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

[Lavendar]

What I have tried that I KNOW works FOR ME:

*Phyto Relaxer I - always and forever
*Protein or henna one week before and one week after relaxing
*Cover relaxed hair with Phyto revitalizing treatment and silicone serum (Moroccanoil).
*Base scalp, front hairline, sides, and temples
*Section hair in 8 sections to speed application and make handling longer hair easier - 2 on each side, 4 in back
*Mid Neutralizing: Porosity Control with cap for 5 minutes to speed and enhance neutralizing
*Switching to a milder relaxer and processing for longer time
*Swapping out the neutralizer in the kit for Elucence Moisture Acidifying poo, best neutralizer ever
*After neutralizing, moderate protein 30 min with heat followed by deep moisture 60 min with heat

What will I never do again because I know it DOES NOT work FOR ME:
*Doing the mid protein step - I know I'm the oddball, but this left my hair very, very frizzy and tangly over time.
* Use lye relaxer = major thinning and breakage with excessive shedding after neutralizing (I have extremely fine hair)

Please include examples of things you believe in.
*Never, ever trim before relaxing or in close proximity to relaxing - says so in Phyto instructions, but I also believe this does contribute to weakened ends, splits, and breakage.

Please include specific techniques.
*Combing relaxer through new growth - just discovered this and works like a charm, quicker and more consistent smoothing with no breakage or damage
*Apply relaxer last to front hairline, sides, and temples that have been previously based to mildly process those areas.
*Always rinse, neutralize, etc. in shower. Previous major setback from sink washing. Never, ever, ever.
*Rinse relaxer thoroughly. Then one wash with neutralizing poo for 5 minutes. Then cover hair liberally with PC and cover with cap for 5 minutes. Finish with 2 more quick neutralizing poos. Proceed with conditioning.
*Absolutely no direct heat for at least 2 weeks after relaxing. I don't use direct heat much anyway, but absolutely none during this time to avoid unnecessary breakage/manipulation.

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.
Phytospecific Relaxer - never had growth and retention with a relaxer like I've had with this. No more balls of hair coming out while neutralizing. Gentle, no burning, but extremely effective. Major body and movement in hair and very easy to maintain moisture level.

Eluence Moisture Acidifying shampoo - has color indicator, pH 4.5-5.5, smell fantastic (grapefruit), never stripping, fabulous job of neutralizing, hair feels lush and moisturized while washing.

Porosity Control Conditioner - Bring pH down quickly, hair feels moisturized and cuticles smoother immediately. Makes the rest of neutralizing go much quicker and easier.

Nairobi Prota-Sil conditioner - great protein conditioner that can be used at different levels. Applied for just 5 minutes after a moisturizing condish will give you a great light protein treatment that makes your hair feel strong but moisturized with great slip. Applied after shampoo for 30 minutes with heat will give you a moderate/heavy protein treatment with great strength and shine. You must DC after using it this way. Very versatile product. HG!

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

Interested in front-back half/half with texlaxing, but it's just a thought right now.

 

[acapnleo]

Oh something I forgot... With my most recent session... I added 5-6 tablespoons of oil to the relaxer... I mixed Argan oil, Cocasta Oil, and some herbal oil (ordered from a homemade vendor). Also, I used vaseline on my scalp... this had to have been the most gentle relaxer experience to date

 

[grow]

What I have tried that I KNOW works FOR ME:


*Always rinse, neutralize, etc. in shower. Previous major setback from sink washing. Never, ever, ever.

Hi Lavendar!
Congratulations on getting to MBL!
the before and after is AMAZING and VERY INSPIRATIONAL!

could you please explain how you do the rinsing, neutralizing in the shower? (without getting perm near those delicate areas...erplexed)

do you put a chair in the shower to sit and lean back on?

Thanks!

 

[Dionnesse]

This is soooooo my problem Neutralizing has to be one of the worst parts about relaxing

I washed over 15 times, in fact... I lost count... used up pretty much all of the neutralizing shampoo that came in the kits and I even used the Ors Creamy Aloe poo (good stuff ), but the PINK was still there... (I let the poo sit several times, tried scrubbing my scalp / gently scratching, increasing the temperature as warm as I could stand... everything)
Washing still took me forever (though after so long, maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.)

If anyone can share TIPS or TECHNIQUES that will reduce the amount of washes and time to neutralize... that would be great!

Hi there,

When i releaxed last week, i did the following:

Rinse relaxer
Mid-step protein
Neutralise - mid pink lather
Neutralise
ACV rinse
Neutralise - light pink lather
Neutralise
ACV rinse
Neutralise - white lather!
DC
Porosity control

I think the ACV rinse helped in a BIG way....i read that it lowers the ph of your hair so therefore neutralises quicker. I will always do this from now on and highly recommend. Saved me loads of time.

 

[taz007]

I can't wait to relax my hair! I think this time I will use a homemade mix of ceramides as a midstep.

 

[Lavendar]

Hi Lavendar!
Congratulations on getting to MBL!
the before and after is AMAZING and VERY INSPIRATIONAL!

could you please explain how you do the rinsing, neutralizing in the shower? (without getting perm near those delicate areas...erplexed)

do you put a chair in the shower to sit and lean back on?

Thanks!

Thanks! I've never had a problem with neutralizing and getting perm near any delicate areas. I use a hand-held shower head and just lean back slightly and the water falls behind me. The water never reaches the front of my body. I may get some runoff on my back from time to time, but I have the nozzle on high power and the water as hot as I can stand it and I just keep rinsing any contact areas as I'm rinsing my hair. With the hand-held and the very warm/hot water, it usually doesn't take but a few minutes before I'm moving on to my first wash. I have very allergic-type skin but yet to have a problem with irritation and I've been doing this for years. HTH!

 

[LuvlyLocks]

i use Mega Tek, but have never tried it as a mid protein step.
my only suggestion is to make sure to halt the use of it at least a week before you perm.
hopefully some other ladies will chime in with their experience, too.
good luck!

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I plan on relaxing this weekend so i will not use the mega tek this week. I am thinking about trying the ACV rinse for the first time, does anyone know the benefits?
Thanks ladies for all of your tips.

 

[grow]

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I plan on relaxing this weekend so i will not use the mega tek this week. I am thinking about trying the ACV rinse for the first time, does anyone know the benefits?
Thanks ladies for all of your tips.

as i understand it, the ACV brings the ph level of the hair back down because the perm will raise it so much.

i'm glad you stopped the growth aide mt before perming. i don't have it as a fact that it MUST be done, but i've also never read where any gowth aide is used safely prior to perming (including mn, M-T-G, sulfur, bm, bt, etc...) better safe than sorry.

earlier on in this thread there are many examples of ladies who use ACV rinses during the process of perming.

good luck and let us know how it turns out!

 

[LuvlyLocks]

as i understand it, the ACV brings the ph level of the hair back down because the perm will raise it so much.

i'm glad you stopped the growth aide mt before perming. i don't have it as a fact that it MUST be done, but i've also never read where any gowth aide is used safely prior to perming (including mn, M-T-G, sulfur, bm, bt, etc...) better safe than sorry.

earlier on in this thread there are many examples of ladies who use ACV rinses during the process of perming.

good luck and let us know how it turns out!

I am so excited about trying the ACV rinse, can't wait to try. I will definately update you on the results.

 

[grow]

I am so excited about trying the ACV rinse, can't wait to try. I will definately update you on the results.

i'm excited for you!!!
(wish i could perm, too, but have to wait another month and a half.)

thank you for updating us...we're always looking for pointers and updates!

 

[SingBrina]

SUBSCRIBING

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Anyone have any suggestions for those who will be perming virgin hair..im natural and want to relax

 

[grow]

Anyone have any suggestions for those who will be perming virgin hair..im natural and want to relax

hi GoddessMaker!
gosh, i haven't permed virgin hair in so long, i really don't remember.
however, i do know that they have specific instructions for virgin hair in the box that should be followed by the letter to prevent problems.
i wish i could be more helpful, but possibly, if you do a search on the site, there must be threads on this specific issue.

 

[Bigmommah]

Anyone have any suggestions for those who will be perming virgin hair..im natural and want to relax

There are several very good threads with information on relaxing virgin hair on the board. I think that if you approach the process with the "I'm babying my tresses" mindset you'll be fine. Following the directions of course.

Today I am roller setting after dc'ing all night (which I won't do anymore because I found myself "tangly" while rinsing) with a ceramide rich conditioner. If I can master roller setting, the last time I did it consistently was over 20 years ago, I plan to rollerset on the weekends and then just wear my hair in a single french braid wrapped around my head during the rest of the week because I sweat like I'm taking a shower when I work out and I am determined to win my families fitness challenge.

Wishing you ladies a successful and smexy hair week!

 

[LuvlyLocks]

i'm excited for you!!!
(wish i could perm, too, but have to wait another month and a half.)

thank you for updating us...we're always looking for pointers and updates!

OK, so as it turns out, i guess i used all of my ACV last time, so when i went to use it i did not have it on hand. Lesson learned----double check all products before hand. Even though i did not have my acv on hand, my relaxer turned out Awesome!

I have outlined my steps below.

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

1. Mizani Lye relaxer
2. Basing scalp, nape, edges, ends and ears with vaseline prior to relaxing
3. Have all tools on hand
4. Put conditioner on previoslu relaxed hair
5. Time entire relaxer time with kitchen timer to be precise and prevent over processing
6. I relax in between straight and tex lax...never relax bone straight



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

1. Use a no lye relaxer
2. Not smoothing relaxer on new growth (always smooth for perfect results)
3. Relax nape and edges first...thinnest part of hair and burns quickly


Please include examples of things you believe in.

1. Mid protein step with Aphogee 2 min reconstructor
2. Let neutralizing shampoo stay in hair for 3-5 min at a time
3. Aphogee 2 step after 1 week post relaxer
4. Deep condition with ORS replenishing pak



Please include specific techniques.

1. Let hair air dry after applying leave in
2. I tried the flexi rods for the first time and love them. I applied my leave ins and a little Silk Elements foam wrap to my ends (hair was still damp) and used about 5 or 6 rods just wrapped around the longer part of my hair not tightly wound at the scalp
3. Let rods dry over night in Bonnet scarf and took out in morning
4. Combed out curls and brushed with paddle brush and wrapped tightly in a scarf
5. Apply Chi serum and comb down.....
Reveal beautiful, bouncy, hair


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

1. Mizani Lye (perfect results each time, very moisturizing)
2. Elasta QP shampoo for relaxed hair (great way to bring down ph)
3. CHI silk infusion serum as a leave in (light, great smell, protects hair and ends and you can use as a heat protectant)
4. Aphogee leave in (more protection for hair and less shedding)
5. 1 week after relaxer 2 step Aphogee protein treatment (maybe 1 or 2 strands of hair loss after i use, this will always be a staple of mine!)


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

Silk amino acids
Sprush

 

[Nayeli]

Superb thread! After a decent self relax a few months back I have finally decided to become a permanent self-relaxer. It was the best relaxer experience (minus under-processing) so I don't know why I even went back to the salon.

Keeping my eye on this thread.

 

[jasminea]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:

Stretching for at least 12 weeks
Relaxing my nape and hairline last for 5 min max
Clarify and hard protein week prior to relaxing
Mid-relaxer protein step with Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor
Air-drying relaxed hair straight down, moisturize and cross-wrap for bed, your body heat overnight gives same strightness as a saran-wrap set


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

Relaxing every 6-8 weeks (only leads to stick straight weak breaking hair)


Please include examples of things you believe in.

Doing a protein treatment after rinsing out relaxer and before neutralizer
Basing the scalp, nape, ears, hairline prior to relaxing.
Protecting the already relaxed hair with layer of olive oil
Protein treatments the week prior and the week after a relaxer
Putting some base oil actually on the hair areas you tend to see overprocessing (crown, front hairline, and nape) prior to relaxing


Please include specific techniques.

Relaxing my whole hair in four sections
Applying relaxer to both sides of parted hair
Apply with relaxer brush and smooth with fingers
Leaving relaxer on no longer than 20 minutes
Applying a little oil ON hair along hairline to slow down processing



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

1.Silk Elements MegaSilk Relaxer (no-lye) - great BSS kit that leaves my hair straight but preserves the body and bounce
2.Nexuss Emergencee - great hard protein treatment
3.Ion Swimmers Conditioner - gentle product that removes the minerals that no-lye relaxers leave behind to make hair soft and flowing. I also use after every swim.
4. Aphogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-in -Adds in protein, heat protects and is light


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

Mixing oils into relaxer. I'm think it might make it leave me underprocessed but like the concept.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Strategically Preparing your Hair for your Next Relaxer. You should always be thinking about that next relaxer (date). And what can you do to treat/build up your hair for that next relaxer.

I am always thinking about that.erplexed How to strengthen my hair during the Stretch. What am I using that has been beneficial to my overall Hair care leading up to that relaxer.

Each wash day, I am mindful of that 12, 14, 16 mark and how to guarantee my hair is in tip-top shape leading up to it.

*I prolly already said this in a previous post or 2 or 3...but I think it is very important that you've stayed on top of your moisture game, your protein game, porosity, combatted dryness, healthy scalp etc ALL before that next relaxer.....*

 

[DarkHair]

What have you tried that you KNOW works:
- Mizani Butter Blends
- add shea butter, coconut oil, and CHI silk infusion to relaxer
- Joico K-pak before neutralizing

What will you never do again because you know it DOES NOT work:
- using hard protein right after a relaxer

Please include examples of things you believe in.
- this sprush that I just ordered
- putting CHI silk infusion on previously relaxed hair and edges

Please include specific techniques.
- I don't have any specific techniques.

Also, feel free to share which products you liked, and if possible, why.
- Joico K-pak.
- Roux porosity control

Even add new techniques you haven’t tried yet, but are considering trying in the future.
- I'm going to try relaxing the coarsest hair first, and letting the neutralizer sit for 5 mins.


*I'm wonder if I can add a moisturizing con with my Joico during the pre-neutralizing process. Would that help promote moisture/protein balance*

 

[halee_J]

Strategically Preparing your Hair for your Next Relaxer. You should always be thinking about that next relaxer (date). And what can you do to treat/build up your hair for that next relaxer.

I am always thinking about that.erplexed How to strengthen my hair during the Stretch. What am I using that has been beneficial my overall Hair care leading up to that relaxer.

Each wash day, I am mindful of that 12, 14, 16 mark and how to guarantee my hair is in tip-top shape leading up to it.

*I prolly already said this in a previous post or 2 or 3...but I think it is very important that you've stayed on top of your moisture game, your protein game, porosity, combatted dryness, healthy scalp etc ALL before that next relaxer.....*

This is exactly what i'm doing now T, even though I don't plan to relax until Dec '10/Jan '11. I already have overprocessed ends...They are delicate, and even if they are coated in vaseline+neut.shampoo, I think there still vulenerable. This stretch is allowing me to build them back up I will cut them eventually, but I want to let go of them from trimming, not from breakage.

I'm here strategially planning how I'm going to relax in 4 sections, I estimate I will have about 4-5" of NG, plus I have a mix of textures: temples & nape 3b small patches in the crown and behind the ears 4b, everywhere else 3c/4a. This stretch is also helping more easily mark out the different textures.

Grow, I have learned loads here.This is a superb thread .

 

[IDareT'sHair]

This is exactly what i'm doing now T, even though I don't plan to relax until Dec '10/Jan '11. I already have overprocessed ends...They are delicate, and even if they are coated in vaseline+neut.shampoo, I think there still vulenerable. This stretch is allowing me to build them back up I will cut them eventually, but I want to let go of them from trimming, not from breakage.

I'm here strategially planning how I'm going to relax in 4 sections, I estimate I will have about 4-5" of NG, plus I have a mix of textures: temples & nape 3b small patches in the crown and behind the ears 4b, everywhere else 3c/4a. This stretch is also helping more easily mark out the different textures.

Grow, I have learned loads here.This is a superb thread .

Nice Post HaleeJ!

What also works wonders is:

Reflecting on what you could do better next relaxer date (eespecially if you self-relax). Reflecting on what you can do differently, better.

Making changes and adjustments in both technique and products from your last relaxer (if need be).

 

[againstallodds]

This is suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch a GREAT thread!!! You all have NO idea how relieved I am about self relaxing after reading this thread! I plan on self relaxing within the next 1-2 weeks and I've been so nervous!

I've learned so many tips from all the posts!!! I've purchased Mizani Butter Blends Relaxer for fine/colored hair in lye and will be using the entire MBB line except for the Microfusion treatment - I didn't really feel like this was necessary as I have plenty of DC's I can use.

Off to process all the info and figure out how I'm going to go about my touch up!!!

Thanks ladies!!!!!!

 

[grow]

Luvlylocks, i'm so glad it worked out well for you!

thanks for coming back to let us know!!!

 

[grow]

hi ladies!

i don't remember if i reported this or not, so here goes:

i tried something new with my last perm (june 30th.'10) and i believe it worked:

i cowashed every day even the day right after my perm.

i used to always believe, as i was told growing up, that no water should touch the hair for the entire week after perming, but now i believe this goes right into the myth basket along with the idea that washing the hair everyday will dry it out.

granted, i do believe that washing everyday with an sls poo will dry out the hair, but not so for cowashing.

i see that it enhanced my moisture retention and the overall condition of my hair and that translates into growth.

i will perm this saturday and yes, be cowashing everyday again beginning sunday!

 

[soonergirl]

Loving this thread, it is sooo helpful!!

 

[Emz Forever]

I just wanted to stop by and say thanks to all you lovely ladies for sharing your pointers and tips. I borrowed some of your techniques today and it came out really well. It was also a biggie for me because I decided to switch to texlaxing. After the hairdresser over processed my fine strands to a ridiculous level, I decided to take the plunge and do it myself. As I rinsed, when I saw those plump, juicy texlaxed waves, I knew I had made the right decision.

Here's what worked for me and what I will definitely do again, the next time round
* switching down from a regular to mild relaxer and using SAA as a protective barrier by spritzing my scalp, new growth and length with Elasta QP's H2 leave-in which contains silk protein. Then moisturising with my usual moisturiser and sealing with good ole indian hemp grease instead of my usual oil. I also used the grease to protect my scalp and hair line.

* Sectioning my hair into six, rather than four helped me to give each area the right amount of processing time as I have a couple of different textures on my head.

* Using ceramides as my mid-con step. I mixed one tube (15ml) of Matrix Biolage Fortetherapie Cera-repair with an equal amount of TIGI Catwalk Honey/Oatmeal Conditioner for Chemically Treated Hair to make it go further. And then on a whim added 1 teaspoon of Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor. Best combo ever. I will definitely use this combo again. Also smelled so gorgeous that the gross relaxer smell disappeared instantly.

* Applying relaxer with a brush (15 minutes) but smoothing with my fingers (7 minutes). Total time taken was 23 minutes. I will observe how the newly texlaxed hair behaves to see whether I need to adjust this time up or down for the next touch-up.


What I need to tweak for next time
* Better protection for my scalp as it is feeling a bit more tender than usual after a relaxer. Either I need to be more generous with the grease, or I need to perfect my application technique so I dont get relaxer on the scalp until the smoothing stage. I was worried about the timing so wasnt as studious about avoiding my scalp as I should have been!

* Perhaps I will use a slightly smaller brush next time as this one was a bit awkward to manoeuvre sometimes.

That's all ladies. It was so exhilirating to be relaxing my very own hair. I almost wish I could do it all over again. Lol!

Here are a few pics of a)sectioned hair in preparation for relaxer b)wet waves after DC c)halfway through flat iron

 

[taz007]

I so love this thread! We are some serious mixologists up in here!!

 

[Minty]

Please don't co-wash your hair right after a relaxer. If your goal is to maintain straight hair, and even to allow the scalp to recoup. properly, do not wash the hair for 3 days min after the relaxer.

 

[arosieworld]

I co-wash everyday for the most part. The day before and after my relaxer sometimes even that day. I don't have scalp issues and I think it makes my hair healthier. My hair loves water and conditioner and wants it all the time.

 

[grow]

everybody's hair is different and what's great is that, thanks to this forum, we are given so many new options to try out in the quest for finding what works for our individual heads of hair.

it's all good!

let's keep sharing those ideas ladies!