I;m not new to stretching b/c I've always gone at leat 4 months bet. relaxers for diff. reasons, but mostly b/c I hate the relaxer process. Anyway, this is my 1st time stretching correctly. In the past, I've suffered lots of breakage and un healthy hair.
This time around I'm flirting w/ transitioning but reserving the option to relax if I get disgusted.
So I've learned to cowash mid week and moisture when my hair feels dry. I've learned not to comb my hair while it's dry excepted with lot of oil in it.
I've learned that I have to pre-poo with oil overnight then detangle next day before wetting my hair. This has really reduced the breakage and shedding. I just don't have enough patience to detangle from scratch in the shower.
I've learned not to try to detangle anymore after a wash, but let my hair get 80% dry in the ponytail (see siggy pic), then take it back down and add leave-in and sealing oil.
I've learned that a bun is all my hair will tolerate 3 or more months post relaxer. Low manipulation is key.
I've learned that my hair will not tolerate direct heat more than 1x/ month. Anything more leads to breakage.
I've learned that my hair needs equal amounts of moisture and protein to be strong enough to deal with the rigors of detangling NG.
When I finally relax, I hope to be BSL. HTH