Self-relaxing this weekend---need extra tips

[ricaross]

Ok, So i've read the self-relaxing sticky and i have:
-my mizani relaxer
-my oil to slow the process (castor or olive)
-my neutralizing shampoo
-my reconstructor
-my lacio lacio (trying for the first time)
-my conditioner (keracare or nexxus)

I plan on relaxing in sections however, my biggest fear is that my hair will break off it i try to do it myself.

What actually causes breakage when using a relaxer?

 

[lonei]

I have a self relaxer guide that i use in my fotki journal...

 

[mzhotniz86]

the only things that would cause breakage is if you leave too long or use a bad relaxer or not neutralizing as you're supposed to. a good tip i learned along with basing your scalp well (NOT with petrolatum jelly) is to put some form of oil on your ends to protect them when you are rinsing the relaxer out. start where the newgrowth is the densest and go from there (ex: if the ng is thickest in the middle, start there and work your way out so you wont overprocess the other sections, etc).

 

[ricaross]

So i'm guessing the only way to really cause breakage is to leave it on to long or not nuetrolize it enough?

 

[MissMusic]

Yep, the other way is harsh handing of hair, but you won't do that so no worries. Sounds like you have a plan, make sure you base your scalp and don't be scared, its not as hard as it seems just intimidating. You'll be fine.

 

[drasgrl]

I always put conditioner on my ends just in case of overlap which you really can't help. I've been self-relaxing for years now and never had any problems. I just make sure I spend extra time making sure I wash all the relaxer out.