Quadruple underprocessed- please read!!!

[Integrity]

Dear All,

I have been making good progress with my hair since switching to lye. I have been using Revlon lye regular. The first couple of times I used it, no even an itch, it felt like a conditioner and I was able to tolerate it till the full processing time. and this is even when I had shampooed my hair 3 days before! I really love this relaxer, it actually moisturizes my hair as well.

However, the past 6 months each and every touch up has burned so badly that the stylist had to wash it out prematurely. I come out feeling so terible because I go in and pay 52 euros for a touch up and come out with what looks like a wash and roller wrap!!

this has happended three times.
i have very little idea as to why my scalp has become so sensitive. Can anybody shed light?? I only braided my hair over Christmas and my stylist suggests that may be the cause since braiding and the pulling of the scalp sensitises the scalp for a while and that it takes several months for it to settle. WTH?!!

I love braiding, does that mean i have to ban myself from braiding? And i know loads of ladies braid and relax as well. I love braiding my hair and i would be devastated to know I cannot braid anymore. By the way, I left 2 weeks between removal of the braids and relaxing.

My last relaxer was on saturday and she was very careful. Her assistant based well and I based quite well with castor oil at home. I did not even take a shower before going for my appointment, thinking that perhaps the steam sensitizes my scalp. the relaxer stayed on longer without burning but still before time was up, my front sides (only that area) was burning. bingo! underprocessed again!!

i wouldnt really mind underprocessed hair if only my hair did not shed s much in the subsequent weeks!!!!

i get no breakage at all, just shedding.

the fact that my front sides was burning has led me to another theory as to the cause of the burning-the use of my hair brush to smooth those areas. I make sure i dont use the brush one week before a touch-up but perhaps that isnt enough.

i am considering calling my stylist and asking for a lye relaxer for sensitive scalp for next time. Does anybody know of any such particular brands? What else can I do to stop this? it is very heart breaking to know I have a lot of growth but i cannot see it after each relaxer due to underprocessing.

Has anybody has this problem??

Any suggestions?? Please

 

[Karonica]

Hey Pandora.

What do you do to your hair the entire week before the touch-up?

 

[Neroli]

I have 4b hair and been going back and forth between braids and relaxers for decades without problems. Perhaps you've developed a sensitivity to the relaxer? Perhaps a different brand of lye?

 

[patience]

You could just have a sensitive scalp. They could have also changed the formula for the relaxer. Relaxers are caustic and they can irritate the skin regardless of the precautions taken.

As for sensitive scalp relaxers, you may want to check out ElastQP. I also think Mizani and Affirm have them as well if my memory serves me correctly.

As for the shedding, I'm not sure. You may want to try the Emergencie treatment by Nexxuss...I know that it works well with breakage. I'd also suggest the Nexxuss Reconstructor Keraphix and a good deep condition.

 

[CurlyCrly]

I have used Revlon Realistic lye for a while and have never experienced the problems you're stating, and I never base my scalp. The relaxer has performed the same every time. I don't manipulate my hair or scalp much either, so maybe you're correct about the brushing.

 

[Integrity]

[ QUOTE ]
Karonica said:
Hey Pandora.

What do you do to your hair the entire week before the touch-up?

[/ QUOTE ]

i leave it in a bun. even when i go to bed. when i wake up, i brush it into a neater bun and go.

 

[patience]

[ QUOTE ]
Pandora said:
[ QUOTE ]
Karonica said:
Hey Pandora.

What do you do to your hair the entire week before the touch-up?

[/ QUOTE ]

i leave it in a bun. even when i go to bed. when i wake up, i brush it into a neater bun and go.

[/ QUOTE ]

that sounds stressful on the hair. When I used to do that, my scalp would be very tender the next morning...

 

[Integrity]

it is a very loose bun, though. i think it may be the brushing. i wont brush my from but smooth it down with my hands and gel.

 

[Cowgirl]

Just a thought, but double check with your stylist and make sure she is still using the exact same relaxer you were getting at first and has not switched on you.

 

[Integrity]

oh, she hasnt changed it. she keeps it right by my side as she relaxes. the only thing is she had been using the normal revlon lye in a small tub. but on saturday she used revlon lye professional formular in a bigger tub, still regular. so i think it is negligible.

thanks to you all for your responses.

 

[patience]

[ QUOTE ]
Pandora said:
oh, she hasnt changed it. she keeps it right by my side as she relaxes. the only thing is she had been using the normal revlon lye in a small tub. but on saturday she used revlon lye professional formular in a bigger tub, still regular. so i think it is negligible.

thanks to you all for your responses.

[/ QUOTE ]

Check the formulas on those two tubs next time...and I mean the EXACT order of the ingredients...beleive it or not, it can make a difference.

 

[joemerald]

Pandora, two suggestions. Sometimes the gel can cause you to burn when relaxing, don't know why but maybe you should lay pff the gel for at least a week prior and wash it all out. Secondly, maybe your stylist can try relaxing in two parts. Do the front and then rinse after the recommended time and then the back or vice versa. My stylist, when I had one, did this because my scalp was extra sensitive and the relaxer had more time to work as they concentrated on smaller areas. Good luck.

 

[UmSumayyah]

It may be the relaxer. Do a search for "consumer reports" I 'm sure I read a thread recently that said that the two versions of revlon were different, and that the professional is actually the harsher version.

 

[aikaa71]

Pandora,

Why not try Revlon Arosci relaxer in normal strength. It has given me good results.

For the edges, maybe you may need to apply the relaxer to them last , like 5-7 minutes before completing the processing time.

 

[Integrity]

being greedy and numping for more ideas!