Just curious, what do you think about...

[hopeful]

My hair never looked like that when I had a relaxer, they were harsh on my scalp, but it was never that bad

I do see a lot of Black women walking around with thin to no edges and darn near nonexistent hair lines, so he may have a point, so ppl are just OVER using relaxers.

I think the bolded part is a good point. If "some" people didn't hate their hair so much they would not overuse relaxers. If "some" people knew better how to care for their new growth they wouldn't be so anxious to slap on relaxer at the sight of 1/4 inch of kinky hair. If they just cared about their scalps more. I used to be ignorant too though so it's hard to be overly critical. When I was relaxed I wasn't like oooh look at my pretty new growth, when my scalp burned a little, I didn't think oh I need to do a better job of protecting my poor scalp, I mean you want the burning to stop because it hurts but I wasn't thinking of it in terms of self-love and protection. Anyway, I need to get out of this thread, I keep going on and on .

 

[Platinum]

I agree with Charmtreese. LynnieB's suggestion would be great, if that could be regulated. Or every beauty supply store, salon, etc... should sell small info pamphlets (and maybe each relaxer kit sold) with "how to properly care for relaxed hair" tips. The problem is in lack of education. We know very little about "our" hair.

Off topic, I know we are discussing relaxers and damage, but there are plenty of little girls with natural hair with dry, neglected, damaged hair as well...I see them all the time at my daughter's school, with braids in their heads for months at a time...looking thirsty, dingy and crispy. And damn near their entire head of hair falling out, with a poor few inches holding on. Basically lack of care for both relaxed and natural hair can lead to damaged hair. That video, looking at the patches, makes me so sad.

I agree with the bolded statement. I think the product manufacturers should offer free information on healthy hair practices as well as relaxer care. Most of them are just sending the message to the consumer that if you buy their products, you can have beautiful hair like their models. (Most consumers don't realize that the models are usual wearing weaves and the photos are retouched. All they know is that they will spend some serious money to get bone straight hair). I can admit that I was a victim of this a long time ago. There were times when I couldn't afford to go to the shop and I would try to self-relax. After relaxing, I realized that my hair didn't look like the lady on the relaxer kit box. So guess what, a week later, I was back in the BSS looking for that relaxer to give me that bone straight hair that I wanted. I guess the only thing that stopped me from looking like Michael Jordan was the fact that I DC'd a lot. But, then I wondered why my hair didn't seem to grow. So then, I'm back in the BSS looking for that "magic grow miracle potion". Unfortunately I believe that their are so many others out there that still do the same thing.

I thank GOD I learned about this site. I've learned so much about getting healthy hair as well as hair growth.

 

[FindingMe]

Yes, that video was disturbing but...Willie Morrow sounds kinda shady.

Did anyone else go to the website at the end?


Also check out his product website.

http://www.californiacurl.com/sitroot/pages/products/wn_bp_results.htm
Errrrrr?????

yea, this seems kinda shady...they tout themselves as "California Curl, Home of the Relaxer Alternative." hmmmm....:scratchch Plus, the documentary itself looks like it was done on someone's home computer. I don't like when folks spout stats and don't reveal the source of the statistics.

I do think, however, that any chemical service can harm your hair follicle over time, even if used safely, so I agree with the general premise that chemical services can cause harm, but I think they are trying to drive the point home a lil' too hard...

 

[Afro-Indi]

....when you wash your hair and it turns around gets nappy on you. you have to press your hair out just to make it straight and we just want hair like any other person and we're just tired of it.......

LynnieB: When that girl said this, my jaw just dropped!!!!
I was just shocked at the "have to press" comment.
I thought, this poor thing is so lost!
But I can't talk too much because you're right, alot of us have felt that way at one time or another.

Yes, that video was disturbing but...Willie Morrow sounds kinda shady.

Did anyone else go to the website at the end?


Also check out his product website.

http://www.californiacurl.com/sitroot/pages/products/wn_bp_results.htm
Errrrrr?????

Now you know that's some BULL-ISH.
He sets up a video to talk about damage caused by relaxers, but he's pushing his own chemicals?????????
I only looked over his site briefly, but I'm gonna look over the whole thing here in a minute.

...........I do think, however, that any chemical service can harm your hair follicle over time, even if used safely, so I agree with the general premise that chemical services can cause harm, but I think they are trying to drive the point home a lil' too hard...

I'm in TOTAL agreement with the bolded.

 

[BroadstreetBully]

Most of my hairdressers held that same sentiment. I am not tenderheaded or burn easily so they would let the relaxer stay in my hair for 15 minutes plus. Although my natural hair is growing out nicely, I do not believe that I will see my true healthy texture until I reach my two year mark (especially the finer sections in the front). I am SO happy I decided to transition to natural. My hair is thriving. I don't buy the "natural is not for me" saying. You were born with it...how can it not be for you?

It's been about 20 months since my last relaxer and my texture is STILL changing. I'll tell you one thing, once the scab hair is gone, you'll see a much softer, smoother texture regardless of hair type.

 

[BroadstreetBully]

I think the bolded part is a good point. If "some" people didn't hate their hair so much they would not overuse relaxers. If "some" people knew better how to care for their new growth they wouldn't be so anxious to slap on relaxer at the sight of 1/4 inch of kinky hair. If they just cared about their scalps more. I used to be ignorant too though so it's hard to be overly critical. When I was relaxed I wasn't like oooh look at my pretty new growth, when my scalp burned a little, I didn't think oh I need to do a better job of protecting my poor scalp, I mean you want the burning to stop because it hurts but I wasn't thinking of it in terms of self-love and protection. Anyway, I need to get out of this thread, I keep going on and on .

The issue is that "newgrowth" is mostly rough scab hair. People are thinking that this hair is a reflection of what their natural hair would look like when that is NOT THE TRUTH. I just cringe at the thought of how rough and dry my newgrowth in the back felt when I was relaxed. The texture now is TOTALLY different. I wish I could do a side by side comparison, people would be shocked.

This is why I find stretching relaxers to be an important part of healthy hair. Many years ago I went natural for a year or so, and then went back to relaxing. When I had my virgin hair relaxed it felt totally different from when I kept my hair relaxed overtime.


On another note:
I see children with neglected natural hair all the time, but I can't compare that in any way to a child with neglected chemically treated hair. If someone is going to outright neglect a child's hair, what's the point of using a chemical in the first place?

 

[InnerSoul]

Most of my hairdressers held that same sentiment. I am not tenderheaded or burn easily so they would let the relaxer stay in my hair for 15 minutes plus. Although my natural hair is growing out nicely, I do not believe that I will see my true healthy texture until I reach my two year mark (especially the finer sections in the front). I am SO happy I decided to transition to natural. My hair is thriving. I don't buy the "natural is not for me" saying. You were born with it...how can it not be for you?

@ the bolded I will have to agree with you on that note!

 

[Platinum]

yea, this seems kinda shady...they tout themselves as "California Curl, Home of the Relaxer Alternative." hmmmm....:scratchch Plus, the documentary itself looks like it was done on someone's home computer. I don't like when folks spout stats and don't reveal the source of the statistics.

I do think, however, that any chemical service can harm your hair follicle over time, even if used safely, so I agree with the general premise that chemical services can cause harm, but I think they are trying to drive the point home a lil' too hard...

Actually, I'm wondering how old this clip is. I don't think I've ever heard of "California Curl". Although I like the fact that someone shows what can happen if relaxers aren't used properly; I don't like the fact that someone exposes this, then follows up with a sales pitch for their products.erplexed Okay... I think he should offer more info about healthy hair practices instead of trying to flood the market more hair products. I'm still glad that I found this clip, though.

 

[CenteredGirl]

That was powerful. Indeed, I am happy that there is an effort to educated. I myself am no longer relaxing because my hair broke off and I had bad burns.

What puzzles me is that there are so many sistas with long thick hair who relax. So....????

 

[AsTheCurlzTurns]

Yes, that video was disturbing but...Willie Morrow sounds kinda shady.

Did anyone else go to the website at the end?


Also check out his product website.

http://www.californiacurl.com/sitroot/pages/products/wn_bp_results.htm
Errrrrr?????

Hmmm, I read about this line in another thread awhile back. Wasn't much feedback on the products. So I guess, 1-2 feedbacks = not worth it. But I don't get it though, it's like he's giving relaxers a bad rap, but he's advocating for them on that site above. I just don't know about this one.

My hair never looked like that when I had a relaxer, they were harsh on my scalp, but it was never that bad

I do see a lot of Black women walking around with thin to no edges and darn near nonexistent hair lines, so he may have a point, so ppl are just OVER using relaxers.

I agree with this post, I've had relaxers way back when and as a child, I only suffered chemical burns but wasn't that bad at all.

The one thing about relaxers that bugs me: People who had otherwise unhealthy hair and relaxes it just to have some SMOOTH edges and hair. Hmmmm, after relaxing, them edges and ends ain't no where to be seen on that head. Why??? It broke off!!!! Why put a relaxer on damaged hair? Just makes no sense!! Then gone have the nerve to put the hair in a ponytail with all that straight hair sticking out around the perimeter, with a "turtle-tail" smack dab in the middle!? And call it a style?? Ugh!!!

 

[bravenewgirl87]

Relaxers also give you cancer, HIV/AIDS, pigeon toe, crusting around the vaginal lips, syphillis, HPV

 

[naturalgurl]

WOW! I'm glad I decided to go natural before I burnt all of my hair follicles out. Some people can withstand relaxers and colors. Not just black women either. I knew this hispanic girl who bleached her hair all of the time and would change hair colors like you change a bra. Her hair was so thick and healthy. Then there were others like her whose hair seemed to fall out with wave perms and what not. It's based on the individuals hair. Me myself, my hair sheds at the mention of (whispering) cones,lye and color.

 

[naturalgurl]

Relaxers also give you cancer, HIV/AIDS, pigeon toe, crusting around the vaginal lips, syphillis, HPV

WHAT??!!!! Was that meant to be sarcastic and funny or serious and real????

 

[bravenewgirl87]

WHAT??!!!! Was that meant to be sarcastic and funny or serious and real????

sarcasm.
They also cause black men to leave you for white, asian, and hispanic women; also cause low self-esteem; a burning hair smell; funky feet that smell like burn keratin; uhboogooboo disease; bunions on your fingers and toes; hair to grow out your crack.

Leave relaxers alone.

 

[mahogany_horizons]

sarcasm.
They also cause black men to leave you for white, asian, and hispanic women; also cause low self-esteem; a burning hair smell; funky feet that smell like burn keratin; uhboogooboo disease; bunions on your fingers and toes; hair to grow out your crack.

Leave relaxers alone.

LOL...

 

[hopeful]

The issue is that "newgrowth" is mostly rough scab hair. People are thinking that this hair is a reflection of what their natural hair would look like when that is NOT THE TRUTH. I just cringe at the thought of how rough and dry my newgrowth in the back felt when I was relaxed. The texture now is TOTALLY different. I wish I could do a side by side comparison, people would be shocked.

This is why I find stretching relaxers to be an important part of healthy hair. Many years ago I went natural for a year or so, and then went back to relaxing. When I had my virgin hair relaxed it felt totally different from when I kept my hair relaxed overtime.


On another note:
I see children with neglected natural hair all the time, but I can't compare that in any way to a child with neglected chemically treated hair. If someone is going to outright neglect a child's hair, what's the point of using a chemical in the first place?

I see what you are saying but everybody doesn't have scab hair. Except for my nape hair (which was severely damaged), most of my hair is pretty much the same. My nape hair though improved dramatically. I get your point though.

 

[Pheonixx]

1. This is like 'Scared Straight' for transitioners.
Thank you Platinum!
I'm trying to stretch--but all week the 'crack' has been calling to me. I almost relapsed and hr ago...

2. I'm interested in knowing exactly where these ppl get their statistics....

3. You can be relaxed and STILL have a nice head of hair with a relaxer. I mean--of course there are women out there who take the time to learn how to apply a relaxer properly.
Who try to learn how to maintain relaxed heads but--it isn't everyone(from what I've seen)! Outside this board, it's hardly the majority.
I mean--every other day someone starts a thread about how friends and fam and strangers on the street have horrible hair and beg to hear the OP's secrets...
About how ppl are compelled to do wigchecks and weave inquiries upon seeing their hair.

That's gotta be indicative of something.

Anywho--
I know plenty of ppl who just throw relaxers into children's heads and don't have a friggin clue as to what they're doin.
Then again--many sistas can't even manage their own relaxed heads so what else to be expected?
I've seen little girls with long pretty (relaxed)hair but I've seen many more whose hair and sides were ate up like the lil girls in the video--made me want to slap the hell out of their mamas.[/FONT][/COLOR]

 

[Platinum]

Thank you for your input, Ladies. I had a friend who put a relaxer in her 3 year old daughter's hair.erplexed Her reason...she wanted her daughter to have bone-straight hair. I think a 3 year old is too young for a relaxers...

 

[anon123]

yea, this seems kinda shady...they tout themselves as "California Curl, Home of the Relaxer Alternative." hmmmm....:scratchch Plus, the documentary itself looks like it was done on someone's home computer. I don't like when folks spout stats and don't reveal the source of the statistics.

Amen. This video totally lacks credibility.

 

[InnerSoul]

I agree with the bolded statement. I think the product manufacturers should offer free information on healthy hair practices as well as relaxer care. Most of them are just sending the message to the consumer that if you buy their products, you can have beautiful hair like their models. (Most consumers don't realize that the models are usual wearing weaves and the photos are retouched. All they know is that they will spend some serious money to get bone straight hair). I can admit that I was a victim of this a long time ago. There were times when I couldn't afford to go to the shop and I would try to self-relax. After relaxing, I realized that my hair didn't look like the lady on the relaxer kit box. So guess what, a week later, I was back in the BSS looking for that relaxer to give me that bone straight hair that I wanted. I guess the only thing that stopped me from looking like Michael Jordan was the fact that I DC'd a lot. But, then I wondered why my hair didn't seem to grow. So then, I'm back in the BSS looking for that "magic grow miracle potion". Unfortunately I believe that their are so many others out there that still do the same thing.

I thank GOD I learned about this site. I've learned so much about getting healthy hair as well as hair growth.

I know I have been one of those mentioned n bolded.
It's a very ugly viscious cycle and unfortunately our hair gets the brunt of it.

 

[LiberianGirl]

The issue is that "newgrowth" is mostly rough scab hair. People are thinking that this hair is a reflection of what their natural hair would look like when that is NOT THE TRUTH.

ITA...I think the amount of scab hair and the time it takes to grow out greatly depends on the frequency of relaxer application, age of commencing relaxing, the length in time the relaxer was left on your hair, your texture of hair and the relaxer strength you used.

I am in my 16th month of transitioning and the real texture of my front and nape are finally showing. I was relaxed at an early age (7 or 8) and got a touch-up every 6 weeks, and stopped relaxing at age 28. But of course my new growth was scab hair that was dry and rough, which made hairdressers continue to use mild and super relaxers on my hair. Mind you, my hair is extremely fine and soft.

 

[myronnie]

I agree with the bolded statement. I think the product manufacturers should offer free information on healthy hair practices as well as relaxer care. Most of them are just sending the message to the consumer that if you buy their products, you can have beautiful hair like their models. (Most consumers don't realize that the models are usual wearing weaves and the photos are retouched. All they know is that they will spend some serious money to get bone straight hair). I can admit that I was a victim of this a long time ago. There were times when I couldn't afford to go to the shop and I would try to self-relax. After relaxing, I realized that my hair didn't look like the lady on the relaxer kit box. So guess what, a week later, I was back in the BSS looking for that relaxer to give me that bone straight hair that I wanted. I guess the only thing that stopped me from looking like Michael Jordan was the fact that I DC'd a lot. But, then I wondered why my hair didn't seem to grow. So then, I'm back in the BSS looking for that "magic grow miracle potion". Unfortunately I believe that their are so many others out there that still do the same thing.

I thank GOD I learned about this site. I've learned so much about getting healthy hair as well as hair growth.

SO True. The relaxer manufacturers should take the time to add information about how to relax the hair correctly so as to minimize damage. The only relaxer i have used where the manufacturer added helpful information (to base correctly, neutralize, etc.) was ORS No-Lye.

 

[lovinmylocs]

I will admit that the video is a bit suspect. I will say that where I live (in the heart of Brooklyn) I see plenty of people with relaxed hair that is begging for another way. Every single day I see someone with no hair line, edges all ate up, and only a finger snaps worth of hair. It's not just children but it's adults too. I have trouble getting people that I know to understand they need to give the relaxers a break. You can have healthy relaxed hair but for most part (at least in my parts) it not the norm.

As with everything you take it with a grain of salt.

 

[DragonPearl]

In all fairness, there are plenty of women on LHCF who have gorgeous head of relaxed hair. So the issue may not be relaxers per se, but the lack of knowledge on how to properly care for hair, natural and relaxed. That being said, I wouldn't put relaxers on children's hair, just like I wouldn't dye children's hair. It sends the wrong message, imo, plus it's chemical after all, and I don't think they need chemicals seeping into their scalp and brain.