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

[grow]

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?

my thoughts exactly! the PJ in me is already eyeing the credit card!

seems like the products made by Roux are keepers....

 

[grow]

I always did a final rinse with a 50/50 mix of water and AVC before letting my neutralizing poo sit for about 15 minutes. Works like a charm and I didn't have to do multiple neutralizing 'poos. Just one...and done (after rinsing out the actual relaxer and doing a 5 min DC).

I learned non-penetrative oils (things other than olive, coconut, avocado) dilute a relxer much more efficiently and are cheaper (generally).

i love acv, but isn't it too harsh when the cuticles are still open from the perm?

also, i have been asked more about the "why" of using non-penetrative oils like evoo, coconut, etc) in the perm.

please elaborate, LittleGlodneLamb, thanks!

 

[divastyle2010]

Hey grow!!!!thanks for the pm..... I am not born in michigan but here for school and will be moving to virginia beach!!!! but now i'm claiming u as my new hair care board buddy so u better stay in touch!!!

but anyway: right now I am lovin ors extra strength relaxer!!!
my favorite!!!! I switched from optimum and was too scared to mess with lye..... but it is just like lye results!!!

I have had a problem with relaxers cause my hair would always look like i never had one... but not with ors

 

[halee_J]

Ladies that use applicator bottles for their relaxers, can u post a pic?

 

[Americka]

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.

Those are excellent questions, Grow!

 

[taz007]

i love acv, but isn't it too harsh when the cuticles are still open from the perm?

also, i have been asked more about the "why" of using non-penetrative oils like evoo, coconut, etc) in the perm.

please elaborate, LittleGlodneLamb, thanks!

I use a 50/50 mix of ACV after doing my protein midstep. I find that it takes less applications of the neutralizing shampoo to get the suds from pink to white.

I usually do this:

1. Relax front half of hair.
2. Rinse in the shower.
3. Apply midstep protein/ceramide
4. Neutralizing shampoo
5. ACV
6. Neutralizing shampoo
7. ACV
8. Neutralizing shampoo (leave this in hair during the second half of hair relaxer process)
9. Start the second half of hair
10. Repeat steps 2-7

 

[LaidBak]

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??

I do front half/back half. After I rinse out the front I just pin it up out the way and work on the back. Once the back is done and rinsed I move on to the protein reconstructor, then PC, then neutralizer, etc.

 

[brucebettye]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:
What works for me is mixing olive oil with my motions regular lye relaxer and leaving it on my hair for about 20 minutes without smoothing out my hair. This way I can have the texture that I like and my hair is still thick.

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:
I will not perm my nape and sides of my hair more than once a year. I only perm my hair every six months and my nape and sides have done better when I accidently put too much grease on the edges and nape and the perm did not take. I prefer my nape and sides to be more kinky than straight.

Please include examples of things you believe in.
I believe everyone can take care of their own hair without going to the shop. I love taking care of my hair and it has grown from a twa to almost apl without going to the shop. I never thought I could do this without braids so I am happy. I also believe that doing less to your hair is so much better. Also not using direct heat has help me retain most of my length.

Please include specific techniques.
I always put vasoline or hair grease on my already relaxed hair. Keeps my hair thick and I don't overlap. I also wash my hair with the neutralizer shampoo at least 5 times. I make sure to get all the perm out so that my hair will stay on my head. I also use Aphogee 2 minute treatment before I neutralize, it helps stop the perming process and helps makes my hair strong at the same time.

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.
I love motion hair products. They have always been good to my hair and I can pick them up at the BSS and get them in a larger size. I also like sauve products and Aussie moist. They are great products and are cheap and easy to find.

 

[4evershika]

Thanks for this thread, grow! subscribing!!!

 

[panamoni]

Good questions... Thank you. See below.

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'm referring to simply not applying the perm to my nape, but when it's being washed out of the rest of the hair, allow some of it to kind of pass over the nape area. I'd be in a sink/bowl -- my stylist would be washing it out.
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? I have used Design Essentials Herbal Complex in the past and I don't think I've ever had any bald spots. The past few times, my current stylist did the basing for me. Maybe I should go ahead and base the day before going like I used to.
what types of conditioner have you used to help the nape? (before perming) I alternate moisture/protein weekly, but use just as much on my nape as the rest of my head and for the same amount of time.
what type of protectants have you placed on the previously relaxed hairs at the nape? I typically moisturize and seal with JBCO pretty regularly...for the past 4-5 months anyway. I definitely know it grows back there, and I make progress, but the last time I went, was the first time I've ever noticed a little bald spot. And, there was breakage. Some of the breakage I beleive was due to stretching for too long and too much manipulation. I'm currently doing a long stretch, but this time, I'm wearing a weave 12+ weeks post, and not manipulating my hair since it's in braids.
also very important: how do you care for your nape AFTER you have finished perming? it could be breakage. Yes, the last time, I did have breakage...see above.
and also, is the perm you're using possibly too strong? Hmmmmm....I don't know if it's too strong. I've just let my stylist use what she has. I know the brand, but that's about it. Maybe that's a mistake and I should know more? I do know perms I've liked in the past with old stylists....

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

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Another One of My Big Tips is:

After my relaxer, I begin preparing, conditioning, strengthening, re-building my Hair for the Next Relaxer.

That's where Regimen Building/Planning comes into play. I immediately begin to prepare my hair the next 14-16 weeks.

 

[gn1g]

Can someone help me figure out the best way to seperate the hair without getting relaxer on the unintended hair? I've tried clipping it banding it and I always end up with relaxer on the longer strands.

 

[Flor]

Can someone help me figure out the best way to seperate the hair without getting relaxer on the unintended hair? I've tried clipping it banding it and I always end up with relaxer on the longer strands.


Great question! That happens to me all the time.

 

[Aggie]

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."

Thanks a million Terri for posting this - it helps a lot. Now I want it for sure and I hope I can find it here. I hate it when I can't find good stuff locally.

~sigh~

 

[Aggie]

Can someone help me figure out the best way to seperate the hair without getting relaxer on the unintended hair? I've tried clipping it banding it and I always end up with relaxer on the longer strands.


Great question! That happens to me all the time.

Your best defense would probably be to seal the already relaxed hair with some natural oil or even grease. That way, if you do get relaxer on it, it's already protected. I'm sure there are others, but this is the one that comes to my mind.

 

[changedname]

If doing a mid step protein treatment before neutralising, does anyone then do second treatment, say a moisturising treatment? I'm self relaxing for the first time soon and I'm planning to do Aphogee 2 min before neutralising but not sure if I should do another treatment after I've neutralised?

 

[grow]

hi Panamoni!

first of all, i'm no expert nor is my experience absolute. hopefully some ladies with more experience will chime in what their opinions are, but these are just ideas. not decisions you have to take.

it sounds to me, imho, like you might like to sit down with your stylist and get some clear guidlines about what is being done with your perming process.

i would not advise you to let your stylist decide everything for you. it's great that you trust your stylist, but if something goes wrong, your stylist doesn't have to live with it.

please ask her which strength relaxer she has been using because if it caused you bald spots, something is not right here.

by all means, please base your scalp in advance because that really worked for you. your stylist can be fabulous but maybe she was busy that day and didn't accurately base your scalp.

i'm devastated to think that this type of error may have caused you a bald spot, so if you choose to return to this stylist, precaution must be taken.

you've done very well to keep your low manipulation styles and continually apply JBCO!

i really like IDareT'sHair's advice, every moment after this next relaxer should be spent preparing for the successive relaxer!

you might possibly need more moisture and less protein in this preparative time.

i am not familiar with the brand that you named, but if it's working, then yes, stick with it.

if your next relaxer is the right strength, and you have properly moisturized your hair as well as completely based your nape, then even if you're having your hair rinsed in the bowl, hopefully no further damage will be done.

when is your next perm scheduled to be?

 

[grow]

Can someone help me figure out the best way to seperate the hair without getting relaxer on the unintended hair? I've tried clipping it banding it and I always end up with relaxer on the longer strands.

Can someone help me figure out the best way to seperate the hair without getting relaxer on the unintended hair? I've tried clipping it banding it and I always end up with relaxer on the longer strands.


Great question! That happens to me all the time.

Your best defense would probably be to seal the already relaxed hair with some natural oil or even grease. That way, if you do get relaxer on it, it's already protected. I'm sure there are others, but this is the one that comes to my mind.

hi ladies! i totally agree with Aggie!

so far, the best method i've read is to protect that hair with grease.
that way, when and if some overlap happens, your hair is safe.

i've also read that neutralizing shampoo and porosity control products work well.

personally, i combine all of these to protect my ends, and since i have, my protected ends have resulted in retained length.

 

[grow]

If doing a mid step protein treatment before neutralising, does anyone then do second treatment, say a moisturising treatment? I'm self relaxing for the first time soon and I'm planning to do Aphogee 2 min before neutralising but not sure if I should do another treatment after I've neutralised?

i do the protein after as well, however, i follow with a really good moisturizing conditioner.

i don't use Aphogee 2 min. so for that particular product, i have no idea.

i've used ORS Replenishing Pak and Silk Amino Acids before and after and liked the results.

possibly the brand isn't as important as the element of getting that protein back....

 

[grow]

I use a 50/50 mix of ACV after doing my protein midstep. I find that it takes less applications of the neutralizing shampoo to get the suds from pink to white.

I usually do this:

1. Relax front half of hair.
2. Rinse in the shower.
3. Apply midstep protein/ceramide
4. Neutralizing shampoo
5. ACV
6. Neutralizing shampoo
7. ACV
8. Neutralizing shampoo (leave this in hair during the second half of hair relaxer process)
9. Start the second half of hair
10. Repeat steps 2-7

Taz007, that sounds like an excellent program and i'd really like to try it!
thanks so much for the detailed info!

i've been reading up on ACV applications and have read where it has been suggested the the ACV be organic only.

this would be the first time i try this new technique, and i'm not sure if that's the type you're using, anybody know if there would be adverse effects if it's just store bought regular AVC?

 

[ChcolatAquarius]

This is an excellent thread and I will definitely be subbing. Ladies that use the applicator bottle, I am very curious as to how this is being done. I can't imagine how this would be used. Please provide pictures or explain in detail. I am definitely taking notes and finding techniques that I would like to use for my next relaxer. Thanks for the thread Grow!

 

[panamoni]

Thanks Grow....next relaxer will be sometime in June. So, I'll speak with her about it.

 

[sqzbly1908]

Can someone help me figure out the best way to seperate the hair without getting relaxer on the unintended hair? I've tried clipping it banding it and I always end up with relaxer on the longer strands.

Hi GN1G -

Try twisting your hair from the new growth on down...not only does this prevent the relaxer from getting on the lengths of your hair - your are able to get through the process faster allowing more time for smoothing or rinsing earlier than scheduled...

I part my hair in the four usual sections and then have about 5-8 twists in each section

HTH

 

[BlackGeisha]

If doing a mid step protein treatment before neutralising, does anyone then do second treatment, say a moisturising treatment? I'm self relaxing for the first time soon and I'm planning to do Aphogee 2 min before neutralising but not sure if I should do another treatment after I've neutralised?

Yes after you nuetralize u should folow up w/ a moisturizing deep condition.

 

[BlackGeisha]

kami has a great vid of the half & half method, only thing is that she splits her hair down the middle.

When I do mine I split my hair in half from ear to ear, but pretty much the same concept.

check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/user/kami11213?blend=2&ob=1#p/u/14/kMjrIeJsbXM

 

[gn1g]

Hi GN1G -

Try twisting your hair from the new growth on down...not only does this prevent the relaxer from getting on the lengths of your hair - your are able to get through the process faster allowing more time for smoothing or rinsing earlier than scheduled...

I part my hair in the four usual sections and then have about 5-8 twists in each section

HTH

Thank you. Are you saying kinda like bantu knots? how do you secure the hair? please take pics next time and post.

 

[taz007]

If doing a mid step protein treatment before neutralising, does anyone then do second treatment, say a moisturising treatment? I'm self relaxing for the first time soon and I'm planning to do Aphogee 2 min before neutralising but not sure if I should do another treatment after I've neutralised?

I usually mix my Joico Intense Hydrator with Biolage Hydratherapie after I have neutralized my hair. This makes the hair deliciously moist!

 

[IDareT'sHair]

If doing a mid step protein treatment before neutralising, does anyone then do second treatment, say a moisturising treatment? I'm self relaxing for the first time soon and I'm planning to do Aphogee 2 min before neutralising but not sure if I should do another treatment after I've neutralised?

Absolutely: I always follow-up any & all Protein Treatments with a Moisturizing Treatment.

 

[sqzbly1908]

Thank you. Are you saying kinda like bantu knots? how do you secure the hair? please take pics next time and post.

No - not bantu knots..just two-strand twists (looks like plaits) - they are not secured with anything...due to the amount of Vaseline or whatever I am using as a base - the twists stay separated

Sorry to disappoint but I doubt I will ever take pics of my hair like that...hopefully the description will suffice

 

[grow]

i just remembered a NEVER i forgot to list:

i will NEVER again perm and color around the same time!
(just to think that i even used to do them back to back....ouch!)
that's what gave me bone straight, jet black, but broken up hair.

i will ALWAYS wait at least 3 weeks between each chemical process.