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

[taz007]

I try to be consistent with the amount of relaxer on the Sprush to prevent overlap. What about you?

I was going to try the Sprush with my last touch up but I could not get the entire Sprush into the jar.

I will be trying it for next touch up in 3 weeks (lawd I cannot wait!!!). What I will do is take all of the relaxer out of the jar and place it into an oblong container. This way, I will be able to put the entire Sprush into the container.

 

[flowinlocks]

Great thread, Grow!!

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

• relaxing my nape and hairline last
• allowing the neutralizer to process for 10 to 15 minutes prior to rinsing out AND continued rinsing several times to make sure the relaxer is out
• using porosity control after dcing to further bring down ph.
  

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:

• ORS No-lye - leaves me underprocessed even WITHOUT adding oil
• No lye relaxers peroid, can't deal with the calcium build up, plus they make my hair super dry.
  stretching

Please include examples of things you believe in.

• doing a protein treatment prior to rinsing out neutralizer
• basing the scalp- I usually skip this step because I don't burn easily.
• protecting the already relaxed hair
• relaxing the hairline last and for a lesser amount of time
• protein treatments the week prior and the week after a relaxer
• Not relaxing the hair bone straight till it sticks to my scalp.
• cowashing a fews days later to replenish moisture and further remove "perm" smell.
  

Please include specific techniques.

• relaxing my hair in four sections
• using a tint brush to relax
• Starting the next relaxer on the section in the back that had the least amout of processing time the last tu.
• 
  making a fifth section with the crown hair since this area is prone to dryness and breakage. Relaxing it second to last, before the nape and hairline.

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.

• 
  Hawiian Silky Mild lye relaxer
• Vitale neutralizing poo-I like it because it gets the job done and it has garlic.
• Motion's CPR, ORS, or Silicon Mix to dc. sometimes a combo of at least 2.

Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.

• putting the relaxer in an applicator bottle
• adding a ceramide oil like WGO or Hemp to my dc post relaxer

This is pretty much my identical method of relaxing. Differences are in red.


ETA: This is one from IDareT'sHair's list that I do also.

Having everything you need at Arms Reach before you start. i.e. Timer, Towels, Combs, Neutralizing Shampoo, Mid-Protein etc....everything should be "Hands On"

 

[JJamiah]

*What have you tried that you KNOW works:

*What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:

Never skip a pre treatment, post treatment , skip my motions moisture plus before neutralizing ,

*Please include examples of things you believe in.

I believe heavy in PRE-Relaxer treatment. I have had such healthier hair when adding this to my process. If I don't pre-treat I halt my relaxer until I do it.

I also do a protein mild/moderate the week after such as Nexxus Emergencee or aphogee 2 minute.

*Please include specific techniques.

The Gold Sprush works very well. I LOVE IT! I don't self relax anymore about 3 years now, but I bought this brush for my stylist and have used it myself what a charm. Must have!http://www.templeclean.com/pages/product_sprush.htm

*Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.

I love the Motions System, it is a product that does my hair justice. I do a pre-relaxer treatment with APHOGEE 2 Step and Silk Elements Creme Container MegaSilk for 2 hours.

I have my stylist use the Motions Relaxer, Motions Neutralizer, Motions Moisture Plus, & Silk Elements as part of my relaxer steps.


*Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.
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[NJoy]

Hey! Great thread. Checking in and saving my seat.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Another One is:

No un-necessary manipulation of the Scalp/Hair prior to.

Scratching, Harsh Brushing/ Combing.

Keep the scalp as minimally undisturbed as possible the day(s) prior.

 

[Lady Esquire]

I'll come back with a more detailed post. Great tips, DIYers!!!!

 

[BlackGeisha]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:

OMG I will never clarify beore relaxing ever again, big mistake. Never ever begin relaxing w/ your nape or edges first, begin relaxing where your hair is most coarse or resistant.

Please include examples of things you believe in.

Protecting the length of your hair with oil, and protecting your scalp works.


Please include specific techniques.

I relax using the half and half method, this ensures and even application while only keeping the relaxer on for the recommended amount of time which is between 10-25 mins. After washing out your relaxer before you nuetralize you should apply a protein treatment while the cuticle is still open.


Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.

I currently use and love the Nairobi brand relaxer, I use the Joico K-pak recontructer as my protein treatment. I also like applying a BKT after my relaxer using a clear rinse first. Maintenance includes using Mendex to tackle any breakage.


Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.

Hmm new techniques I haven't heard of anything that I would like to try as of this point.

 

[grow]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:


OMG I will never clarify beore relaxing ever again, big mistake. what happened when you clarified? many ladies swear by it saying it removes product buildup. i'm sad to hear this "supposed vital" step didn't work out well..

After washing out your relaxer before you nuetralize you should apply a protein treatment while the cuticle is still open.
Is this when you use Joico K-Pak Reconstructer, do you put it in your perm, or do you use it in the days following the relaxer?


I use the Joico K-pak recontructer as my protein treatment. I also like applying a BKT after my relaxer using a clear rinse first. Maintenance includes using Mendex to tackle any breakage. Please explain more about Mendex...does it stop breakage because of its moisturizing effects?


.

Thanks, BlackGeisha!

 

[Lady Esquire]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

Even though it’s the most time-consuming, the half and half method has always produced my best self-relaxer results.

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:

I just recently relaxed with a new perm, and it relaxed me bone straight. I don’t like it at all because I am texlaxed. It has me looking thinned out. Never again.

Please include examples of things you believe in.

I believe it is crucial to base the scalp the night before and the day of the relaxer. I’m always generous in the spots that are thinner and more prone to burning and scabbing. I use Summit Base Crème.

It’s also important to coat the ends with some sort of oil, conditioner, or pomade. When I do this the night before and the day of, the ends are much better protected against overlapping.


One week before relaxing, I clarify my hair (and follow with a moisture shampoo).


One week before relaxing, I also do a protein treatment: Nexxus Emergencee, Aphogee Reconstructive Two-Step Pack, or ORS Mayo.


I do not aggravate my scalp: limit combing, brushing, scratching, or any major manipulation.

Please include specific techniques.

The day of the relaxer, I sit under a dryer with cool air for a few minutes, to make sure there isn’t any sweat and to close my pores.

Also, I add in EVOO, hydrolyzed wheat protein, silk proteins in the relaxer. I’ve also added sweet almond oil, avocado oil, and cholesterol to the relaxer. Since the cuticle is open during this relaxing process, the oil infuses into the strands. The oils also help slow down the chemical straightening process.

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.

I like Summit Base Crème. Also, neutralizers with color indicators help me know if there is any relaxer left. CON has one. The best additives I've had in a relaxer were sweet almond oil, hydorlyzed wheat protein, cholesterol, EVOO, and silk protein.

Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.

I have always wanted to try the 360 Degree Mirror, which supposedly helps you see behind your head, http://www.old-fashioned-values.com/...ree-mirror.htm. I saw it on the board a few years ago, and the ladies’ reviews were mixed.

I have always wanted to add pure keratin and Aphogee Essential Fatty Acids Oil Concentrate to my relaxer. These add silkiness and replace protein that was stripped during the relaxer process.

I've heard of ladies using the applicator bottle method of relaxing. I just may do this.

 

[NIN4eva]

I was going to try the Sprush with my last touch up but I could not get the entire Sprush into the jar.

I will be trying it for next touch up in 3 weeks (lawd I cannot wait!!!). What I will do is take all of the relaxer out of the jar and place it into an oblong container. This way, I will be able to put the entire Sprush into the container.

I pour or spread the relaxer out on a plastic plate or tray (I always use a large plastic tray to protect my bathroom surfaces) that way I can control exactly how much relaxer I can get onto the Sprush. I f***in' love Sprushes. I have the gold one pictured above and the pink one.

 

[Lady Esquire]

*
Never skip a pre treatment, post treatment , skip my motions moisture plus before neutralizing ,

I believe heavy in PRE-Relaxer treatment. I have had such healthier hair when adding this to my process. If I don't pre-treat I halt my relaxer until I do it.

I also do a protein mild/moderate the week after such as Nexxus Emergencee or aphogee 2 minute.

The Gold Sprush works very well. I LOVE IT! I don't self relax anymore about 3 years now, but I bought this brush for my stylist and have used it myself what a charm. Must have!http://www.templeclean.com/pages/product_sprush.htm

You are so right about pre and post relaxer treatments! I have seen a difference in my hair's health if I slack on these two steps.

I've never heard of this Sprush. Thanks for that tip.


Another tip: my hair is much easier to deal with if it has been straightened: either via rollerset, blow-dried, or flat-ironed. Otherwise, my air-dried new growth is so tightly-packed and coiled, it usually leads to uneven application and underprocessing.

 

[Aggie]

QUOTE]

Hmmm, I think I need to look for this sprush thingy. I have never seen it here in the Bahamas. Where did you purchase it from Americka? Where can I find it online - cheaply of course?

Here you go Aggie: It's USD $6.00 Americka's Right, it works Great! Mine was gifted to me. I Love it!

http://www.templeclean.com/pages/product_sprush.htm[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the link Terri. I already added it to my favorites.

 

[BlackGeisha]

Thanks, BlackGeisha!

OMG I will never clarify before relaxing ever again, big mistake. what happened when you clarified? many ladies swear by it saying it removes product buildup. i'm sad to hear this "supposed vital" step didn't work out well..

My scalp was on fire, I couldn't leave the relaxer on because the burning was unbearable, therefore I ended up underprocessed, and the underprocessed portion began to break shortly thereafter. This is when I began using Mendex.


After washing out your relaxer before you nuetralize you should apply a protein treatment while the cuticle is still open.
Is this when you use Joico K-Pak Reconstructer, do you put it in your perm, or do you use it in the days following the relaxer?

I use it immediately after washing out my relaxer before nuetralizing. I wash out the relaxer in the shower then put on the joico k-pak reconstructor for 5 mins. Then I rinse it off nuetralize and follow up with joico k-pak intense hydrator.



I use the Joico K-pak recontructer as my protein treatment. I also like applying a BKT after my relaxer using a clear rinse first. Maintenance includes using Mendex to tackle any breakage. Please explain more about Mendex...does it stop breakage because of its moisturizing effects?

Mendex is both protein w/ moisturizing properties. It stops breakage but at the same time moisturizes. With continued use it's great if you have problems w/ breakage.

 

[Kellum]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

For me I will say the following have worked great for me:

• Ayurveda
• henna
• texlaxing
• stretching
• deep conditioning with moisture and protein
• chelating once a month
• Emergencee
• PS/ leaving my hair alone/hiding my hair
• trimming/dusting
• protecting previously relaxed hair before doing a touch up
• moisturizing, sealing
• limiting direct heat being consistent with my regimen and not following every bandwagon, being consistent with my staple products and not buying and trying every single product out there.
• Satin cap, scarves, never going to sleep with my hair uncovered

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:

• Lye relaxers, burns the heck out of my scalp no matter how much I base and you have to leave it on a long time for it to process.
• Not trimming/dusting for extended period of time. This ate my ends up. I PS, didn't use direct heat, and my ends were a mess. I ended up having to get a 1 1/2" trim and lost my progress from that. I learned my lesson.

Please include examples of things you believe in.

• I believe you should do what is best for your hair at all times.
• Listen to your hair. It will tell you what it needs.
• Be consistent your regimen. Don't jump on every single bandwagon. You risk having a set back. Everything does not work for every body!!!
• Have staple products and stick to them. Don't try each and every shampoo, conditioner, serum, moisturizer, etc... It is a waste of money.

Please include specific techniques

I'm just going to put links to my blog. It is too much to type.
.
http://kellumskorner.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-ayurveda-regimen.html
http://kellumskorner.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-first-henna-experience.html
http://kellumskorner.blogspot.com/2009/12/texlax-touch-up-121309.html

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.

http://kellumskorner.blogspot.com/2009/07/regimen.html

More stuff under Reviews on my blog. I need to do more.

Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.

There aren't any new techniques that I would use on my hair. My hair is doing just fine with what I am doing now and I don't want to have a set back by trying out something new.

 

[taz007]

Mendex is both protein w/ moisturizing properties. It stops breakage but at the same time moisturizes. With continued use it's great if you have problems w/ breakage.

Mendex, hmmmmm??? :scratchch

 

[IDareT'sHair]

^^^^^^^^^^^
IA: Roux Mendex is a really great Reconstructor. I always forget I have this one.erplexed

And I also forgot about Redken Deep Fuel (which I have also used as a mid-step) until it was mentioned.

 

[Missigirl]

Grow, thanks for including me. I have only self relaxed once and I was really under processed. The main reason was because I was using Silk Elements Lye Mild. I relax my sister’s hair and she relaxes mine. I have a few tips I have borrowed from others that I would like to share. If I ever self relax again I will use these.

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

I always base my scalp. I found that it works better for me to put my hair in a simple bun with very little combing the week before and applying caster oil, the kind you get from Fred’s, in an applicator bottle and apply to my scalp every 2 days.

I base with Vaseline also on my already processed hair the day of relaxing.

I use Roux Porosity Control part 3 on my hair not the roots before relaxing

I wash with color indicator shampoo and in the middle of washing out on about the 3 lather I leave it in for 5 minutes.

Perm nape and sides last.

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:

I will not use Silk Elements Lye Mild under processed

Wear my regular protective style the week before:burning:

Please include examples of things you believe in.

Basing my scalp with Vaseline

Please include specific techniques.

I part my sister’s hair in four sections and I bought a seamless rattail comb for relaxing.

I always start with her thickest hair.

I always deep condition with Elasta QP DPR 11 after a relaxer for at least an hour.

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.

I like Silk Elements Lye Regular relaxer. It doesn’t burn when I use the above steps

Roux before relaxing makes our hair so smooth and silky.

Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.

I like being a little under processed I might have her rinse it out a little early.

 

[VirGoViXxEn]

For ladies who part in halves:

what do you do with the hair after u wash the relaxer out and work on the other half? do u just spritz with water and baggy??

 

[taz007]

For ladies who part in halves:
what do you do with the hair after u wash the relaxer out and work on the other half? do u just spritz with water and baggy??

What I do is put an extra coat of neutralizing shampoo on the relaxed hair. I do this for two reasons:

1. It will protect my hair from any relaxer that I may accidentally get on the hair.
2. It will ensure that I have adequately neutralized my hair.

 

[grow]

Mendex, hmmmmm??? :scratchch

my thoughts, exactly!

^^^^^^^^^^^
IA: Roux Mendex is a really great Reconstructor. I always forget I have this one.erplexed

And I also forgot about Redken Deep Fuel (which I have also used as a mid-step) until it was mentioned.

is Roux Mendex similar to Dudley's DRC 28? both have claims to "do alot" for breakage.

i also agree totally with the post perm treatments.
my hair didn't break 1-3 weeks after perming, but after the 3 week period, it's as if the hair's true fragility comes out!

(or maybe the protein midsteps have worn off....)

 

[Aspire]

Hi Ladies (and gents too for that matter).


What have you tried that you KNOW works:
- Treat and protect, before, during, and after a relaxer.
- Ayurveda has strengthened my hair. Less breakage.
- Stretching, but not too long. I relax 1/qtr and that works for me.
- Protein, Protein, Protein. Deep protein one week before (Aphogee 2 step, henna or amla/cassia mix, protein color, or avocado). The natural proteins seem to work better and have longer lasting results. They seems to be absorbed into my hair versus just coating it. Light protein day of relaxer and light protein for the next week or so. This helps my hair stay strong.
- No direct heat. I rarely use heat anyway, but I used to blow dry and flat iron only when I got a relaxer. Now I skip it and let it air dry. Saves my ends.
- No buns, clips, barrettes, or pony holders after my relaxer. Light bends with hair pins only. The less tension or stress on my hair the better.

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:
- No trims. My hair is very fine and my ends split easily. I have decided to get a trim with each relaxer and a dusting in between. Otherwise I will just loose my progress. Since I now have a stylist who knows how to TRIM and not destroy, I feel confident. She also knows how to dust.
- Lye Relaxers. Worst set-back ever. My hair did not respond well and I thinned out for the next 3 months.
- Applicator brushes. Pulls at my hair and they are just a pain.
- Constantly trying new relaxers. Stick with what you know and what works.

Please include examples of things you believe in.
- I am a real believer in giving myself an Ayurvedic treatment in the days after my relaxer. It really helps build my hair back up. I usually use a KT/Amla/cassa mix with AOHSR and some oils.
- Buy a box of latex or urethane gloves instead of using the ones that come with the relaxer. Because they form to your hand, they give you more control and allow you to feel you hair through the gloves.

Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.
- Buying a Sprush
- Buying a steamer for after relaxer treatments. I hear these are so worth it.

 

[panamoni]

Grow, thanks for the post!

I'm not a self-relaxer. But, things that I know help me:

- Stretching -- I can only go to 12 weeks comfortably without resorting to a weave or braids. Otherwise, I start to lose progress.

- Between weeks 8-12, I wear a center part with my bun, which helps me to better flatten my crown.

- At this point, I'm on the fence on ever relaxing my nape again...It's on hiatus for now, and I'm thinking I'll just let the relaxer wash over it when it's being washed out. I had a bald spot the last time I relaxed my nape, and it was only there for about 5-10min. Suggestions welcomed on this one!!!

This is all I can think of for now.

Oh, I'm going to buy a steamer eventually.

HHG Ladies!!!

 

[IDareT'sHair]

is Roux Mendex similar to Dudley's DRC 28? both have claims to "do alot" for breakage.

I've never used DRC 28, but I personally think the Mendex would be a light/medium reconstructor.

I think of DRC28 along the lines of Apoghee 2 Step, Ultra Sheen Duo-Tex IMO: a much heavier protein treatment.

However, Roux Mendex is a great product in and of itself, reasonably priced, easily accessible and works nicely.

 

[taz007]

One more thing:

I always chelate my hair with Joico Chelating Shampoo a week before I relax. This helps to rid my hair of build up and produce consistent relaxing results.

 

[Aggie]

my thoughts, exactly!



is Roux Mendex similar to Dudley's DRC 28? both have claims to "do alot" for breakage.

i also agree totally with the post perm treatments.
my hair didn't break 1-3 weeks after perming, but after the 3 week period, it's as if the hair's true fragility comes out!

(or maybe the protein midsteps have worn off....)

I've never used DRC 28, but I personally think the Mendex would be a light/medium reconstructor.

I think of DRC28 along the lines of Apoghee 2 Step, Ultra Sheen Duo-Tex IMO: a much heavier protein treatment.

However, Roux Mendex is a great product in and of itself, reasonably priced, easily accessible and works nicely.

IA: Dudley's DRC28 is very similar to Aphogee 2 step protein treatment - they are both very hard core. The Duo Tek in my opinion is a medium protein though.

I don't get nearly half the amount of shrinkage with Duo Tek as I do with Dudleys drc28. They are all watery so that is something they have in common. Also Dudley's does not smell bad like Aphogee 2 step.

 

[Aggie]

Hmmm, looks like I may have to look into this Roux Mendex treatment - too many people are using this one. I feel like I'm missin' out. I mean I already love Roux's PC shampoo and conditioner.

So Terri, you say that the Roux Mendex is a medium strength protein treatment?

 

[IDareT'sHair]

So Terri, you say that the Roux Mendex is a medium strength protein treatment?

I feel it's a Light/Med strength. I can definitely see myself using it weekly as a quick reconstructor as per the instructions.

"Mendex Hair Repair Treatment -- Put the Brakes on Breakage
Specially forumlated to help repair damaged hair. It helps prevent breakage and mends split ends. Gives beautiful shine and new vitality to dry & brittle hair. Work Mendex through hair leave on One Minute then rinse well. On extremely damaged hair, cover with plastic cap, place under medium heat for 10 minutes. Rinse well."

 

[Sondice]

This thread is great! Im literally gonna write down notes. Im self relaxing for the 1st time in about 3 weeks. Def can use all the tips I can get

 

[grow]

For ladies who part in halves:

what do you do with the hair after u wash the relaxer out and work on the other half? do u just spritz with water and baggy??

hi VirGoViXxEn!

i do not personally perm my hair in halves, but from what i have read, i understand that that method is done by keeping the newly permed hair covered in neutralizing shampoo (and possibly a good pc, Roux seems to work as a number 1 choice) while you are working on the other "half".

i don't know if only spritzing with water and baggying would be enough.

hopefully some of the ladies who use this method will chime in with their advice.

 

[grow]

- At this point, I'm on the fence on ever relaxing my nape again...It's on hiatus for now, and I'm thinking I'll just let the relaxer wash over it when it's being washed out. I had a bald spot the last time I relaxed my nape, and it was only there for about 5-10min. Suggestions welcomed on this one!!!

hi Panamoni!

does perming your hair in a way that the relaxer washes over your nape mean you do your wash out in the shower?
i haven't tried this yet. i have only washed out my perms in the sink, so if i don't want my nape to get any perm on it, it doesn't.
however, even if i tried the shower method, i think 5-10 minutes might be too long, hun. i would look at some reapair ideas like:
how have you previously based that area?
what types of conditioner have you used to help the nape? (before perming)
what type of protectants have you placed on the previously relaxed hairs at the nape?
also very important: how do you care for your nape AFTER you have finished perming? it could be breakage.
and also, is the perm you're using possibly too strong?

i think a good re-accessment of your curent perming process is a good idea.