Spin off: Relaxed/texlaxed Ladies! Do you do a strand test?

[amwcah]

Do you do a strand test before applying a relaxer?

This thread got me really thinking about that. A women suffered severe hair loss after applying a relaxer. Several ladies in the thread mentioned you should always do a strand test first.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=447076

 

[amwcah]

I don't, but I guess I should.

 

[melissa-bee]

I only did one the second time i relaxed my hair.

 

[MizzCoco]

I admit, I never do them anymore.

 

[ceebee3]

I never did but I wouldn't be blaming someone else if my hair fell out though.

It's always a risk when you're putting chemicals in your head.

 

[dlewis]

I don't. I prob should.

 

[KrystalClear]

I did, and will continue to do so. Hair changes daily, what worked the first time may not.

 

[datladystunna]

im currently transitioning...i never used to do strand tests....i def will if i ever relax again...that video got me scared lol

 

[dlewis]

My mother lost all the hair at the back of her head after applying a relaxer BUT she didn't rinse correctly and left some relaxer in her hair. That was many years ago.

 

[Kellum]

I've never done a strand test and never had any issues when relaxing my hair. When going to the salon, I don't remember them doing strand test either. I probably should do strand test, but I probably won't. I have been using the same relaxer for a while with no set backs. I throw away any unused portions of relaxer. I don't leave the relaxer on longer than the recommended time. I make sure to neutralize well probably 3 to 4 times. I think I am taking the proper precautions for my hair, except the strand test. I know I'm playing with fire, but that the chance you take when using a chemical. What if you do a strand test and everything goes fine. Then you go to proceed with relaxer and have an awful reaction where your hair comes out. You are pretty much taking a chance when relaxing your hair whether you strand test or not. That's what I feel. I may be wrong, but its my opinion.

 

[CherryCherryBoomBoom]

I strand test sometimes, but sometimes it seems a bit of a fuss. The thing about it is that there are a few different textures on my head anyway, so it seems a bit pointless doing just testing the one area. Anyway, I not very good at doing relaxers and I'm transitioning to natural now. Flat irons and half wigs FTW

 

[amwcah]

im currently transitioning...i never used to do strand tests....i def will if i ever relax again...that video got me scared lol

Yes, it scared me too!

 

[amwcah]

I strand test sometimes, but sometimes it seems a bit of a fuss. The thing about it is that there are a few different textures on my head anyway, so it seems a bit pointless doing just testing the one area. Anyway, I not very good at doing relaxers and I'm transitioning to natural now. Flat irons and half wigs FTW

Valid point. This could be the case for many people.

 

[Kellum]

Valid point. This could be the case for many people.

That is also the case for me.

 

[vkb247]

I don't strand test because I have extremely resistant hair, I am not trying to relax straight, and I have done every single type of permanent hair treatment (bleach, dye, relax, wave nouveau, etc.) by myself/to myself so I feel like I know my hair pretty well and can gauge what is happening throughout the process. I also have several different textures.

I do recommend that other people do them though. Especially if they have never self-relaxed, are nervous about the process, and extra stress its importance if they are going for a curly look. Makes it less likely that they will be disappointed with the results or cause damage.

 

[Hairsofab]

I don't even know how to properly do a strand test. I tried it one time and it seems like the hair didn't get straight at all.

 

[LisaLisa1908]

My stylist does one when he switches brands. Currently he's using Design Essentials on me three times a year and I've had no problems.