Relaxed Hair Thread

[MzSwift]

Your hair appears texlaxed. If so can you give details to your relaxer day and products used? I’m transitioning my daughter to Tex laxed. So far so good. I’ve only done two relaxers. The second one I feel I smoothed too much. I use Mizani butter blend mild.

Yes ma'am, I am definitely texlaxed.
I'll start by saying that if you guys are doing well so far, don't tweak anything! That's when we make costly mistakes. Each application will not be the same but as long as it isn't too inconsistent/different, you shouldn't see any issues with her hair as it grows. I've also found that sometimes my results look too straight and then about a month afterwards, it doesn't look so straight anymore.

In short, I texlax by slathering oil and a cone condish on my strands before applying my relaxer (as opposed to mixing oil and/or condish into my relaxer). Then I quickly hand-smooth and rinse out the relaxer right afterwards. I only relax 1-2 times per year but this year I'm trying for 3 times. I use Motions lye relaxer, Mild.

The LONG:

The day prior to my relaxer, I pre-twist my hair into 8-10 sections. In each section, I base my scalp with Vaseline and slather on a cone condish (Aussie Moist) from root to tip. Then I slather on EVOO from root to tip. Then I apply Vaseline to my already relaxed hair only (to protect it) and twist that section up. I don't twist the new growth, my twists start right after the new growth and I twist tightly so that they don't come loose.

Relaxer Day-
I apply the relaxer to those pre-twisted sections without taking down the twists. Because it's twisted, I am able to apply my relaxer in about 3-5 minutes. I use my hands so that I can feel my new growth. I apply the relaxer thick because the sections are large. I then spend 2-3 minutes smoothing in the relaxer into those sections by squeezing it into the new growth and smoothing it down toward the twist. Then I rinse my relaxer.

I rinse thoroughly for about 5-10 minutes doing a quick rinse all over and then going through each twisted section at a time. I don't undo my twists yet. It's easier to apply my neutralizer while the sections are twisted. So I keep them in for my FIRST neutralizing wash. I lather in the neutralizing poo and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. I take down my twists as I rinse out each section. I do at least two more neutralizing lathers and let them sit as well for at least 10 minutes. For my final neutralizing poo, I first pour on a vinegar rinse (lately, I've been doing straight vinegar, white or ACV doesn't matter) to help restore my pH and to help heal any scalp irritations (I haven't had any since I started basing w Vaseline)

After that, I do a protein + moisture DC. I used to use Joico k-pak reconstructor + the k-pak hydrator but I don't like the way it makes my hair feel. So lately, I've just been doing my amino acid tx (cholesterol condish + Braggs amino acids + baking soda). That makes my hair hang! It also gives me really good results when blow dry and flat iron afterwards. Anyway, I DC w that with a heat cap for at least 20 minutes. Rinse and then style. I hope this helps! Sorry so long.

And here are the pix:

Twisted sections:
View media item 130405View media item 130407
Relaxer applied:
View media item 130411
Neutralizer lathered and sitting for 10+ minutes:
View media item 130409
Amino Acid Tx:
View media item 130417
Finished wet hair:
View media item 130413
And Blow dry and flat iron:
View media item 130419

 

[naturalpride]

I've been thinking about it because rebraiding my hair at night and unbraiding it in the morning is way too much manipulation. When my hair was short, I did WNGs almost everyday, summer and winter. Lol. I haven't tried it since I've grown my hair out but I'm tempted. Braids, ponytails, buns all seem to give me tension headaches for some reason now. Not sure why.

But my little one was pulling my hair a lot when it was out the other day so I've had to tuck it away again. It soothes him to do that repetitive motion with his hands but it kills my strands. Lol

Yes wash and goes are great if you feel like wetting your hair daily. Having a little one and hair to manage is a lot too. I understand.

 

[starfish]

I just came in here to say that I went the longest, 12 weeks, that I’ve ever gone without a perm in my life. My stylist never stopped working and I was waiting for health officials to open salons but I couldn’t take it anymore. I don’t see how y’all stretch for so long. I’m so impressed! My hair was so big when it dried I just wet bunned. Good thing is I had no breakage and my hair is an inch past BSL. I’m aiming for MBL by December. The last time I grew my hair out I was taking massive amounts of yaeyama chlorella and went from BSL to MBL in 7 months so I’m ordering some tonight.
@MzSwift your hair is gorgeous!

ETA: it was BSB to MBL in 7 months.

 

[MzSwift]

I just came in here to say that I went the longest, 12 weeks, that I’ve ever gone without a perm in my life. My stylist never stopped working and I was waiting for health officials to open salons but I couldn’t take it anymore. I don’t see how y’all stretch for so long. I’m so impressed! My hair was so big when it dried I just wet bunned. Good thing is I had no breakage and my hair is an inch past BSL. I’m aiming for MBL by December. The last time I grew my hair out I was taking massive amounts of yaeyama chlorella and went from BSL to MBL in 7 months so I’m ordering some tonight.
@MzSwift your hair is gorgeous!

ETA: it was BSB to MBL in 7 months.

Lol, 12 weeks is a good stretch! You'll be MBL before you know it! BSL is a harder length to get to so the hardest part is behind you!

If you ever wanna stretch longer, I use braid/twist extensions, Lazy Girl/No cornrow crochet method and plaits under curly wigs to help me stretch without over-manipulating my hair. I only keep them in for about 4 weeks. Just rest your hair for a week or two before you relax again and you'll be good. HTH!

 

[simplyconfident]

MzSwift thank you thank thank you!!!!

This helped a lot. You are so right about it appearing to straight initially! Going to implement the twist for relaxer days. This seems like it would work great.

Her hair is thick but fine and fine bone straight relaxer the hair dresser was applying just took all the life out of her hair and caused a lot of breakage. Her hair was so fragile. Since transitioning to texlaxed her hair has thrived. How long have you been texlaxed?

 

[danysedai]

I'm 13 weeks post and thinking of switching to Design Essentials lye relaxer. Anyone has had that one before and can review it?
I also need a super hydrating deep conditioner, looking for recommendations.
On another note, I washed, blew dry my hair with my new Conair dryer with attachments and flat ironed it. I used my beloved Alfaparf blue semi di lino vial and my hair is sooooft, too soft I'd say

 

[MzSwift]

MzSwift thank you thank thank you!!!!

This helped a lot. You are so right about it appearing to straight initially! Going to implement the twist for relaxer days. This seems like it would work great.

Her hair is thick but fine and fine bone straight relaxer the hair dresser was applying just took all the life out of her hair and caused a lot of breakage. Her hair was so fragile. Since transitioning to texlaxed her hair has thrived. How long have you been texlaxed?

Totally understand! I'm also fine stranded and I tried to bonelax after I texlaxed my natural hair in 2014 and hated it! I started transitioning back to texlax in 2017 and in 2018 I chopped off the straight hair ends. My hair felt much better when I chopped. So I consider that the start of this texlaxed hair journey, Jan 2018 and I started at about BSB.

 

[mheatley]

When you started texlaxing, were you natural? I am already permed; do you think it is possibly to transition my new growth into texlax without compromising my relaxed hair.

Yes ma'am, I am definitely texlaxed.
I'll start by saying that if you guys are doing well so far, don't tweak anything! That's when we make costly mistakes. Each application will not be the same but as long as it isn't too inconsistent/different, you shouldn't see any issues with her hair as it grows. I've also found that sometimes my results look too straight and then about a month afterwards, it doesn't look so straight anymore.

In short, I texlax by slathering oil and a cone condish on my strands before applying my relaxer (as opposed to mixing oil and/or condish into my relaxer). Then I quickly hand-smooth and rinse out the relaxer right afterwards. I only relax 1-2 times per year but this year I'm trying for 3 times. I use Motions lye relaxer, Mild.

The LONG:

The day prior to my relaxer, I pre-twist my hair into 8-10 sections. In each section, I base my scalp with Vaseline and slather on a cone condish (Aussie Moist) from root to tip. Then I slather on EVOO from root to tip. Then I apply Vaseline to my already relaxed hair only (to protect it) and twist that section up. I don't twist the new growth, my twists start right after the new growth and I twist tightly so that they don't come loose.

Relaxer Day-
I apply the relaxer to those pre-twisted sections without taking down the twists. Because it's twisted, I am able to apply my relaxer in about 3-5 minutes. I use my hands so that I can feel my new growth. I apply the relaxer thick because the sections are large. I then spend 2-3 minutes smoothing in the relaxer into those sections by squeezing it into the new growth and smoothing it down toward the twist. Then I rinse my relaxer.

I rinse thoroughly for about 5-10 minutes doing a quick rinse all over and then going through each twisted section at a time. I don't undo my twists yet. It's easier to apply my neutralizer while the sections are twisted. So I keep them in for my FIRST neutralizing wash. I lather in the neutralizing poo and leave it on for at least 10 minutes. I take down my twists as I rinse out each section. I do at least two more neutralizing lathers and let them sit as well for at least 10 minutes. For my final neutralizing poo, I first pour on a vinegar rinse (lately, I've been doing straight vinegar, white or ACV doesn't matter) to help restore my pH and to help heal any scalp irritations (I haven't had any since I started basing w Vaseline)

After that, I do a protein + moisture DC. I used to use Joico k-pak reconstructor + the k-pak hydrator but I don't like the way it makes my hair feel. So lately, I've just been doing my amino acid tx (cholesterol condish + Braggs amino acids + baking soda). That makes my hair hang! It also gives me really good results when blow dry and flat iron afterwards. Anyway, I DC w that with a heat cap for at least 20 minutes. Rinse and then style. I hope this helps! Sorry so long.

And here are the pix:

Twisted sections:
View media item 130405View media item 130407
Relaxer applied:
View media item 130411
Neutralizer lathered and sitting for 10+ minutes:
View media item 130409
Amino Acid Tx:
View media item 130417
Finished wet hair:
View media item 130413
And Blow dry and flat iron:
View media item 130419

 

[mheatley]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to increase the porosity of my hair? I think it would help my hair retain moisture, which a problem I am having now.

 

[naturalpride]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to increase the porosity of my hair? I think it would help my hair retain moisture, which a problem I am having now.

What do you mean by increase your porosity? What problem are you having with your hair that you want to increase your hair porosity?

 

[mheatley]

my hair isn’t retaining moisture. I have done hot oil treatments and prepoos, and I’m moisturising and sealing my hair but overall it still feels dry; it’s like the moisture isn’t absorbing into my hair shaft. Think that is due to porosity.

What do you mean by increase your porosity? What problem are you having with your hair that you want to increase your hair porosity?

 

[naturalpride]

my hair isn’t retaining moisture. I have done hot oil treatments and prepoos, and I’m moisturising and sealing my hair but overall it still feels dry; it’s like the moisture isn’t absorbing into my hair shaft. Think that is due to porosity.

Ok gotcha, you may want to try a bentonite clay treatment mixed with ACV. It's great at detoxing the hair and scalp to better help your hair receive the moisture that you're giving it.

 

[MzSwift]

When you started texlaxing, were you natural? I am already permed; do you think it is possibly to transition my new growth into texlax without compromising my relaxed hair.

Yes, I transitioned from bone straight relaxed hair to texlaxed hair. It is definitely possible to transition. There are a few ladies on YouTube who have done it as well. MadamGemini (before she went natural) is one I can think of off the top of my head. I can't seem to find the direct video but you can definitely find lots of ladies who have transitioned to texlaxing.








ETA: Now I'm gone down the rabbit hole of watching texlaxing videos. LOL

 

[mheatley]

Thank you for the quick response and sorry to send down the YouTube rabbit hole lol.

Yes, I transitioned from bone straight relaxed hair to texlaxed hair. It is definitely possible to transition. There are a few ladies on YouTube who have done it as well. MadamGemini (before she went natural) is one I can think of off the top of my head. I can't seem to find the direct video but you can definitely find lots of ladies who have transitioned to texlaxing.








ETA: Now I'm gone down the rabbit hole of watching texlaxing videos. LOL

 

[mheatley]

thanks for the suggestions, I’ll give them a try

Ok gotcha, you may want to try a bentonite clay treatment mixed with ACV. It's great at detoxing the hair and scalp to better help your hair receive the moisture that you're giving it.

 

[gemruby41]

Hello Ladies, I, too, am an Olaplex user. I have fine hair w/medium to low density. As with @Royalq, my hair feels strong and is fuller. I have tried many different types of shampoos and conditioners....many. I will use Olaplex for sure until December 2020 and maybe for as long as they manufacture the product. I really like this combination. My hair doesn't tangle much anymore and it looks and feels like my "hair of old"....hair from my 20s & 30s. My hair looks & feels healthy . I didn't think this was possible, as I have gone through a lot with my hair. Since January, I simplified my hair care routine in the following ways:
1. I pre-poo with Olaplex #3
2. I shampoo with Olaplex #4
3. Condition with Olaplex #5
4. I air-dry until damp and then apply Olaplex #6 and add #7 for shine.
5. Between washes, I moisturize almost every day; I'm high porosity. I use a leave-in hair mist, a shea butter mix w/safflower oil, and seal it all with blue magic hair grease (new addition).
My new routine was gleaned/learned from information and techniques from this forum. Thank you!

How often do you use Olaplex No 3?

 

[GraceandJoy]

How often do you use Olaplex No 3?

Hi, I use it every week or every two weeks. The consistent factor is that I use Olaplex No 3 before I shampoo; it is my pre-poo treatment. When I shampoo varies sometimes but not the use of No 3.

 

[LushLox]

Hi, I use it every week or every two weeks. The consistent factor is that I use Olaplex No 3 before I shampoo; it is my pre-poo treatment. When I shampoo varies sometimes but not the use of No 3.

I think I will pre poo with No 3 tonight actually and leave on overnight. It’s only my first bottle but I’m already seeing some positive signs. I need to reorder, I think I’ll get the oil too.

How long does one bottle of No 3 last you?

 

[GraceandJoy]

I think I will pre poo with No 3 tonight actually and leave on overnight. It’s only my first bottle but I’m already seeing some positive signs. I need to reorder, I think I’ll get the oil too.

How long does one bottle of No 3 last you?

Hi, The short answer is that I'm not sure, sorry. I am very generous with it and it seems to last for a while, approximately 4 to 5 washes...I think. Next time I start a new bottle, I will keep track of how many uses I get from it.

I really like the Olaplex oil. I use it for its strengthening qualities. I use it in addition to my shea butter mix (Nilotica shea & safflower oil infused w/Amla).

 

[LushLox]

Hi, The short answer is that I'm not sure, sorry. I am very generous with it and it seems to last for a while, approximately 4 to 5 washes...I think. Next time I start a new bottle, I will keep track of how many uses I get from it.

I really like the Olaplex oil. I use it for its strengthening qualities. I use it in addition to my shea butter mix (Nilotica shea & safflower oil infused w/Amla).

No that’s fine, I’ve nearly finished my first bottle and I got about four uses out of it and I still have a little bit left over, I just wanted to be confident that I’m using enough. I was underwhelmed the first time I tried it but I think that’s because 1) I didn’t wet the hair enough, I put it on soaking wet hair now and that seems to make a difference and 2) I didn’t leave it on long enough, maybe an hour that first time. Lately I’ve been leaving it on over night.

It is a very very good treatment, I’ve just finishing my wash and DC and my hair feels amazingly good. It’s got me thinking about the shampoo and conditioner now. With the conditioner is it enough to use it on its own or do you need to follow up with a mask?

 

[GraceandJoy]

No that’s fine, I’ve nearly finished my first bottle and I got about four uses out of it and I still have a little bit left over, I just wanted to be confident that I’m using enough. I was underwhelmed the first time I tried it but I think that’s because 1) I didn’t wet the hair enough, I put it on soaking wet hair now and that seems to make a difference and 2) I didn’t leave it on long enough, maybe an hour that first time. Lately I’ve been leaving it on over night.

It is a very very good treatment, I’ve just finishing my wash and DC and my hair feels amazingly good. It’s got me thinking about the shampoo and conditioner now. With the conditioner is it enough to use it on its own or do you need to follow up with a mask?

When my hair is clean and damp, it reacts much better to #3. I have fine hair w/low to medium density. I make sure I saturate my hair thoroughly w/#3. I pre-poo with it for at least an hour, if not longer. And I totally agree, it is a very very good treatment .

The shampoo and conditioner are a-m-a-z-i-n-g....I think. After I condition w/#3, I do not use a deep conditioner or mask. I don't need it. I dry my hair w/my turban towel and while my hair is still damp, I add #6, my liquid and/or cream leave-in, and #7 with a bit of shea mix.

 

[abioni]

MzSwift Said:

"So...

I think I'm ready to move on to my next phase of my hair. I knew it was gonna happen eventually. I see it as a natural progression. I have been over having loose hair for a long time. I've just been trying to extend this period. But I can't any longer.

Even reaching length goals isn't enough motivation. Lol. I came into this HHJ 11 years ago with the goal of MAYBE reaching APL as a longshot goal. So I'm happy with how far my hair has come. I'm gonna put in some locs very soon. I will NOT be cutting my relaxed hair. I worked hard and earned every inch so it's coming with me into this next phase. Lol. I'll continue to lurk here because you ladies have become my home base here.

Now I have to decide how small I want to make them. With fine strands and medium density, my hair will not be big and pretty like Lauryn Hill's or anything. Last time I did this in 2016 with relaxed hair, I did micro braidlocs and interlocked my new growth. I combed them out after 3 months though. It was too much like having loose hair and my roots kept clinging together. I'm going to do Instant Locs this time, using a triple crochet needle.

This is the instant loc process I'll be using, in case anyone is curious. Not sure whether or not I'll backcomb first bc I have a lot of texture in my hair already.

"


@MzSwift, you are/were such an integral part of the relaxer club that I feel the need to post this here so others not in the other thread will see your update. Still sad you are leaving us but happy for you that you are doing what is right for you.

 

[MzSwift]

Thank you so much, @abioni .

I meant to cross-post it and totally forgot.
I'm still working on starting them.

 

[Sosoothing]

@MzSwift
Whaattt??!!??

Sis, I love you and want to be happy for you. But I need a minute...

 

[Royalq]

Im debating if i want to pull a 6 month stretch and relax in december. I usually stretch for 3 months

 

[MzSwift]

@MzSwift
Whaattt??!!??

Sis, I love you and want to be happy for you. But I need a minute...

Love you too, sis!!

I'm still going to be lurking, waiting for the rare treat of the few times you reveal your pretty hair.

 

[MzSwift]

I'm finished with the starter locs. I started doing only the crochet method instant locs on the back. Then I quickly realized that I like the look better with my ends untucked. So I did the rest of my head with the ends untucked. I also decided to do intentionally knotty twists (by resplitting the hair differently every few twist rotations) and then crochet them to instaloc parts of them. I was gonna clean them up a little more but I like the non-uniformed, "messy" look. I definitely like them better than my previous attempt to loc bonelaxed hair. I think the texlaxed texture will help with the loccing process. Hubby LOVES my hair. This is the closest he's gotten to me wearing loose hair daily and he thinks it looks "sexy" . But I'm not looking for another baby so I've been staying away from him.

I've been poo only, no conditioner for a while. I've been spraying daily w a brahmi, bhringraj, hibiscus tea to keep them conditioned and crosswrapped in my satin skull cap at night.

The saddest part for me in all of this is that I likely won't get to keep this effortless looking hair, but there's a chance. I don't like uniformed, perfect looking locs on me. I have super fine strands so I get flyaways very easily. I plan to keep them unless they cause some severe matting.

Also because my hair is so fine, I can see that I'll still be able to rock wig and crochet styles with the size locs I chose. I'm so excited to not have to detangle my hair ever again!! I just plan to keep my parts separated and crochet my new growth every other month or once a quarter, depending on how my new growth is looking. Lol
Anyway, thanks for giving me a home ladies! I will definitely keep lurking and helping, any way I can.

Texture (my last WNG)
View media item 130589
Back locs, crochet instaloc
View media item 130605
Starter locs
View media item 130607

 

[LushLox]

Im debating if i want to pull a 6 month stretch and relax in december. I usually stretch for 3 months

Have you ever done a six month stretch before, it is a massive jump from three months if not. You need to have a good plan/strategy as to how to manage the two textures imo.

 

[Royalq]

Have you ever done a six month stretch before, it is a massive jump from three months if not. You need to have a good plan/strategy as to how to manage the two textures imo.

I inadvertently did a 7 month stretch last year because i wore 3 sewins for 2 months a piece. So i didnt really have to deal with my hair. So thats why im hesitant to try this...

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Okay Swifty, I see you Hubby sees you too