SouthernGirl's Self-Relax Tips

Thank you SG for these tips.

To the others that mentioned relaxing in halves. How exactly do you rinse your hair without getting the rest of it wet?
 
WaterChylde said:
Thank you SG for these tips.

To the others that mentioned relaxing in halves. How exactly do you rinse your hair without getting the rest of it wet?
What I did to protect the half that wasn't being relaxed was:
- wrapped hair with hair wrap paper secured carefully with small hair pins
- wrapped Saran wrap around the hair wrap paper secured with pins
- covered with two plastic caps secured with pins

I did the front first, let water drip dry, then patted hair down with a towel (the only I ever do this) then proceeded to do the back. After the back is done, I wash both halves with neutralizing shampoo again then deep condition.

A Merry Christmas to All! :wave:

Chichi :bdance:
 
Thanks Chichi!

I have the Saran wrap and plastic caps, but where do you get the hair wrap paper? I've never heard of this.

Thanks,
SG
 
SouthernGirl said:
Thanks Chichi!

I have the Saran wrap and plastic caps, but where do you get the hair wrap paper? I've never heard of this.

Thanks,
SG
You're welcome. I buy it from Sally's. I think that it is used for wet wraps, before going under the dryer (that's what the pic on the box shows). It comes out of the box in strips.

Chichi :bdance:
 
Chichi said:
............I did the front first, let water drip dry, then patted hair down with a towel (the only I ever do this) then proceeded to do the back. After the back is done, I wash both halves with neutralizing shampoo again then deep condition.

A Merry Christmas to All! :wave:

Chichi :bdance:

Hi Chichi-

I have a question. Isn't the first half stil processing while you are applying relaxer to the other half? I guess what I'm asking is this: How important is it to get the neutralizing shampoo on the hair after rinsing the relaxer out? I always thought you had to immediately start neutralizing. This was my dilemma with relaxing in sections. If it is not urgent to neutralize, my plan would be to relax the top half, rinse in the sink or tub. Relax the bottom half and rinse in the shower. I tried to do it this way, but I was rushing to neutralize and came out underprocess big time. This sheds new light for me!

Southergirl-

I believe I will wait the six weeks. Thanks alot. It's not real hard to deal with right now. I don't get a lot of growth(probably about 1-2 inches) so stretching to about 13 weeks is about right for me. I use, Motions Oil Moisturizer Moisture Relaxer w/ lye.

HHG-

~op~
 
Chichi said:
What I did to protect the half that wasn't being relaxed was:
- wrapped hair with hair wrap paper secured carefully with small hair pins
- wrapped Saran wrap around the hair wrap paper secured with pins
- covered with two plastic caps secured with pins

One more thing Chichi, do you think you can take pictures of this procedure?

Thanks

~op~
 
SherryLove said:
southerng -- that was so cool of you to take the time to do this... i am going to print it out and share it with a couple of ladies i know.... thanks.....

That's an HONOR coming from you Sherrylove!! :kiss: You are truly an inspiration to me.

Now if I could just perfect that darn baggie method of yours, I'd be a happy camper!!!
 
Bumping for Anky...

Not only does this thread include SG's tips it also includes other helpful tips from other ladies.

HTH

~op~
 
THANKS ALOT !!! :D
I've always relied on stylist or a friend to relax my hair, but now, I'm willing to give it a try on my own. I'll follow your tips religiously as well as Londondiva's. :notworthy
I doubt that vitale is available in france. Does anybody know what is the best box set out there ?
 
_lovelyness said:
THANKS ALOT !!! :D
I've always relied on stylist or a friend to relax my hair, but now, I'm willing to give it a try on my own. I'll follow your tips religiously as well as Londondiva's. :notworthy
I doubt that vitale is available in france. Does anybody know what is the best box set out there ?

Thanks Lovelyness!!

BTW, I love your Avatar :). Yes, LondonDiva's instructions are superb. As for other boxed perms, I'm not really sure what's near you, but I'm sure you'll find some pretty good ones.

Thanks,
SG
 
SouthernGirl said:
Thanks Lovelyness!!

BTW, I love your Avatar :). Yes, LondonDiva's instructions are superb. As for other boxed perms, I'm not really sure what's near you, but I'm sure you'll find some pretty good ones.

Thanks,
SG

Aaaw! thanks alot! This means alot coming for someone as gorgeous as you :)
I've used dark & lovely for as long as I can remember. :ohwell:
Is it the best for me? i dunno, since I've never really tried anything else.
I think my stylist used Cream of Nature twice in the past, but I can't tell the difference. I'd gladly try something different, especially since nobody on this board seems to use D&L :look: .
 
_lovelyness said:
Aaaw! thanks alot! This means alot coming for someone as gorgeous as you :)
I've used dark & lovely for as long as I can remember. :ohwell:
Is it the best for me? i dunno, since I've never really tried anything else.
I think my stylist used Cream of Nature twice in the past, but I can't tell the difference. I'd gladly try something different, especially since nobody on this board seems to use D&L :look: .

Awwww, I'm blushing :blush:

That's too sweet!!! As for recommendations, I can't really speak on D&L because I've never used it. I used to use Cream of Nature in college for about 2 years, and I don't remember having problems with it- my hair was very long and healthy. Now I don't use no-lye relaxers anymore. I switched several years ago to Lye (Vitale) and have been quite pleased. I find that my hair isn't as dry-looking since the switch.

SG
 
Kaddy,

Thanks for bringing this back. Talk about a blast from the past :)

I just wanted to say that your updo is TO DIE FOR!!! Love it Chica!!!!

SG
 
SouthernGirl said:
Kaddy,

Thanks for bringing this back. Talk about a blast from the past :)

I just wanted to say that your updo is TO DIE FOR!!! Love it Chica!!!!

SG

I forgot that I had subscribed to this thread so I can easily access it. It is VERY helpful.

Thanks for the compliment on my updo, I am trying girl. :)
 
SouthernGirl said:
I have compiled my Self-Relaxing Steps for those that may need a little help to started relaxing your own hair. I have done my own for 11 years (a stylist did it when my hair was virgin, and I did my own every time thereafter)!

***Note***
I am not a licensed cosmetologist, nor am I officially qualified to give instructions on how best to relax one's hair. The instructions listed below are the steps I've been using for years on my own hair, and they work for me!
*********************************************************

What You'll Need (feel free to substitute the relaxer for your personal favorite):
-Vitale Lye Relaxer (Regular)
-Vitale Postive Conditioner
-Vitale Neutralizing Conditioner
-Relaxer Applicator
-Vaseline
-Timer/Clock
-Your Favorite Shampoo/Conditioner
-Leave-in Conditioner
-(4)Hair clips

*Before starting, make sure your scalp hasn't been irritated (sores, scratching, washing, etc).

1) Apply Vaseline along entire hairline (front & back)
2) Section hair into 4 parts (2 front, 2 back)
3) Secure 3 sections with clips
4) Start either in the front or the back, depending on where you see the most new growth
5) If starting in back, make a part a couple of inches above nape area if this area is thinning or if hair is really fine like mine. You can also start at the top of the section near the center of your head if you have more new growth in that area
6) Take a comb and make a part with about a 1/2" or less of hair
7) With applicator brush (or fingers if wearing gloves), apply relaxer to new growth, avoiding scalp and relaxed hair, as not to overlap
8) Make another part and do the same thing.
9) Complete these steps until the entire section is done, then take down the other section in back and repeat steps #6-8. Remember, don't apply relaxer to nape unless your hair is really coarse here. This area will have had the relaxer on for the longest time so be careful!!
10) Once the two back sections are complete, do the same thing for the front two sections, saving the hairline for last (unless your hair is very coarse here). Leaving the relaxer on in this area for too long can lead to thinning edges and breakage so be careful!!! I like to start at the center of the head for all 4 sections because that's where my coarsest new growth appears
11) Once you have completed the last 2 sections, go back and add relaxer to the nape area, then the rest of the hairline in front
12) It is not necessary to smooth the hair if you don't want to, unless you have areas that are really coarse. You'll want to avoid overlapping as much as possible and smoothing can lead to this:(
13) The application of the relaxer should be very quick. Do this like you're in a race because you don't want to over or under-process. Just be sure to be cautious even though you're moving fast
14) Since the area you started will be ready to rinse out first due to longer processing time, you might want to secure the other two sections with clips for now
15) I do my rinse-outs either w/the kitchen sink, or standing over the tub only because my shower water pressure is too low, and it's easier to focus on certain sections of my hair. You'll want to have MAXIMUM water pressure to rinse out the relaxer because not rinsing well leads to breakage over time!!!
16) Rinse out the relaxer in the back very well. Make sure it is comepletley out. This is tough, but try not to let the water touch the two sections that are pinned up
17) Once the back is rinsed out, if you need to wait a couple more minutes before rinsing out the front, do so. Both sections need the entire 15 or 20 minute MAX processing time
18) Rinse the last two sections in the order in which the relaxer was applied
19) Once the hair is thoroghly rinsed, saturate hair w/Vital Positive Conditioner, cover w/plastic cap, and wait 5 minutes
20) After 5 minutes, remove the cap, and notice how silky your hair is :clap: You may decide to detangle a bit here, but it's optional. Don't worry, if you're using the tub or sink, you won't have issues detangling later. Your hair will be left silky smooth after using this stuff.
21) Rinse all of conditioner out of hair
22) Next Shampoo w/Vitale Neutralizing shampoo, rinse, and repeat to make sure all of the relaxer is out. I generally walk around during the second shampoo just to be double sure it's all gone!
23) Next, use your favorite shampoo and conditioner as you normally would for the final washing.
24) You may also want to use a deep conditioner since you just performed a chemical service. I use LeKair Cholesterol conditioner w/a plastic cap but no heat for 45 minutes, then rinse.
25) After shampooing/conditioning, blot with towel (I never twist a towel around my head) for a few seconds
26) Now you're ready to comb out!!
27) Apply a leave-in conditioner
28) Gently comb out w/a wide-toothed comb. Remember- ALWAYS treat your hair like silk when you're combing, especially when wet and tangled. I part my hair down the middle, section off again, then comb each of the four section (like when applying the relaxer).
29) If you can, just let it air-dry. This is the best time to air-dry because your hair is straight. It's also the best time to trim/dust.
30) Now you're ready for those cute pin curls, or just pull back into a loose bun!!!

I hope the steps above will help you do your own relaxers. Here are a few final important points to remember:

-Try to stretch out your relaxer as long as possible. 3 months or more is great if you can handle it without excessive breakage/shedding
-Avoid putting relaxer directly onto the scalp
-It's okay to use your fingers to apply relaxer, just be sure to wear tight-fitting gloves or you will stain your fingers and nails
-Make sure you have enough relaxer for the whole head! I use 1/2 a jar each time. Vitale comes pre-mixed so you can save the rest till next time!
-NEVER run relaxer through the entire length of your hair! I'll be honest, I have done this to correct an underprocessed area once, and it was fine b/c I left it on for 5 minutes, but this is an absolute no no!! Doing it right when you relax everytime will alleviate underprocessed parts.
-All these product are found at Sally and most Beauty Supply Stores
-Be sure to set your timer or have a clock nearby
-Once each section of the relaxer is applied, you may want to look at the back w/a hand mirror to make sure you didn't miss any spots. You'll be an expert in no time!
-Be sure to rinse all of the relaxer out before you put on the Positive Conditioner
-Finally, have fun! I'm convinced that NO ONE will give your hair as much TLC as you will so become an expert:D

Good luck, and feel free to write if you have questions. let me know how it goes!!

SG


SouthernGirl, you are a genius:grin: I used your tips today to give myself the best relaxer treatment I've ever had. I use Profectiv No-Lye Regular following all of your tips and now my hair feels like silk :D :D No more paying out the a@@ for a relaxer with someone who could care less about my hair.

Girl you should write a book about hair!!! Thank you for taking the time to write all this info down...
 
Hi SouthernGirl,

I just wanted to ask can the Vital Positive Conditioner be substitute with another conditioner. I also wanted to ask if this is a protein or moisturizing conditioning. Thanks for the tips!!
 
tbrown1220 said:
SouthernGirl, you are a genius:grin: I used your tips today to give myself the best relaxer treatment I've ever had. I use Profectiv No-Lye Regular following all of your tips and now my hair feels like silk :D :D No more paying out the a@@ for a relaxer with someone who could care less about my hair.

Girl you should write a book about hair!!! Thank you for taking the time to write all this info down...

Thanks Tbrown :kiss:

I'm so glad the tips helped you girlie! I'm so glad I have perfected my own relaxers, because I couldn't imagine going back to a salon for a touch-up. The $$ I save is also a huge plus!!!

As for the book, I have definitely thought about doing something like that. Now that I'm home with my daughter F/T, I'm hoping to let those creative thoughts blossom into something meaningful!

Regards,

SG
 
Letitia said:
Hi SouthernGirl,

I just wanted to ask can the Vital Positive Conditioner be substitute with another conditioner. I also wanted to ask if this is a protein or moisturizing conditioning. Thanks for the tips!!

Hi Letitia,

The Vitale Positive Conditioner is a reconstructive conditioner that brings the PH balance of your hair back to normal after the relaxer. I've run out so I don't have a bottle to give the specific details and ingredients, but I don't know if you would achieve the same results by substituting a "regular" conditioner. Maybe one that has the same properties might do the trick, but I'd recommend using the Vitale line.

HTH,

SG
 
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