Is Stretching Relaxers Really a Good Thing?

[myronnie]

I stretch, and it's a world of difference..I hate overprocessed thin lifeless hair so I like to stretch out my relaxers as much as possible to thicken my hair. My hair grows at an alarming rate, so i have to manage my new growth properly by moisturizing and sealing a lot of washing twice a week. I also deep condition overnight.

 

[onejamifan]

I've always gone 3-4 months between relaxers. It gets hard to stretch towards the last couple of weeks, but my hair has always done well. I do see that the longer I stretch, the more I shed. Garlic oil takes care of that.

 

[Highly Favored8]

When I did my last stretch which was 6 months my stylists said I should not do it b/c my hair did not like it. Well, in June of 2009, I was 12 weeks post and I relaxed and my hair was over processed and my hair did not like it.

The last time my hair did not like it b/c I did not protien/mositurize correctly. So, this time I am going for a 7 month stretch. I will not do a relaxer until 1-01-2010. My hair since I am stretching is healthier, and thicker as a result. It is the line of demarcration that is importatnt for me just making sure I do my protien /moisture treatments correctly. My hair is doing very well this time around. I am currently on my way to APL by the time I relax Jan.2010 I am expecting to be at the top of my bra strap. You really have to see what your hair is telling you depending on how you take care of it. My goal is to relax 2x a year b/f I go natural again.

 

[Junonia]

I usually wait until I get at least an inch of new growth before I relax and that's usually around 12-13 weeks. Anything over 14 weeks I notice more shedding and breakage at the demarcation line.

 

[HoneyA]

Honestly even though I have stretched 16+ weeks in the past (my last one was 22 weeks), I think my ideal time for a touch up is between 14-16 weeks and I doubt I'll be stretching any longer than that in future which in itself is a good stretch. The probability for breakage and setbacks is too high. You need to get that protein and moisture balance right or you'll end up with breakage. It does aid in preventing overprocessing at touch up, keeps hair thick and gives you a nice length surprise but I can get all those benefits at 12 weeks as well.

 

[mzcris]

Hi there...

I've learned that long stretching is not for me..so I relax my hair every 6-7 weeks.

 

[in_di_vi_du_al]

I am currently on my first BIG stretch. I am SEEING A LOT OF GROWTH! And Im loving it no matter how unmanageable my hair is- I figure a ponytail/bun is the way around it all. I haven't had a relaxer since June 5th and dont plan to get one until the last week of August 08/28/2009

It`s looking good soo far!

 

[Casarela]

its hard to stretch past 11th week IMO.

 

[Dogmd]

i can't stretch anymore. my hair will matt up and my roots go on strike and " lock down on me" ... so.. i relax every 10 weeks. Without FAIL!!

 

[beans4reezy]

I am definitely a stretcher. My longest stretch was about 9 months when I was pregnant with my son and the results were absolutely fantastic...length and thickness was off the chain. A shear happy stylist cut my hair to even it out, so I am trying to stretch another nine months to mimick the success I had earlier.

Stretcher for life!!!

 

[sharifeh]

I'm still trying to figure this out. My last 2 stretches didn't turn out too well.
I'm about 8 weeks post and I have a little bit over 1 inch of new growth right now.
I don't know. I haven't figured out the secret to stretching yet or whether it's beneficial yet.

I've never relaxed before 8 weeks in my life so I've never had a problem with thinning hair except when I was using direct heat like everyday.

 

[A_Christian]

A friend of mine who's been turned on to healthy hair care practices for a year now stretches for 12 months approximately (applies a relaxer once a year) and is now dayum there waist length from somewhere between SL and APL. The longest her hair has ever been! She's always had nice thick hair though when we were in college but later on stopped taking care of it. Now that she's back on it, her hair is the BOMB and dark!

Given the kind of work that she does, she mostly keeps her hair in box braids or another protective style, nothing fancy a bun is the fanciest she'll go actually. She'll keep each braid well moisten and when her hair gets too mushy or stretchy, she'll do a protein treatment. My point is protective styling + long stretches may be the key for some.
I should have taken a picture to share. Next time....

Thanks for posting this! I'm at 29 and a half weeks post and going for a full year. It's pretty easy for me and I'm not experiencing damage. The key for me was finding products that work well for my texture; After I did stretching became pretty easy for me. I'm sure the super long stretches are not for everyone but a mini-stretch here and there would be good to give one's hair a break from the chemicals.

 

[LushLox]

It definitely works for me. My hair was so thin at the latter part of 2008, one year later the difference is noticeable. Initially I was interested in thickness, which I'm starting to see now but the stretching is really helping me to retain length as I know what methods I need to adopt and products to use to minimise breakage. It's a keeper!

 

[nymane]

I just came off a 27 week stretch, I said I wasn't going to do it again because it's really time-consuming, but after seeing the amazing results...I just might do it again

I think stretching is great if you can do it without breakage.

 

[knt1229]

The key to stretching is deep conditioning and moisturizing on a regular basis. Anyone who plans to stretch needs a solid regime that they follow religiously.

Stretchers need a moisturizing deep conditioner at least once a week and they should keep the hair moisturized with a leave in conditioner or hair moisturizer and seal with oil.

Also, protein conditioning is needed to keep the hair strong so make sure you have a good protein deep conditioner that you use every other week and the protein deep conditioner should be immediately followed by a moisturizing deep conditioner.

Oil pre-poos and oil rinses also help make the hair soft and more pliable.

These are the main things that have kept my hair manageable and soft with no breakage at all.

My last relaxer was 12/29/2008. Currently, I am 60 weeks post relaxer.

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

It works for me. Yet, I do not stretch more than 16 weeks, for the health of my hair. I condition until I can't condition no more via deep conditioning, co-washing, and moisturizing/sealing.

I love it!!

 

[beans4reezy]

Depends on the head- not everyone responds well to stretching. For me though- I am an avid stretcher. The added thickness and length after a stretch ends is absolutely intoxicating! Plus, it feels like I actually reach my length goals quicker when I am not relaxing every 6 weeks.

 

[sunnieb]

I've found that the healthier and longer my hair gets, my 14-week stretches get easier. I cowash often to keep my newgrowth from matting and I can bun/ponytail the last two weeks with no problems.

 

[TLC1020]

Its clear by the responses that stretching is not for everyone...

The longest I stretched was 20 weeks and that is b/c I bc and my hair was short and I didn't want to over process it by relaxing it every few weeks. While stretching I hardly manipulate my hair unless it is shampoo day, other than that it will be in a bun. I am currently doing another 20 week (5 month) stretch and will end that stretch the week before Christmas.

Stretching is not bad but it definitely not for everyone..

 

[marla]

I plan to start stretching. I retouch every 6 weeks now and will slowly progress to 7, thne 8. 8 is the longest I have ever stretched then I had a set back with my nape area. Now I have a new regimen that's working great!!! So stretching here I come!!!