So, what's the problem with stretching?

[NJoy]

I'm planning a touchup at the end of this month. I've never really kept track of how long between relaxers. I usually get a touchup when it's so crazy that I can't do anything with it. So, at the end of this month, I think I'll be about 10-12 weeks post (not really sure). If being able to put up with the NG is all that I have to worry about, I'm sure I can stretch a longer. But, what happens when you go too long? I'm only really combing my hair to detangle in the shower. Otherwise, I've been wearing low mani styles. I'm good on keeping my hair moisturized so, what causes breakage when you go too long? Is it the combing or what? Can somebody break it down for me so that I can decide whether to relax or not. I'm only planning to relax because I've seen a few posts regretting stretching too long and I don't want to mess up my progress. But, uh...how do you know you've gone too long???

 

[AMAKA127]

I recently had a long stretch of 25 weeks .. i didnt see any major damage ... the only thing I would suggest to you is when your taking out your sew in ... oil your scalp (EVO, Cocoa nut oil) helps the braids to stay tangle free

 

[NJoy]

I'm not wearing a weave. I usually braid my own hair in 2 french braids (one on each side) like my 2/17 pic. So, other than that, you think I should be good to stretch?

 

[nymane]

I just got off a 27 week post with no breakage issues. As long as you're in tune with what your hair needs you should be fine. Breakage during a stretch can be caused by lack of moisture/protein, matting, rough detangling, etc..

I enjoyed stretching, but you really can't afford to slack off or get lazy IMO

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

As long as you're in tune with what your hair needs you should be fine. Breakage during a stretch can be caused by lack of moisture/protein, matting, rough detangling, etc..

I enjoyed stretching, but you really can't afford to slack off or get lazy IMO

Exactly x infinity

For me, 16 weeks is my limit.

 

[NJoy]

I just got off a 27 week post with no breakage issues. As long as you're in tune with what your hair needs you should be fine. Breakage during a stretch can be caused by lack of moisture/protein, matting, rough detangling, etc..

I enjoyed stretching, but you really can't afford to slack off or get lazy IMO

Thanks! Lazy would have been me pre-LHCF. Now I'm so obsessed, I think I can hang in there a bit. Wow! 27 weeks! How did you manage the NG?

Exactly x infinity

For me, 16 weeks is my limit.

Why? What happens? Is it because the texture difference? Just asking. I think I understand what you ladies are saying and I appreciate the feedback. Just wondering what makes 16 weeks your limit.

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

Usually, my patience gets the best of me, lol. I relax 3x a year; so, it's just a personal schedule for me. I don't experience major breakage or anything. It's just that, by that time, I want to see my progress.

 

[goodmorningruby]

I am a long term stretcher. I usually go about 6 months in between each touch up. Breakage can occur for several reasons. It could be lack of moisture or protein, rough handling/too much manipulation, etc.

But I think the main thing to consider is that when you're stretching you're losing strand uniformity. You're dealing with two different textures and where those textures meet at the line of demarcation, the hair could break. Generally speaking, your relaxed hair has been compromised by the chemicals and your new growth is all natural, meaning it has not been compromised by chemicals, so it's much stronger. This is why it is very important to keep the line of demarcation and NG moisturized well.

If you know you're keeping up with your hair's moisture/protein balance, and you're not manhandling your hair and it's still breaking, it could be due to the stress from the line of demarcation. Thus, meaning you have stretched too far. If you're new to stretching take it slow. Increase the amount of time gradually in between touch ups so you know what your hair can handle. For example, if you get to 12 weeks and your hair isn't causing you any problems, then keep going. If you get to week 15 and your hair is breaking clearly because of the line of demarcation, then relax. And try to go longer the next time or only stretch until week 14 before your hair starts to break. These are my experiences and observations.

ETA: The last time I stretched for six months I had to relax a little early, because I noticed breakage out of nowhere close to my relax date. My hair wasn't breaking at all before that so I figured it was due to the contrastive textures/the amount of NG and it was.

 

[Lanea87]

I have went 6 months multiple times, and I have learned that my hair doesn't like it too much.
I can't get to my scalp w/o messing with it too much. So I endvof losing hair in the long run from the line of demarcation b/c my natural hair is way stronger. I can do it only if I have in braids or sew in, but trying to do my hair weekly lord NO....

 

[nymane]

Thanks! Lazy would have been me pre-LHCF. Now I'm so obsessed, I think I can hang in there a bit. Wow! 27 weeks! How did you manage the NG?

DC'ing at least once weekly, co-washing 1-2x weekly, M&S daily, Aphogee 2-step every 6-8 weeks, Air-drying in 6-8 braids.

I only combed on wash day and I made sure that I detangled my ng very well (this was important for me) because a few tangles left alone for too long can get matted quickly.