Super long post ..
Today was
my first self-relaxer. I learned you could never be too prepared because although I had been reviewing this many times in my head, things didn’t go perfectly. I’m not bald though so big plus for that.
I started out trying to use the half and half method but that honestly does not work for me. The other half will get wet somehow at least to a certain degree or relaxer will go down my back (I was using the shower). Also I found that with pre-sectioning my hair into exactly the pieces I would be relaxing was probably the best thing I did. I did 4 big sections, then continued with smaller half inch sections and clipped them. Also note to self, buy more clips. The only clips that worked properly without getting in my way much were the silver metal clips. When I ran out, I used any size/type of clip.
With these small presectioned pieces, basing my scalp thoroughly (the night before and right before the relaxer) , and protecting previously relaxed ends, I was ready to begin. I mixed the ors lye relaxer with olive oil, some aloe, and some aphogee keratin leave-in (since I could not find SAA by that time). I mixed these until the relaxer was creamy enough to apply using an applicator brush. I started with the back sections, leaving my nape area alone for the moment and continued on to the front after I realized I only took about 8 minutes to apply to the back. Since I had started out using the half and half method, I had to take out the bags and clips that were in my hair which slowed me down a bit.
After applying in the front, I started smoothing out the front with a comb. At this point I felt my time was running short so I tried smoothing the back with just my hands as I saw done in videos. I will not do this again. I felt that it contributed to the back feeling tangled and it felt and looks less processed than the front. I had like 3 minutes to spare (I told myself I had 25 minutes with all the oil and aloe –low pH- that I had added) and I did not feel any tingle or burning sensation what so ever. I attribute me rinsing out early because I was just scared of relaxers and this was my first time. I could have smoothed the back with a comb and I think my results would have turned out much better. Next I did the mid-protein step with aphogee 2-minute reconstructor.
The next major issue I had was that I realized the mizani neutralizer I had bought was
not color indicating. I realized this after I shampooed the first time to leave it in for 5 minutes. I was thinking to myself wow I must have really rinsed out well because the lather was white. Then I double checked and saw no color-indicating label on it. I started getting scared at this point so I waited like 7 min to rinse out and did it again for another 5 minutes and once more for good measure rinsing A LOT in between. I’m sure my roommate was thinking what is wrong with this girl since I don’t pay the utilities, she does. I just did not want to wake up bald. I plan on getting a neutralizing shampoo and neutralizing again tomorrow just to be sure. I also did an acv rinse and used my roux porosity control before I DC’ed. Yes I was very paranoid.
I DC’ed and blow dried (still got to work on roller setting skills) and then pincurled my hair. Overall, things went okay because I know now that I don’t need the half and half method and presectioning will be the only way I do a relaxer. I know to get more clips and to not feel too rushed because I go pretty quick with pre-sectioning. I am super texlaxed in the back lets just say. Also to make sure I have a color indicating poo.
I'm in the HYH challenge so i guess no pics for me
my results weren't spectacular but
next time it will be
*any tips and advice or observations on where I went wrong is helpful for next time*
I believe Revlon sharpens their own for free if they ever dull. 
