Relaxed heads who don't stretch relaxers

How do you use the honey shield? Do you apply it to the the entire strand, including the new growth? Or is it just to the processed hair? What does it do?

Sorry for the questions...I am a newbie relaxer :-)
 
I was going to try to be a stretcher but I don't think thats gonna happen. I own a group fitness studio and teach 10 classes a week. My hair is always sweaty so it reverts faster. I think the longest I'm going is 10 weeks. I'm under the dryer down at the salon. Just got my touch up. I'm getting a sew-in in 10 days and will touch up again in 2 mths or so when I get it out.
 
Angelicus said:
I usually shoot for 12 weeks but I just couldn't this time. I broke down at week 6 but couldn't relax until week 8 (I get my relaxer by mail). I used to be able to stretch with no issue... my hair has changed so much from years ago.
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Its because of you (and a few others too) that I switched to Linange Shea Butter this time. I love it! I'm too chicken to not use a different brand's neutralizing shampoo though. Nevertheless, I'm very happy with it.
 
To update, I was able to stretch to 10 weeks for my last relaxer. I did it with no manipulation braidouts im gonna shoot for 10 weeks again but this time with only rollersets cuz i think the braidouts may have caused me some damage.
 
Just got a touch up after going 11 weeks. I usually go at 8-9 weeks. I had tons of new growth and I did everything I needed to do to keep my new growth moisturized, etc. and protected my ends. The reason why I won't stretch that long anymore was because it was hard for my stylist to get to my roots to relax them cause my hair was overall so thick. Maybe I should have blow dried my hair straight instead of air drying it and not practiced low maintenance on my hair that week. You could barely get that rat-tailed relaxer comb through my hair to get to the roots to relax....such a no no...I then experienced damage. My stylist (who is awesome and works wonders) told me not to stretch that long and this was the first time in over 5 years that she had seen my hair get damaged because of putting in the relaxer.

Oh well..live and learn. I will just go 9 weeks now. Plus, my growth vitamins gave me so much new growth that it would be really easy not to overlap. As long as i have enough new growth not to overlap, I am getting my touch up!:yep:
 
I made it to 9 weeks, my hair was shedding badly, I hoped that I can stretch longer but I am so afraid of loosing the little progress I have made. I dont know which way to turn...lol...
 
chitowndcgal said:
Just got a touch up after going 11 weeks. I usually go at 8-9 weeks. I had tons of new growth and I did everything I needed to do to keep my new growth moisturized, etc. and protected my ends. The reason why I won't stretch that long anymore was because it was hard for my stylist to get to my roots to relax them cause my hair was overall so thick. Maybe I should have blow dried my hair straight instead of air drying it and not practiced low maintenance on my hair that week. You could barely get that rat-tailed relaxer comb through my hair to get to the roots to relax....such a no no...I then experienced damage. My stylist (who is awesome and works wonders) told me not to stretch that long and this was the first time in over 5 years that she had seen my hair get damaged because of putting in the relaxer.

Oh well..live and learn. I will just go 9 weeks now. Plus, my growth vitamins gave me so much new growth that it would be really easy not to overlap. As long as i have enough new growth not to overlap, I am getting my touch up!:yep:
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Maybe u can try flat ironing the roots a week before ur relaxer. Or the wash before ur relaxer...That was one thing that worked out well for me.
 
divachyk said:
@blackberry815 IA with you. I flat iron my ng only before my TU to help with ease of navigation. I don't flat iron my ng or hair otherwise...just a week before TU.

ETA: mentioning chitowndcgal for reference.
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Same here. The way i see it once every two-three months on just the new growth wont hurt... Its good enough where she can see the wave and get through it without tearing through my new growth... Less pain and scalp burns for me!
 
Great thread ladies!

Do what works for your hair and you'll be fine. Before LHCF, I got a TU every 4 weeks and still had hair on my head and didn't know the first thing about haircare.

I'm able to go 14 weeks now, but there's nothing wrong with relaxing the newgrowth only every 6-8 weeks with proper care. :yep:
 
Just to update, I've been able to stretch to 10 weeks since posting this thread... HOWEVER, my hairdresser is not happy with this and told me to stop stretching. She told me it's not worth it since she noted more shedding then usual. I am hard headed though and wanna stick with 8-10 weeks but I have a wedding coming up for which I am a bridesmaid and I will probably be relaxing at 7.5 weeks.. Just to have a fresh relaxer for the wedding. I'll also be self relaxing from now on so that should be interesting...
 
taz007 (and to also any other self relaxers who do not stretch) what do you use to actually apply the relaxer to the new growth? I was using the sprush but it applies the product past the line of demarcation onto hair that was previously relaxed. Any other tools that you find more helpful when not stretching?
 
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I cant go past 8-10 weeks.

Im trying to make it to 10 weeks this time, which is 4 weeks away for me, and Im struggling, lol!
 
blackberry815 said:
@taz007 (and to also any other self relaxers who do not stretch) what do you use to actually apply the relaxer to the new growth? I was using the sprush but it applies the product past the line of demarcation onto hair that was previously relaxed. Any other tools that you find more helpful when not stretching?
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I absolutey HAVE to use my hands to apply my relaxer. I don't use gloves either because I have to feel the new growth. I ruin my manicures but I always wait until the day after my relaxer to get them redone.
 
I think relaxing too soon has been a problem for me. I used to say I would not stretch but I think I am just not that good at preventing overlapping. I am trying my hardest to stretch and so far at 9 weeks im good. If i can go as long as possible I will be happy. I cannot imagine relaxing anytime soon. (thank you coconut oil)
 
Hairsnob said:
I absolutey HAVE to use my hands to apply my relaxer. I don't use gloves either because I have to feel the new growth. I ruin my manicures but I always wait until the day after my relaxer to get them redone.
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My hands are just not precise enough... And I always end up touching my scalp with my hands applying relaxer..
 
HoneyDew said:
I think relaxing too soon has been a problem for me. I used to say I would not stretch but I think I am just not that good at preventing overlapping. I am trying my hardest to stretch and so far at 9 weeks im good. If i can go as long as possible I will be happy. I cannot imagine relaxing anytime soon. (thank you coconut oil)
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HoneyDew do you self relax? Maybe u should try a different tool...
 
blackberry815 said:
HoneyDew do you self relax? Maybe u should try a different tool...
Click to expand...

I do self relax. I pretty much use my fingers or a sprush. The trouble is over time. I really dont think I have enough ng at 8 weeks or so to relax with ease and safety. for the long haul at least.

I know many people can, but I am just not one of them lol
 
I really do think stretching or not depends on the person tho.

There are ladies who stretch for loooong times and I see pics and I would never want my hair to look like some of the pics I see. I will relax just based on looks. I really have not gotten to a point where I can sacrifice style for stretching or other hair rentention methods.

Meanwhile there are people who have hair that grows faster than others so they can relax sooner. And then there are the ladies who have a natural texture that makes it easier to manage while stretching.

And those are just a few factors. At the end of the day I think it is good for people to find what works for them.
 
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