MAJOR KNOTS, TANGLES, and MATTING! Trying to stretch.

[BeatriceFly]

I'm thinking I should just go relax
I'm getting nervous
I want to stretch and retain length
But everyday when trying to moisturize i canNOT even part my hair
Its completely MATTED
And some parts are so bad its like one big knot

I relaxed August 10
And I was underprocessed at the roots on top of that

Im just afraid its all about to break off and when I DO go get a touch-up they're going to be rough or something with getting through these parts I dont know

I just washed yesterday and detangled and now today I'm back to a tangled mess

Please help

 

[HERicane10]

I KNOW WHERE YA AT! I been thinking the same thing. I got about 1-2 inches of new growth and just had a relaxer after Labor Day! I'll be getting a relaxer next week! Girl, just start oiling your scalp with lightly diluted castor oil for 3-4 days and then RELAX. My 'healthy stretch' is about 7 weeks!

 

[e$h]

I really don't have much advice hon I just wanted to say that your hair in your Avatar is really nice. Sorry I couldn't be of much help though.

 

[KhandiB]

My advice is to relax.

Why cause yourself stress and breakage trying to get through that.

Some people who dont stretch have phenomenal growth and health such as Kinikakes

I do not go past 8 weeks because I just refuse to stress myself out, and if I say so myself, my hair is kinda hot

LOL

and if you still dont want to relax.. Co wash with a very moisturizing conditioner until your ready ...

 

[laCriolla]

A lot of ladies on the board swear by Roux Fermodyl 619 treatment to get rid of matting, tangles, etc. Also Roux Porosity Control conditioner.

maybe do a search on it, and see what you think? I just purchased some to try this weekend for the first time so I can't give any advice on it yet.
However, Sallys is having a buy one get one free sale on Roux Fermodyl.

hth

 

[Dayjoy]

I'm having the same problem and decided to come out of my stretch at 10 weeks (I was shooting for 12). I don't feel bad at all. I suggest you do what will make you feel better too.

 

[nycutiepie]

I suggest relaxing. I'm not going to stretch anymore because it ended up causing me more harm than good. I was a follower and tried to do what I saw everyone else doing and I had major shedding/breakage. I say do what your hair tells you to do.

 

[VirtuousGal]

Could it be your relaxer that makes your hair this way??? Also, oil rinsing brings death to tangles...

 

[silverlotus]

Another suggestion is ACV rinses and detangling under the shower. Really slippy conditioners like KC Humecto, or ORS Pak help too. Keep the ng moist. I know some on the board swear by S-Curl. Or you can make your own mix with cheapie condish, water, + oils in a spray bottle. That way you don't have to part as much. Good luck, stretching is hard!

ETA: this thread may help you - http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=118195&highlight=support+thread

 

[Moroni]

Something that has helped me to stretch is StaSofFro. I've read some negative things about it here on the board, but, when my NG gets bushy, I keep my hair in a bun, and I keep the NG moistened several times per day by poking holes into my hair and spraying directly onto the scalp. (BTW, what in the world is a cone?) The Fermodyl really does an excellent job as a detangler, too! Thanks for the tip about Sally's, laCroilla, I'll pick mine up tomorrow.

It also helped me to remember, too, that everyone's hair is not the same, so I had to forgive my hair when I had to relax it at 10 weeks, while I wistfully read about ladies who stretched for 3 or more months. My 4a fine threads just wouldn't stand for it, and my hair grows pretty quickly.

Your hair looks great in your avatar. Just remember, if the purpose of stretching is to allow the hair to stay healthy while you retain length, but you lose more hair in your attemp to stretch, you're defeating your purpose. Good luck, Ebony. Let's GROW!

 

[LovelyLionessa]

Something that has helped me to stretch is StaSofFro. I've read some negative things about it here on the board, but, when my NG gets bushy, I keep my hair in a bun, and I keep the NG moistened several times per day by poking holes into my hair and spraying directly onto the scalp. (BTW, what in the world is a cone?) The Fermodyl really does an excellent job as a detangler, too! Thanks for the tip about Sally's, laCroilla, I'll pick mine up tomorrow.

cone=silicone


BTW, Pantene Breakage Defense Mask is great for detangling NG. Also using Sunsilk leave-in (I like the Straighten Up) is good keeping NG under control. Regardless, I know I can't trust my NG to any stylist, they were always to rough on it. That's part of the reason why I self-relax now.

 

[MissMusic]

I was having this problem at about 9 wks and I was going to relax, but I tried clarifying because I realized I had not done so in awhile! I had been using a moisturizing poo to keep moisture! I pre-pooed with Burt's Bee's Avocado, Clarified with Aveda Shampure, and deep conditioned (ORS Replenishing Conditioner) with heat. My hair came out great! Just a suggestion, may not work for you, and if you're worried about breakage try a heavy protein treatment followed by deep condition. Good luck!

 

[BeatriceFly]

Thanks ladies for all your comments/suggestions
I use S-curl AND stay soft fro interchangeably almost daily
And I wash and deep condition weekly
The tangles I noticed are RIGHT where my new growth ends

I think I'm going to relax sooner than intended

 

[***Toy-Pisces***]

Thanks ladies for all your comments/suggestions
I use S-curl AND stay soft fro interchangeably almost daily
And I wash and deep condition weekly
The tangles I noticed are RIGHT where my new growth ends

I think I'm going to relax sooner than intended

I know exactly what you are talking about! I went through that today. I'm so ready to BC!

 

[ILYandY]

I am in the process of stretching as well I'm going into my 9 week and my 4b relaxed hair gets thick and hard. I recently used nexxus phyto organics Enphuse as a DC and it made it easier for me to comb through and its not as bulky.

I also use Ojon Tawaka creme as a moisturizer it cost $$$ but I like it.


Just take your time experiment/try products and stick to a strict regimen after all you do want full healthy hair??

 

[mturner0516]

Girl i say relax , I was just thinking about this yesterday. I've been stretching for 14 weeks and i have about 2-3 inches of new growth. I have tried oiling my scalp, cw w ors , porosity control, acv....and these things helped me detangle at the time. Then once my hair is dry.....my hair says "NO" and it's matted....I am taking my own advice and relaxing next week. Oh, did i mention? I'm shedding like a dog.

 

[shortt29]

Hi ladies!!
I am currently 10 weeks post and I am stretching for 12 weeks. I thougt it was gonna be worse but I'm making it with coconut milk for a pre poo! It just melts my newgrowth.

 

[sweetgal]

Matting is not a good thing! Go relax girl-streching is not for everyone

 

[tenjoy]

I say go ahead and relax. Not every can deal with stretching and you are only going to make things worst. Al long as you not overlapping, u should be straight.
The good thing is your learning what works for YOUR hair