Relaxed Hair Thread

[LushLox]

Hi ladies,

What's a good moisturizer to use on dry hair?

As I Am So Much Moisture is amazing, as recommended by Hairlicious. I only use it when I'm deep in a stretch as it's quite a heavy moisturiser but it does the trick on my hair if it feels parched.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

What relaxer is everyone using? I’m thinking of texlaxing again, but I don’t even know what is available anymore or what is still good.

You going back to the dark side? I was thinking about it lol

 

[Theresamonet]

You going back to the dark side? I was thinking about it lol

Girl… I was STRONGLY considering it. But I decided not to.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Does anyone use Affirm Fiberguard relaxer? I have a giant tub (like 4lbs)that I’m not planning to use anytime soon, and I’m willing to give it away if you pay for shipping. I used it like once or twice and it’s been sitting in my closet.

I might just go ahead and use this up. It’s down to the “Affirm” line. It’s whatever’s next after I’m finished.

 

[LushLox]

I touched up today after 19 weeks post and also took off about an inch. I've got some decent growth and thickness but I think I will only do a 12/16 week stretch next time. The last couple of weeks was really tough this time round.

I moisturised, sealed, put my hair in a loose bun and put my silk cap straight back on. I'm going to consistently bun or pin up right through until I touch up at least.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

I’m back visiting RelaxerTown
This relaxer process went really well for me with the exception of me forgetting to base one tiny (like the size of a small box braid section) and having to rinse the left side 4 minutes earlier than I intended. Matter of fact, lemme copy and paste from my notes:


9/8/2021

Relaxer Day

(Stretched since 11/7/2020)



Based scalp with softee Indian hemp mixed with drops of tea tree oil. Applied Protecto to entire strands. Used Affirm Fiberguard to relax. Used 4 gloves, 2 for each side. 7.5 minutes to apply, 7.5 minutes to smooth on right side. Covered left side with paper towel and shower cap clipped with duckbill front and back while rinsing. Left side 7.5 minutes to apply. Stopped with 4 minutes remaining to smooth. Think I forgot a spot while basing and that’s the only spot that tingled and led me to rinse earlier. Seem to process a lot quicker. Start on left side next time. Maybe shorter time like 6.5. Used Sustenance and Normalizing shampoo, then She is Bomb Silk shampoo and Mielle Mongongo Oil protein free deep conditioner and a shower cap. Probably fell asleep with it on. (Edit: I actually got up to rinse it off, then t-shirt dried. Moisturized the next morning with APB Rice Water rinse & Murumuru Honey cream, sealed with TGIN Argan Oil, then put in a low bun). I think 15 minutes (7.5 application, 7.5 smoothing) is perfect and I love the texture I have left, because I don’t look so bald lol

 

[secretdiamond]

Washed today and had it braided down. I'm 17.5 weeks post, and everything is going great! As my hair grows, stretching is getting easier--- esp with the Rev Air. I thought I would relax soon, but I think I can make it to a full 6-7 months again, but easier this time.

Last week, I flat ironed it, so I could trim. Proud of myself for waiting 4 months/16 weeks to trim this time (vs 8 weeks). Especially after the Split Ender fiasco with the last trim. I cut more on the right side to even it out with the shorter pieces on the left. I'm also cutting the bottom layers more to keep the length at the base of my neck, to allow the top to grow out more.

I passed the one year anniversary of when I stopped chopping my hair, and though there have been some setbacks, I'm super pleased with the growth and progress. Can't wait for what's in store for my 2 yr anniversary.


Edit: Attaching some progress pics. Please excuse my really dirty mirror. I didn't even notice the spots until I took the pics.

Aug 27th 2020 - Natural




Sept 4th 2021 - Before Trim, Blow Dried Only - 16 wks post relaxer

Right side - normal


Left side - chopped up by the Split Ender during the last trim




Sept 4th 2021 - After Trim, Flat Ironed with Dyson Corrale

 

[LushLox]

That’s great progress @secretdiamond your hair looks nice and thick.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@secretdiamond don’t feel bad, my mirror always seems to be dirty when I wanna take pictures. I just gave up

 

[secretdiamond]

That’s great progress @secretdiamond your hair looks nice and thick.

Here’s my relaxer pic after flat ironing and using some heated rollers.

Beautiful! Your hair is thick, too! Can’t wait until my hair is this length again.

@secretdiamond don’t feel bad, my mirror always seems to be dirty when I wanna take pictures. I just gave up

Lol! Right. I couldn’t believe it.

 

[LushLox]

I used Aphogee Strengthening Kit for the first time today whooo my hair feels so strong. That is some awesome stuff! It doesn't have the stink of the original Aphogee Two Step although I still got whiffs of it lol.

But I'm going to get back onto the moisturising train now because I've used a lot of protein lately.

 

[ElegantPearl17]

I've tried many moisturizers (drugstore & salon brands) but the one I routinely use now is Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine. I also use Olaplex #6 when I shampoo and once weekly. This combination keeps my hair soft and moisturized. Note: I use the Olaplex line routinely #s 0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8; game changer for my formerly dry, high porosity hair.

How did you use the system? I need more deets

 

[GraceandJoy]

How did you use the system? I need more deets

Hi @ElegantPearl17 - The good news is that it's pretty easy. #0 is used to prep the hair for #3. #3 is a pre-poo. #4 is shampoo and #5 is conditioner. #6 is applied as a moisturizer. #7 is oil to use after I moisturize. #8 is a mask that I use on top of #5 or as a substitute for #5. **Edited to add: Because Olaplex is so effective,**I am no longer a product junkie but still love reading about hair. I hope this helps.

 

[LushLox]

So I broke down and bought the K18 because it sounds so incredible. I'm going to use it for the 4 weeks that they recommend then I will alternate it with my Olaplex after that. These two powerhouse products/brands should be all I need alongside my regular moisture and protein DCs and leave ins. I think my PJ days might finally be over lol.

I've been using Kiehl's Magic Elixir just for a couple of weeks on my scalp post relaxer, it's really lovely and just what I need post relaxer service.


ETA: The K18 is a serious treatment and that's after just one use. My fear of not using conditioner was neutralised by the K18 because it provides very good moisture.

As an aside upon rinsing out my shampoo I noticed that my hair feels so heavy, I love when it feels like that.

 

[sunnieb]

@secretdiamond your hair is beautiful!

 

[sunnieb]

What relaxer is everyone using? I’m thinking of texlaxing again, but I don’t even know what is available anymore or what is still good.

I made the switch back to box relaxers because Design Essentials was becoming too hard to find.

Currently using ORS No-Lye, Normal. My hair loves it!

 

[secretdiamond]

@secretdiamond your hair is beautiful!

Thank you! Still have a long way to go, but I’m starting to see the light. Lol

 

[Royalq]

Plan on relaxing in December and that would make 9 months stretch. I can only stretch that long with long term protective styles. Currently cornrowed under a wig. Im taking the cornrows out and getting half and half braids next week. Will leave that it from October to December and only redo the front 1.5 months in.
after i take my cornrows out I’ll ro a good clarifying wash, olaplex bonding treatment, hard protein treatment, and DC with heat.

 

[BurntSugar]

As I Am so much moisture and the itchy scalp leave in, and seal with oil and unrefined shea butter on my ends this has worked great and allowed to stretch my relaxer to 14-16 weeks. When I get to the end of my stretch like 12 weeks and up I start to seal my new growth with shea butter

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

I think Affirm might have been the best relaxer I've used...better than my former beloved Vitale Sensitive Scalp. My hair looks so shiny and rich. Doesn't feel as thin either. I'd show yall a pic, but I'm too doggone tired right now.

 

[LushLox]

I think Affirm might have been the best relaxer I've used...better than my former beloved Vitale Sensitive Scalp. My hair looks so shiny and rich. Doesn't feel as thin either. I'd show yall a pic, but I'm too doggone tired right now.

Yes ma'am it is excellent. Well worth the extra coin imo.

That's the thing, you relax it and there's no thin "just relaxed" look. The hair is fully of body, I love it!

 

[demlew]

Yes ma'am it is excellent. Well worth the extra coin imo.

That's the thing, you relax it and there's no thin "just relaxed" look. The hair is fully of body, I love it!

@ItsMeLilLucky
This post came right on time! I’ve been searching old threads for more info on Affirm because I’ve decided I’m going to switch to Affirm Lye in the next two weeks. My hesitation is choosing between the Control version and the standard one. Which one do you all use? TIA

I’ve also wondered how long the tub is ok to use before I’d need to throw it away. I plan on portioning out enough for 1 application so that I don’t contaminate the tub, but I also plan to stretch and don’t have anyone to share the relaxer tub and cost with. I’d hate to waste the product.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@ItsMeLilLucky
This post came right on time! I’ve been searching old threads for more info on Affirm because I’ve decided I’m going to switch to Affirm Lye in the next two weeks. My hesitation is choosing between the Control version and the standard one. Which one do you all use? TIA

I’ve also wondered how long the tub is ok to use before I’d need to throw it away. I plan on portioning out enough for 1 application so that I don’t contaminate the tub, but I also plan to stretch and don’t have anyone to share the relaxer tub and cost with. I’d hate to waste the product.

I actually use the Fiberguard regular one, so I don’t have any experience with the ones you mentioned. I think as long as you keep it out the heat it should last for a minute. How long do you plan on stretching?

 

[demlew]

I actually use the Fiberguard regular one, so I don’t have any experience with the ones you mentioned. I think as long as you keep it out the heat it should last for a minute. How long do you plan on stretching?

I’d usually relax this week at 10 weeks. The longest I’ve gone was 14 and I suffered breakage. I told my stylist I’d go 2 more weeks and then take it from there. I’ve gotten better at conditioning and moisturizing, so I should be ok this time if I go past 12.

 

[LushLox]

@ItsMeLilLucky
This post came right on time! I’ve been searching old threads for more info on Affirm because I’ve decided I’m going to switch to Affirm Lye in the next two weeks. My hesitation is choosing between the Control version and the standard one. Which one do you all use? TIA

I’ve also wondered how long the tub is ok to use before I’d need to throw it away. I plan on portioning out enough for 1 application so that I don’t contaminate the tub, but I also plan to stretch and don’t have anyone to share the relaxer tub and cost with. I’d hate to waste the product.

Yeah I use the sensitive scalp in the kit so I don't use the one that you're referring to. Agreed keep it in a cool area and it should be fine. Although there should be an expiry date on it.

 

[demlew]

Yeah I use the sensitive scalp in the kit so I don't use the one that you're referring to. Agreed keep it in a cool area and it should be fine. Although there should be an expiry date on it.

Thank you. I’ll probably keep it my bedroom closet so it’s away from the heat and humidity of a bathroom.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Have y'all seen this gorgeous lady?

 

[abioni]

Her hair is a dream

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Finding time to relax my hair is so rough. Hopefully I can get to it by Wednesday.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

It keeps randomly getting hot and my hair line wakes up moist. All I know is that I need to have it done by Sunday