New Relaxer Stretchers !! What Works, or Not!

[AtlantaJJ]

Hey I'm new to the stretch game, I was wondering what some of us new members are doing to get some stretch time in between relaxers.

This is very new for me and so far, I am getting into flat twists, falls, peices and gels, because my hair is short. I can definately see how stretching will be easier as my hair gets longer. Flat twists are helping me get through workouts without puffing up too badly.... pulling it straight back into a pony was not werking too good! LOL

Instead of blow drying, I am doing a wrap with the my crown rolled for the first time! I didn't do a full roller set because I'm going to do my flat twists again and slap my "Instant up Do" on, I love that thing. I just got it, I was cute during my yellow belt test; I worked out, sweated, and hair stayed neatly in place for the little celebration after the test!

What are some of your staples, tricks, tips ??

TIA

 

[Arcadian]

I've learned that the longer I stretch the more important moisture is. I use protien on a weekly basis as my hair just loves the stuff so for me, I make sure I moisturize a bit more the longer I stretch.

Being that its winter I now carry a small spray bottle of water, rose oil and glycerine for when my hair feels a little dry (plus its a good general pick me up for your face too). I've also learned not to comb so much. At first I was like but I really did find the benefits not combing to be amazing. took me a while to get the hang of not combing every day, BUT, that helped me much more during stretches because it kept manipulation low.

Ponies and bunning can be a little boring at times but do try out some hair toys. I'm always on the hunt for new ones.

Also the longer you stretch the more you need to pay attention to your hair because it will tell you what you need be it moisture, or protien. and don't stretch beyond what your hair will alllow. Stretching is all well and good for the health of your hair but not so good if your hair suffers in the end.

Good luck and keep us posted!

-A

 

[angie10]

I usually stretch to about three to four months. When I start getting a lot of new growth, I do more Co washing and lots of moisturizing (S Curl) that usually help. I mostly wear it pulled back, or I use scarfs. I have to admit, those last few months of my stretching is when I look tore up the most. I pull my hair back and it usually still look kind of poofy, but I don't care I just put on a nice pair of jeans, high heels, nice earrings and call it a day.

 

[CAPlush]

I flat iron my new growth on low heat. Probably not the healthiest way to go, but it works like a charm. Also, only comb/detangle once a week.

Note: I don't get the new growth straight at all, but it smooths it out pretty well.

 

[gymfreak336]

One thing that worked for me at about 7-8 weeks post was to pre condition the newgrowth with cheapie conditioner

 

[rdm]

Sta Soft Fro is my friend. I am constantly parting my hair in sections and spraying the roots. Co washing helps too. Let it detangle in the shower.

 

[Growinpainz]

I try to keep my hair in braids. Also, moisturize Moisturize MOISTURIZE!

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I try to keep my hair in braids. Also, moisturize Moisturize MOISTURIZE!

Moisture and conditioning seems to be at the top of everyone's list, what do you use for moisture?

 

[JazzyDez]

well moisture and conditioning always.....

but for the roots, and I've said this plenty of times. MANGO BUTTER. Elasta QP to be specific. It lays them naps down right. Tie a silk scarf while getting ready in the morning, and sometimes for the ride to work, and my edges stay flat and soft and slick all day.

The only neg about the product is it can be a bit heavy if you use to much, I dont mind it because I am not wearing my hair down. It also smoothes my ends and keeps them soft and moisturized.

 

[Wishin4BSL]

I flat iron my new growth on low heat. Probably not the healthiest way to go, but it works like a charm. Also, only comb/detangle once a week.

Note: I don't get the new growth straight at all, but it smooths it out pretty well.

I think this is a good idea. This is what I'm going to try for my 3 month stretch starting now. That's what one of my SO's sisters (long, ridiculously thick, GORGEOUS hair!) says she does.

 

[star]

I use olive oil on roots before shampooing and I use a light straigtening comb on the roots only as the new growth get really thick.

 

[e$h]

Well this is my first time stretching. I'm close to 18 weeks right now and my ng is off the chain! I'm cowashing 2wice a week and moisturizing with s-curl. But to tame them outta control edges of mine, beyond the zone stiff head has become my new best friend. I am however tired of bunning everyday but I don't have time for the other styles. Naw, let me rephrase that; I don't feel like all the maintenance with the other styles ie; braid outs, flat twists. I'm sticking with bunning for the remainder of my stretch.

 

[LocksOfLuV]

No fighting with my newgrowth. I came to turns that it is NOT relaxed, so it won't act like relaxed hair and I won't treat it as such. I don't try to get it straight, I embrace it and just try to get it flat (which are 2 diff. think IMO).

I protective style, moisturize TWICE a day, wash and dc once a week, and add tons of evoo to my deep conditioner and s-curl to the roots while dcing and as a leave-in.

 

[preciousjewel76]

No fighting with my newgrowth. I came to turns that it is NOT relaxed, so it won't act like relaxed hair and I won't treat it as such. I don't try to get it straight, I embrace it and just try to get it flat (which are 2 diff. think IMO).

ITA. Tying it down with a scarf is really important at this stage.

 

[FAMUDva]

No fighting with my newgrowth. I came to turns that it is NOT relaxed, so it won't act like relaxed hair and I won't treat it as such. I don't try to get it straight, I embrace it and just try to get it flat (which are 2 diff. think IMO).

I protective style, moisturize TWICE a day, wash and dc once a week, and add tons of evoo to my deep conditioner and s-curl to the roots while dcing and as a leave-in.

ITA and the bolded part is exactly what I do. I include a silk/satin scarf and that's it. I don't fit with my NG. I actually love it. I'm never going beyond 3 months again though... I lost much of my thickness the last time I streched for 8 months (it was supposed to be a transition, but oh well).

 

[Wishin4BSL]

If I don't detangle my new growth with a comb or get through it somehow, I get a lot of breakage during the relaxing process. That's why I'm going to try flat-ironing my NG this stretch.

 

[prettypuff1]

well i just stretched for 6 months, but i was wearing weave... my plan is to stretch for 6 months and hit the buns and moisterize and deep condition

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I tried the mango butter scarf on the edges trick and it helped reduce the poofiness quite a bit! That's a great tip. I haven't tried the SSF yet, but I'm getting tempted. I'm using surge with a little oil mixed with it that is doing okay so far also!
Thanks so much for all these fabuouls techniques... I swear, I didn't know such a thing as stretching a relaxer existed, I just used to go at my scheduled 6 weekes, or what ever it was... not thought or discussion about it! LOL

Its a wonder I had hair...

 

[asiaticlily]

I'm new to stretching as well. I'm trying to hold out for 3 months before I get my next touchup. I will have to try s-curl because my new growth is thick.

 

[LadyJay114]

the only way i can stretch past 8 weeks is washing and the flatiron

 

[Mars_Reiko]

I'm currently enduring my second relaxer stretch. My first stretch was 10 weeks. I'm about 11 weeks post now and I found out the deep conditioning, less washing, and heat are my friends. My new growth is really unmanagable at this point. So I use heat to tame it. I plan to only wash and dc every 2 weeks. I hate that I have to use heat, but I really would like to stretch my relaxer to 3 months or beyond. For now my method is working great.