgrowth and I give it what it wants. Moisture and detangling moisturizing products. I think stretching only becomes a problem when you have 'relaxed expectations' on your newgrowth, if that makes sense.

 

[AmyInAtl]

what saves me is slathering cheapy conditioner on dry hair, smooth w/ hands and bun........
the next day, i repeat...CON on dry hair bun....
I have went up to 3 days doing this
I detangle in the shower, with my fingers.....
if theres tangles, i add oil (jojoba), to increase slippage
Then I do a protein tx......

this helps so much, when i'm looking at my stretched hair issues, and dont feel like dealing with it.

does anyone else do CON on dry hair for a day or more and go...
BTW, I will no longer be relaxing for the bone str8 look, i think a nice texlax, will help me enjoy less breakage, and my hair will be stronger to handle some nice styles

 

[glamazon386]

I've stretched successfully plenty of times over the course of the last 3 years. I never had any problems with breakage as a result. Stretching actually allowed me to see progress with my hair. It simply just didn't need to be relaxed as often. I didn't really manipulate my hair either since it was usually covered with a half wig. I used to take it off once a week to wash and comb through my hair. I've only really been wearing weaves for an extended period of time (other than special occasions) the past yr or so. My last stretch was 26 weeks (after which I chopped) and the one before it 24 wks. Both were a breeze to me.