Question about spacing relaxer and wash day

[Kaela]

I tried to find the answer to this in old posts but I couldn't find it, I'm sorry if this has been answered before...whats the main reason that you are supposed to wait 2-3 days after washing your hair to relax it? (especially if it is completely dry sooner than that).

Is it for protecting the scalp or does this protect the hair also?

Even if you heavily base the scalp beforehand, does it not matter if its less that 72 hrs?

I know this is probably a dumb question, I just can't remember the reasoning, I've just always waited anyway...

 

[PrettyBrownEyes]

It's to protect your scalp. Supposedly your pores are still open and you will experience burning.

 

[slwe415]

ita

 

[Cleo]

PBE, that's always been my understanding as well.

 

[Kaela]

I'm just in denial right now I guess. I have something important tommorrow to attend, and I wanted to look polished, instead of heavily gelled back (11 weeks post). But noooo, I had to wash my hair yesterday. I guess gelled back looks better than burned scalp.

I wanted to heavily base and do it anyway, but I'd be better off waiting I suppose.

Thanx ladies!

 

[renee_n_3000]

Kaela,

I won't suggest that you go ahead and relax now. However, I believe the main reason people say you should wait a few days after washing to relax is that it is assumed that women scrub their scalps vigorously when they wash. That could lead to small scraps or cuts on the scalp that will then be susceptible to burning from the relaxer. This is the same reason you are not supposed to brush your scalp or scratch it with your fingernails for a few days before relaxing as well.

I don't scratch or scrub my scalp with my fingernails when I wash my hair, but I still don't think I'd risk relaxing a couple of days after washing.

 

[Tracy]

I relax the day after or two days after washing all the time. I find I get a better relaxer that way (the process I mean, not how the relaxer "takes") and I find my scalp itches less which means no scratching.

 

[renee_n_3000]

Oh boy, Tracy, now you're going to have me trying to relax a couple of days after washing someday as well.

I honestly don't think it would be a problem for me since I don't manipulate my scalp much. I've just tried to be extra cautious up until now.

 

[bimbabe]

Last time I got a relaxer I had washed the night before

It was a mistake I went to the beach at night and dived in forgetting I had my appointment the next day.
There was no way I was taking that new growth anymore so I washed with conditioned washed with moisturefuse, based my scalp and based it again in the morning. I even air dryed and then blow dried to get it straight so she would not have too bad of a comb out.

Result- No burns! Just try not to irritate your scalp. HTH

 

[Kaela]

thank you ladies! I will probably end up doing a touch up today or tommorrow. I really appreciate the responses