Relaxer application-Too close for comfort!

[melodee]

In another thread Seria suggested that I have my relaxer applied 1/3 in away from my sclp. My stylist doesn't do this. She gets close for that straight effect. The perm gets patted onto my scalp. My scalp HATES this, and lets me know a day or so later.
Does anyone else stick to the 1/3 away policy? How does it work for you?

 

[Isis]

I haven't done this yet, maybe I should. If my scalp is throroughly based, I would think some of the grease will get on that first few centimeters of my hair roots. Does your stylist base your scalp?

 

[UmSumayyah]

Both professional stylists I have used have applied the relaxer too close. I could always feel it going right on my scalp. I don't have this problem since I do it myself, but I probably get as close as 1/4 or even 1/8 of an inch to the scalp. Works just great.

 

[melodee]

Isis, they do base the scalp, but I usually suffer from problems a day or so later. No burns while in the salon.

Umsummayah, you know then how I feel about stylists getting that stuff onto your scalp. Most stylists believe you're not getting your money's worth if you don't have stick straight hair from follicle to ends. But my scalp says "I hate having perms on me"!!! I need you to do my touch up.

 

[UmSumayyah]

Melodee, since self-relaxing I don't relax really straight, in fact I think I underprocessed a tad last time even though I was going for wavy (20 minutes, I think next time I will go for 25 minutes and or use a seamless fine-toothed comb for smoothing).
When I get REAL good at doing my own hair I might give someone else's hair a shot.
Keep in mind I only do half my head at a time.
If we could manage both your kids AND mine tearing up the house while we do hair, maybe we can give it a go!