Is there anyone here who don't stretch...

[cheri_flava74]

their relaxer and why? I asked because I heard from a couple of cosmetologist that the difference in the textures--- the relax hair and the new growth ---will cause shedding and breakage.

 

[Healthb4Length]

their relaxer and why? I asked because I heard from a couple of cosmetologist that the difference in the textures--- the relax hair and the new growth ---will cause shedding and breakage.

This is true, it may cause shedding in some, but shedding will naturally occur anyways. THe reason why it's advisable to stretch relaxers is to avoid overlapping. I think that those stylists have been ill advised in the proper treatment of black hair...hence this would explain the sad state in which many black women's hair is in. Yes there will be some breakage but if you learn how to handle both textures by doing styles such as twistouts, braidouts or even straightening the new growth only and by doing conditioner only washes you can successfully stretch your timing between relaxers like so many us ladies do.

 

[Divine Inspiration]

This is true, it may cause shedding in some, but shedding will naturally occur anyways. THe reason why it's advisable to stretch relaxers is to avoid overlapping. I think that those stylists have been ill advised in the proper treatment of black hair...hence this would explain the sad state in which many black women's hair is in. Yes there will be some breakage but if you learn how to handle both textures by doing styles such as twistouts, braidouts or even straightening the new growth only and by doing conditioner only washes you can successfully stretch your timing between relaxers like so many us ladies do.

ITA! My hair has NEVER been thicker or healthier than when I started stretching my relaxers. Like Ali said, shedding and breakage are going to happen on even the healthiest heads. The idea is to minimize both shedding and breakage by putting as little tension and stress on the hair as possible. I HIGHLY recommend stretching, and as you can see from all the disgustingly beautiful heads on this board, stretching can be very beneficial to retaining length. If you've never stretched before, I say start small...maybe 7 weeks or 8 weeks and work your way up. My first stretch was 9 weeks, then 15 weeks, and I'm 22+ weeks right now. It definitely gets easier with practice.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[brownhaired_bonanza]

their relaxer and why? I asked because I heard from a couple of cosmetologist that the difference in the textures--- the relax hair and the new growth ---will cause shedding and breakage.

I've never stretched. I'm not too interested either. Different strokes for different folks. It's every 8 weeks for me, or bust.

 

[Blossssom]

You know what I do? I simply AVOID the new growth. I don't comb it. That way there isn't any unneccessary shedding.

And if you know how to comb your hair, it shouldn't be breaking anyway.

BTW, I am on a baggie challenge until Christmas

MTG'ing all the way! Ha!

 

[pink_flower]

I always say I'm gonna stretch and I'm envious of everyone who can do it w/ ease, but I cave. The longest I've gone is 10 weeks. My range is 8-10.

 

[Isis]

I learned about stretching when I came to LHCF and it works very well for me. I believe stretching makes my hair stronger and since I'm using chemicals, I'd rather relax 4 times each year rather than more often. 13 weeks is best for me although I went 16 weeks once without a problem.

 

[goldensugar23]

if i stretch my relaxer my hair gets very tangled and will start breaking.The longest i can wait is maybe 12 weeks.

 

[sylver2]

You know what I do? I simply AVOID the new growth. I don't comb it.

Yup, I do this too. I barely touch it.


I use to not stretch. I got my touchups every 4-6 weeks. Nothing bad happened until a stylist overprocessed it. I rather wait now so I have enough new growth.
I also realized my hair grows faster when I stretch.
I get touchups every 10-12 weeks now.
I did go 6 months this year, but thats from me not ever touching my new growth. Just kept it flat with scarf.

 

[Blossssom]

Yup, I do this too. I barely touch it.


I use to not stretch. I got my touchups every 4-6 weeks. Nothing bad happened until a stylist overprocessed it. I rather wait now so I have enough new growth.
I also realized my hair grows faster when I stretch.
I get touchups every 10-12 weeks now.
I did go 6 months this year, but thats from me not ever touching my new growth. Just kept it flat with scarf.

And that's another reason why it's good to stretch. I also noticed the hair grows faster if you don't apply the relaxer too often. I thought it was just me imagining it.

Like you, I keep the front of my hair flat with oil and a scarf. I think I'm in week 7 of my last touch up.

Since I'm doing the Christmas stretch, it's a long way until New Year's

I'm glad you and I share a couple of hair tips. Maybe one day, I'll be you. Heehee!

 

[cheri_flava74]

Thanks for all of your responses. I transitioned before in 2003 and I had breakage but I thought it was from the color damage so I big chopped and wore a twa. My last relaxer was sep 05 and I would shampoo, deep condition, leave in, wrap and flatiron my hair once a week on the weekend. Most times I would deep condition twice a week and I would wear a bun. Now I have been experimenting with rollersets and I am in love with the body and bounce but of course my new growth isn't that straight so sometime I will flat iron the new growth. I don't have major breakage. I guess it is normal. I was thinking about transitioning again but decide not to so I was just concerned once I heard what the cosmetologist had to say and want to do everything I can to keep my hair healthy and growing. So if stretching is beneficial I then I want to continue doing it. I was planning on stretching until New Years but....hmm....we will see.

Slyver2---Your hair is very pretty. What is your regimine? I don't think I can do your scarf method right now because my hair is only neck length.

Blossom--I don't think I would be able to avoid my new growth since I do rollersets now but I am as gently as I could possibly be. I use Paul Mitchell the conditioner leave in, serum, and a wide tooth comb to detangle.

 

[Blossssom]

Cheri, it sounds like you have a good regimen going already. I also use a couple of Paul Mitchell products and they work well on my hair.

That cosmetologist just wants your money, girl. Of course she/he is going to say anything to keep you relaxing as oft as possible.

I don't plan to relax until after the new year, so join me... btw, anyone can do the scarf thingy.

 

[cheri_flava74]

Cheri, it sounds like you have a good regimen going already. I also use a couple of Paul Mitchell products and they work well on my hair.

That cosmetologist just wants your money, girl. Of course she/he is going to say anything to keep you relaxing as oft as possible.

I don't plan to relax until after the new year, so join me... btw, anyone can do the scarf thingy.

You are probably right about the cosmestologist. She almost had me convince though but thanks to the responses to my thread, I am back on track. I loooooooooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeee Paul Mitchell. I don't know why I buy so much other stuff because I always go back to my man Paul. I do like nexxus and herbal essence too. I am trying to use up all the other stuff that I have but I don't see the point since I have what works for me so I am going to get rid of alot of stuff.

The new year is when I was planning on relaxing since I decided not to transition so I am with you. What type of relaxer do you use? How long do you usually stretch? Do you stretch long in the summer? I am in sc so the heat and humidity is not going to allow me to wear my hair down especially with new growth.

 

[dlewis]

I don''t stretch like some of the other ladies. I relax about every 6-8 weeks and this has worked for me. I'm blessed to have a hairdresser that does exactly what I asked of her with no problem.

Also, don't try to use up what doen't work, use your shampoo to wash your panty hose, as dishwashing liquid or to wash your car.