Tips for growing out relaxer?

[LuLu]

Hi, I'm pretty new so forgive me if this has been discussed lately. I'm interested in growing out my relaxer, but I'm too chicken for the whole big chop thing, also braids just aren't for me. What should I make sure to do to keep it from breaking? Should I get just the roots pressed every 2 weeks or what? Thanks for everything, I feel like I've learned so much in the passed couple of days here.

 

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

Hi LULU and welcome. I kinda new too. So I really dont know what to tell you except that someone had suggested in an earlier post to keep the new growth moisturized with curl moisturizer or activator. Hopefully the more experienced ladies will chime in soon and wont leave you dangling.

 

[DDHair]

It really depends on what style you are going for. I have been transitioning (growing my relaxer off) for 7 months now and I must say it is not easy. My hair was cut into the flipped layers, so my transition would not be pretty. In January I got invisible braids and I took them down completely in April (which is really too long of a time period to keep braids). In April I wore a wig and crochet braided my hair in May (you can see on my pics), in June, Father's Day weekend, I got my hair straightened for a project I was doing, and shortly after I went back to my wigs and crochet braids in July and straightened in August for graduation. I continued to wear my wigs (I bought a wavy one that was cute and looked natural). I wash my hair every week and condition for about 3 days, even though my hair usually gets dry and matted especially in the back, very easily. I make sure to keep some type of moisturizer on the ends where my permed hair and natural hair meets because the hair snaps very easily at that line. I use moisturizing sprays and conditioners as well as curl activators. I usually put my hair in a couple of ponytails under my wigs to keep my hair from getting tangled. Right now I have crochet braids. If you are trying to transition, unless you have hair down your back, it is probably best to wear a protective style and put as little heat on your hair as possible, because it tends to change the texture of your natural hair, so to answer your question about pressing your roots every 2 weeks, I wouldn't suggest it, that might also cause damage between the root and the permed hair. You can go to www.nappturality.com to find out more about natural and transitioning hair too.

 

[Nessa]

What are crochet braids?

 

[inthepink]

I would also advise against pressing your new growth often. I've been transitioning for 6.5 months and I never blowdry or curl my hair - the only heat I get is when I deep condition under the dryer. I believe this has helped with minimizing breakage. (I have had my hair professionally blowdried and curled 3 times.) I think moisture is key. Additionally, a good leave-in conditioner and learning to detangle well has helped me tremendously. Once you figure out a regimen, it should get a lot easier!

 

[Peachtree]

Things I'm finding to be very useful:

1) CO rinses with Lustrasilk, Pantene hydrating curls, Motions Moisture Plus. For most of my co washes, I'll apply the conditioner to dry hair or barely wet hair then let it sit for 30 or so mins then rinse. This method knocks tangles right out!!!

2) Use a detangling leave in. Motions Nourishing, VO5 works beautiful for me. Also try Biolage... I haven't used it but it has rave reviews

(( I gotta get me sum Biolage... my wallet don't wanna give in

))

3) Air Dry

Having a no heat regime truly reduces that chance of "heat" breakage (for me anyway)

4) Make sure that ur hair is nicely detangled before each styling. This way (hopefully) ur hair will be pretty much detangled at ur next rinse/wash. I tell ya', the worst thing I experienced was tangled hair during my rinse/wash

.... use ur fingers & a wide tooth comb to loosen tangles, knots BEFORE u rinse/wash. If u need more help, then apply some moisturizing conditioner on the tangle/knot then CAREFULLY loosen it.

ok, I'm drawing a blank... If I think of more tips, I'll post 'em

 

[NAY007]

ok first of all in my humble opinion i think the most important thing is your hair type!!!! for example my hair type is 3b/c and i've been transitioning since last year december and i haven't had a problem at all. but then there are people who cut the relaxed part off because it's just not possible to take care of the two textures.

when it comes to taking care of the new texture....i did/do the exact same thing. stay away from heat, condition a lot, be gentle with my hair.

but let us know what your hairtype is. i think when you go by hairtype you can talk to ladies, who have the same hairtype so you can talk about the right products and routines you know? that's what i always do.
hth