• ⏰ Welcome, Guest! You are viewing only 2 out of 27 total forums. Register today to view more, then Subscribe to view all forums, submit posts, reply to posts, create new threads, view photos, access private messages, change your avatar, create a photo album, customize your profile, and possibly be selected as our next Feature of the Month.

*NEW* SELF RELAXER SUPPORT: WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN’T

⏳ Limited Access:

Register today to view all forum posts.

Register Log in
sylver2 said:
its hard to explain but i cut open a plastic cap and pin it to non relaxed half. it protects it from the relaxer & water when im rinsing the back.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Do you have any tips on seeing the back of ur head? Or another way of ensuring that ur not overlapping?
 
shunemite said:
My hair gets pretty straight I don't texlax. The best advice I can give you is to expect yourself to go slower than you intend to, so relax in sections and take your time. If you rush to be done with the whole head in 20 minutes, you're going to miss a lot of spots. So give yourself enough time to go through a section twice so the second time while you're smoothing you can check to see if you missed any parts.

Also, apply a little bit more than you think is necessary. The reason I say this is because when I first started relaxing I never applied enough. After I was done applying and I started smoothing, it looked like I hadn't even put anything on my hair.
Click to expand...

Thanks... How much new growth are u relaxing? I'm not a stretcher and I relax every 8 weeks. I haven't been able to master stretching and maybe that's what made it difficult for me. The whole time I did it I was afraid of overprocessing and overlapping. So I rinsed out too soon. My hair came out severly underprocessed. When I went for my corrective relaxer after that she went over it again with the relaxer, actually I've had about 2 relaxers at the salon since then and that section is still not straight. ( I actually think it may now be overprocessed now from the corrective since she left it in forever) So I kinda gave up on self relaxing, but everytime I go back to the hairdresser she makes me want to try again because she's so rough! She does not care and she does not listen to me when I tell her I'm burning. I had scabs everywhere the last time. And also some new bald spots where the hair got burned off. So anyway I'm scared, but maybe in sections I won't underprocess, now my fear is that the other side will get wet under the plastic cap. But all in all you ladies are very encouraging and helpful.
 
blackberry815 said:
Thanks... How much new growth are u relaxing? I'm not a stretcher and I relax every 8 weeks. I haven't been able to master stretching and maybe that's what made it difficult for me. The whole time I did it I was afraid of overprocessing and overlapping. So I rinsed out too soon. My hair came out severly underprocessed. When I went for my corrective relaxer after that she went over it again with the relaxer, actually I've had about 2 relaxers at the salon since then and that section is still not straight. ( I actually think it may now be overprocessed now from the corrective since she left it in forever) So I kinda gave up on self relaxing, but everytime I go back to the hairdresser she makes me want to try again because she's so rough! She does not care and she does not listen to me when I tell her I'm burning. I had scabs everywhere the last time. And also some new bald spots where the hair got burned off. So anyway I'm scared, but maybe in sections I won't underprocess, now my fear is that the other side will get wet under the plastic cap. But all in all you ladies are very encouraging and helpful.
Click to expand...
blackberry815 @ the bolded questions: I am in the braid challenge so I use that to help me stretch relaxers- I haven't been successful as of yet to stretch beyond 8 weeks without some sort of braids or cornrows. (I have 4b fine hair). I will usually go up to about 12 weeks. As far as overlapping, some of that always happens. I honestly just put the relaxer on the bottom and since I use my fingers I can actually feel the new growth.

Ok, underprocessing. If you base your scalp, which I do, it's gonna take the hair an extra like 5 minutes. Relaxing in sections (I do 4 sections coz I'm REALLY SLOW) takes care of the time. Another way I know my hair is "done" is when I go over the hair the second time with my fingers the hair feels straighter and it doesn't spring right back to it's kinky state.

Hair getting wet under the plastic cap is a simple solution: if you are planning on rinsing out in the sink, start relaxing at the front so when you rinse out the front, the back stays dry. If you're rinsing out in the shower, start in the back. I don't do left side/ right side, I do front/ back.
 
shunemite said:
blackberry815 @ the bolded questions: I am in the braid challenge so I use that to help me stretch relaxers- I haven't been successful as of yet to stretch beyond 8 weeks without some sort of braids or cornrows. (I have 4b fine hair). I will usually go up to about 12 weeks. As far as overlapping, some of that always happens. I honestly just put the relaxer on the bottom and since I use my fingers I can actually feel the new growth.

Ok, underprocessing. If you base your scalp, which I do, it's gonna take the hair an extra like 5 minutes. Relaxing in sections (I do 4 sections coz I'm REALLY SLOW) takes care of the time. Another way I know my hair is "done" is when I go over the hair the second time with my fingers the hair feels straighter and it doesn't spring right back to it's kinky state.

Hair getting wet under the plastic cap is a simple solution: if you are planning on rinsing out in the sink, start relaxing at the front so when you rinse out the front, the back stays dry. If you're rinsing out in the shower, start in the back. I don't do left side/ right side, I do front/ back.
Click to expand...

Funny you should mention that because I was actually just thinking maybe I should do cornrows under a wig for the last month or so to help me stretch another 4 weeks. So when u do 4 senctions how do u plastic cap the other 3 sections. I'm having trouble visualizing it. And thanks for the tips!
 
Bnster said:
@taz007 do you mix your SAA into your relaxer and the walnut oil? What is your receipe for this? I am going to purchase Mizani BB to relax my hair.
Click to expand...

I use about 2 tablespoons of SAA and 1/8 cup of Walnut oil in a container of Phyto relaxer. I also mix in a vial of Biolage Hydratherapie.

HTH
 
blackberry815 said:
Thanks! Do you have any tips on seeing the back of ur head? Or another way of ensuring that ur not overlapping?
Click to expand...

I do the ultimate no-no!! i use my fingers :lol: yeh i have yellow nails for a week but thats the only way i can self relax. i can't feel anything w/ gloves and i cant control w/smoothing brush because its just way too much hair.
 
Ok one more question for those of you who relax bone straight do you use a fine tooth comb for smoothing? My stylist does this and I'm assuming that's how she gets it so straight. And to all the self relazers out there in lhcf world... What do you do about trimming? I always get my hair trimmed at relaxer time, how have you guys handled trimming? If you self trim how do you ensure you're doing it evenly?

sylver2 do you rinse in the shower or sink?
 
blackberry815 said:
Ok one more question for those of you who relax bone straight do you use a fine tooth comb for smoothing? My stylist does this and I'm assuming that's how she gets it so straight. And to all the self relazers out there in lhcf world... What do you do about trimming? I always get my hair trimmed at relaxer time, how have you guys handled trimming? If you self trim how do you ensure you're doing it evenly?

@sylver2 do you rinse in the shower or sink?
Click to expand...


Hi, I'm a self relaxer, and I go bone straight. Does your stylist rake the comb through the relaxed hair or does she use the back of the comb to smooth the hair? Raking a fine tooth comb through the hair just seems like too much to me. I know that some people have hair that is resistant to relaxers, so perhaps that is why this technique is being used, but I have found that just smoothing with the back of a comb works, or even with fingers. I think the key is to appy the relaxer in small sections (1 inch parts) so that is can penetrate and break the bonds. Also, wouldn't combing tend to make the relaxer get on the scalp? I can not visualize a combing technique that does not put more stress on the hair and scalp.

Here are pics of my results from self-relaxing just a week ago. No comb raking involved.

IMG_8606-vi.jpg


IMG_8616-vi.jpg
 
EbonyMajesty said:
Hi, I'm a self relaxer, and I go bone straight. Does your stylist rake the comb through the relaxed hair or does she use the back of the comb to smooth the hair? Raking a fine tooth comb through the hair just seems like too much to me. I know that some people have hair that is resistant to relaxers, so perhaps that is why this technique is being used, but I have found that just smoothing with the back of a comb works, or even with fingers. I think the key is to appy the relaxer in small sections (1 inch parts) so that is can penetrate and break the bonds. Also, wouldn't combing tend to make the relaxer get on the scalp? I can not visualize a combing technique that does not put more stress on the hair and scalp.

Here are pics of my results from self-relaxing just a week ago. No comb raking involved.

IMG_8606-vi.jpg


IMG_8616-vi.jpg
Click to expand...



oooh purty purty! you did an awesome Job!!! to answer your question she only combs through the new growth to straighten it... not through the relaxed hair. I notice alot of dominican salons do this to help straighten the hair too. But my stylist is Jamaican and she does this also.... what relaxer did you use?? It looks like you went and got it done!
 
EbonyMajesty said:
Hi, I'm a self relaxer, and I go bone straight. Does your stylist rake the comb through the relaxed hair or does she use the back of the comb to smooth the hair? Raking a fine tooth comb through the hair just seems like too much to me. I know that some people have hair that is resistant to relaxers, so perhaps that is why this technique is being used, but I have found that just smoothing with the back of a comb works, or even with fingers. I think the key is to appy the relaxer in small sections (1 inch parts) so that is can penetrate and break the bonds. Also, wouldn't combing tend to make the relaxer get on the scalp? I can not visualize a combing technique that does not put more stress on the hair and scalp.

Here are pics of my results from self-relaxing just a week ago. No comb raking involved.

IMG_8606-vi.jpg


IMG_8616-vi.jpg
Click to expand...
EbonyMajesty Looks really good! @ the bolded, I haven't used a comb to comb any relaxer through my hair in years, and I have 4b hair. I read advice about that and decided not to use a comb in my relaxer process. I actually just use my fingers to put it in and smooth also, and it always gets processed well enough.
 
blackberry815 said:
oooh purty purty! you did an awesome Job!!! to answer your question she only combs through the new growth to straighten it... not through the relaxed hair. I notice alot of dominican salons do this to help straighten the hair too. But my stylist is Jamaican and she does this also.... what relaxer did you use?? It looks like you went and got it done!
Click to expand...

I used Mizani Butter Blends relaxer. I think it is for sensitive or fine hair. Thanks for the compliments ladies. :look:
 
Nix08 said:
You'll be very happy with them!
Click to expand...

Thanks I'm hoping so..... I'm both nervous and excited about trying this again.. this is the last key that would make me hair stylist free since I only go for relaxes.... I'm only 4 weeks post so I'm using this time to gather all the info o need so I don't mess it up again....lol

Sent from my ADR6400L using ADR6400L
 
blackberry815 said:
Thanks I'm hoping so..... I'm both nervous and excited about trying this again.. this is the last key that would make me hair stylist free since I only go for relaxes.... I'm only 4 weeks post so I'm using this time to gather all the info o need so I don't mess it up again....lol

Sent from my ADR6400L using ADR6400L
Click to expand...

Good luck. I hope you remember us and post pics after it's done. I'm sure it will be beautiful.:yep:
 
blackberry815 said:
Ok one more question for those of you who relax bone straight do you use a fine tooth comb for smoothing? My stylist does this and I'm assuming that's how she gets it so straight. And to all the self relazers out there in lhcf world... What do you do about trimming? I always get my hair trimmed at relaxer time, how have you guys handled trimming? If you self trim how do you ensure you're doing it evenly?

sylver2 do you rinse in the shower or sink?
Click to expand...

blackberry815 said:
sylver2 and all other bone straight gals...what relaxer do you use to get ur hair bone straight?
Click to expand...

I comb thru NG at the very end right b4 i rinse. The rest is smoothing. I go to salon for trimming and wash & set.
I rinse in shower, I have a handheld so i can focus directly on back or front.
I use Optimum no lye
 
And here I am with more questions..... So again, my first self relax was back in January and it was terribly underprocessed, in retrospect I think it may have been from basing my scalp so well... Im guessing the base I used (petroleum jelly consistency) got on my new growth and prevented my hair from processing... I didn't apply it to my new growth but on my scalp but it just migrated to the new growth... How do you base ur scalp properly without preventing your hair from getting touched by the base... Or ladies...is there some other method or product that you use to base your scalp prior to relaxing that would not interfere with the relaxer pr0ocess?


Even when I go to the salon I think I od on applying oil on my scalp thus preventing my relaxer from fully straightening everything because last time I went I used jbco just to try and soften my new growth to prevent pain when she's combing and parting my hair to get the relaxer in and some parts didn't fully straighten as silky straight as like it...

I don't want to burn but I want to be fully processed.... What's a girl to do?....

I also would like to know the shelf life of a lye relaxer.. I have a box is mizani purchased from my local bss... There is no expiration but I have this left over from my attempt in January...is it safe to use?

Sent from my ADR6400L using ADR6400L
 
blackberry815 I buy the big tub of relaxer and use it until it's done so I would say from January it's more than fine.

Like you I use to base my scalp with vaseline and felt I got under processed as a result. I like it straight as can be...my last relaxer 3 days before I relaxed I started prepping my scalp using wheat germ oil (just because it's my favourite oil and it seems thick). I was itching sooo bad prior to, so in the areas that I felt were tender I used a 'little' vaseline. It came out very nice - I did get a little burn in an unsuspected area - don't know what that was about...
 
Nix08 said:
blackberry815 I buy the big tub of relaxer and use it until it's done so I would say from January it's more than fine.

Like you I use to base my scalp with vaseline and felt I got under processed as a result. I like it straight as can be...my last relaxer 3 days before I relaxed I started prepping my scalp using wheat germ oil (just because it's my favourite oil and it seems thick). I was itching sooo bad prior to, so in the areas that I felt were tender I used a 'little' vaseline. It came out very nice - I did get a little burn in an unsuspected area - don't know what that was about...
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response...
So you would think its better to base the scalp a few days in advanced ? is wgo thicker than jbco?

So how long does it typically take u to finish a whole large tub of relaxer? I read a few things online about expired relaxers taking large patches of hair out of peoples heads.... Maybe it only applies to no lye relaxes but I was a tad concerned....



Sent from my ADR6400L using ADR6400L
 
blackberry815 that's what I did my last relaxer and what I plan to do going forward...I've actually never used jbco so I'm not sure. Prior to LHCF I self relaxed and bought the big tub of relaxer and never observed how long it lasted..maybe a year or half a year..since LHCF I've read about those incidents and they totally freaked me out too. I still plan to buy the big tubs and use it as I go...with my fingers crossed:look:


blackberry815 said:
Thanks for the response...
So you would think its better to base the scalp a few days in advanced ? is wgo thicker than jbco?

So how long does it typically take u to finish a whole large tub of relaxer? I read a few things online about expired relaxers taking large patches of hair out of peoples heads.... Maybe it only applies to no lye relaxes but I was a tad concerned....



Sent from my ADR6400L using ADR6400L
Click to expand...
 
Great Thread! Enjoy reading all the wonderful posts and Techniques.

I've adopted @Brownie518 post Relaxer Regimen for my First Wash and it's been working very well.:grin:

*Thanks Ms. B*:grin:

So I:

Re-Neutralize
Clarify/Chelate
(I acidify with Elucence Acidifying Shampoo)
Cowash
Protein Treatment
(I use Alter Ego Garlic under dryer for about 15-20 minutes)
Deep Conditioned w/Moisture I used KBB Luscious Locs Mask

( ) *It may not be entirely her exact Regi, but I improvised. However, But these are the basics.:lol:
 
This thread is right on time. After paying nearly $100 the last time I got a chemical service I will no longer be getting them done at the salon. I just can't afford it since I haven't found a job yet. I am going to read this entire thread and take notes.

Now if I could just figure out if I should use no-lye or a lye based relaxer??? Decisions, decisions....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

simplyconfident
How I Overcame (Blank)
Replies
9
Views
2K
remilaku
remilaku
LushLox
What Works For You And What Doesn’t?
Replies
24
Views
3K
FoundMyCurls
F
SandySea
Fragile--handle with care!
Replies
11
Views
2K
HoneyDew
HoneyDew
SexySin985
2011 LHCF Regimen Database
Replies
25
Views
5K
sky035
sky035
C
Faster Relaxer!!!(This is for Self relaxers)
Replies
11
Views
2K
AKA-Tude
AKA-Tude
Back
Top