who flip flops back and forth between lye and no-lye?

[babyblue]

Been thinking about going from lye to NO-lye. Most of the archives on the board are about people doing the opposite route that i'm trying to go. Not really worried about calcium build up and all that stuff because i've learned from the board to counteract that. Really I want to switch because i'm attracted to the fact that no-lye has a lower ph and in the long run this will be more beneficial to the scalp.

Just wanna hear from other who have been doing this long term and whether your hair was affected negatively.

 

[taz007]

I use Phyto II with no problems. However, kept reading good reviews about Mizani Butter Blends (lye). So about 4 months ago, I decided to relax my nape with MBB and uh, let's just say it is not pretty and I am so glad that I did not relax my entire head with MBB.

Now, I just stick to my trusty Phyto II mixed with Ceramides

 

[ms.blue]

When I was younger, my mom would use pcj no-lye and lye on my sister and I hair interchangeably(sp) b/c she didn't realize the difference and our hair didn't suffer but depends on the person's hair

 

[BellaLunie]

I use Phyto II with no problems. However, kept reading good reviews about Mizani Butter Blends (lye). So about 4 months ago, I decided to relax my nape with MBB and uh, let's just say it is not pretty and I am so glad that I did not relax my entire head with MBB.

Now, I just stick to my trusty Phyto II mixed with Ceramides

oh no why didn't you like it? I want to switch from ORS no lye to MBB

 

[babyblue]

I use Phyto II with no problems. However, kept reading good reviews about Mizani Butter Blends (lye). So about 4 months ago, I decided to relax my nape with MBB and uh, let's just say it is not pretty and I am so glad that I did not relax my entire head with MBB.

Now, I just stick to my trusty Phyto II mixed with Ceramides

wow, what happened? was it breakage or was it underprocessed?
phyto sounds good, its so pricey though! I've been consistently using ORS olive oil and Hawaiian silky lye ever since I started relaxing again. Thinking about switching to either ors olive oil no-lye or a children's brand. still researching.

 

[Kellum]

In the past when I was going to stylist for my touch up I would switch back and forth. The stylist would use lye and when I would do it myself at home I would use no-lye. I didn't have any problems. Now since my HHJ I have only used one relaxer at that's Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp no-lye. I am very satisfied with it and will not switch to anything else unless they just stop making it. Got my fingers crossed that never happens.

 

[PG480]

bumping for more replies

 

[BellaLunie]

bumping again

 

[taz007]

The MBB took out my hair! Although, I don't know if it was truly MBB or my scarf but I strongly suspect it was MBB.

I may post a pic of the damage in my fotki today. erplexed

However, I am glad that this occurred, in a way, 'cause I discovered the Mizani PerpHecting cream. Best mid-step ever!

 

[taz007]

Ok, I decided to post a couple of pictures, of my hair on the same day, here instead of my fotki...


Here is my hair down:

And here is my nape damaged by MBB :

 

[babyblue]

Ok, I decided to post a couple of pictures, of my hair on the same day, here instead of my fotki...


Here is my hair down:

And here is my nape damaged by MBB :

OMG! im so sorry this happened to you. I hope your nape is doing better. You have lovely thick hair btw so it's not noticeable.

 

[babyblue]

When I was younger, my mom would use pcj no-lye and lye on my sister and I hair interchangeably(sp) b/c she didn't realize the difference and our hair didn't suffer but depends on the person's hair

thanks. this was one of the kiddie brands I was looking at.

 

[babyblue]

In the past when I was going to stylist for my touch up I would switch back and forth. The stylist would use lye and when I would do it myself at home I would use no-lye. I didn't have any problems. Now since my HHJ I have only used one relaxer at that's Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp no-lye. I am very satisfied with it and will not switch to anything else unless they just stop making it. Got my fingers crossed that never happens.

Glad u had no problems. I feel a little less nervous now.

 

[imaccami]

I read here that the kiddie relaxers are actually stronger than the adult relaxers. Also, some people don't like lye because it's not as strong as a no-lye and doesn't get their hair straight. You know the saying, "lye is better for the hair and harsher on the scalp, and no-lye is harsher on the hair and better for the scalp."

Anyway, good luck with your decision. When I used no-lye I used Optimum and my sis still uses it, maybe you should try that one.

 

[*CherryPie*]

I jumped back and forth a few times. I started out with no lye then switched to lye and back and forth. I settled for no lye.

The problem was, when I switched to lye I got a nice size chunk of hair out every time I washed out the relaxer (I didn't get any hair loss with no lye). Even when I adjusted the time I still lost too much hair.

By the way, I was using Mizani BB Mild.

My nape came out, and so did my edges. I guess lye is too strong for me.

Now that I use no lye i'm no longer losing ANY hairs.

 

[lana]

I went from No-Lye (texlaxed - not fully processed, left it on for 7-10 minutes total) to Lye (texlaxed) with a 16 week stretch in between the two relaxers. I used Mizani Butter Blends Mild (no lye) and just switched to Mizani Lye for fine/color treated hair.

My hair turned out GREAT!

I was so surprised that there is actually a difference between what the No-lye did to my new growth and the Lye. Yes, it did take longer to process. I used to get it pretty straight with 7 minutes of No-Lye, but it took about 10 minutes before I felt like my hair was ready using Lye. I also had to rinse way more to get the relaxer out of my hair in my opinion. Then it took a really DEEP conditioning session to get my hair back to the right PH balance. But the end result was wonderful. I may have to buy the Mizani PHerfecting Creme if it helps me get back to the right PH balance after relaxing.

Next time though, I'm relaxing in two days and two sections. I can no longer attempt to relax all this hair at the same time.

No problems so far....but I'll report in with any.

 

[babyblue]

I read here that the kiddie relaxers are actually stronger than the adult relaxers. Also, some people don't like lye because it's not as strong as a no-lye and doesn't get their hair straight. You know the saying, "lye is better for the hair and harsher on the scalp, and no-lye is harsher on the hair and better for the scalp."

Anyway, good luck with your decision. When I used no-lye I used Optimum and my sis still uses it, maybe you should try that one.

Very good point. Im gonna start researching individual ph levels of the diff brands and see what i come up with.

 

[babyblue]

I jumped back and forth a few times. I started out with no lye then switched to lye and back and forth. I settled for no lye.

The problem was, when I switched to lye I got a nice size chunk of hair out every time I washed out the relaxer (I didn't get any hair loss with no lye). Even when I adjusted the time I still lost too much hair.

By the way, I was using Mizani BB Mild.

My nape came out, and so did my edges. I guess lye is too strong for me.

Now that I use no lye i'm no longer losing ANY hairs.

WOW! You and Taz have officially convinced me that mizani bb is the damn devil.

I went from No-Lye (texlaxed - not fully processed, left it on for 7-10 minutes total) to Lye (texlaxed) with a 16 week stretch in between the two relaxers. I used Mizani Butter Blends Mild (no lye) and just switched to Mizani Lye for fine/color treated hair.

My hair turned out GREAT!

I was so surprised that there is actually a difference between what the No-lye did to my new growth and the Lye. Yes, it did take longer to process. I used to get it pretty straight with 7 minutes of No-Lye, but it took about 10 minutes before I felt like my hair was ready using Lye. I also had to rinse way more to get the relaxer out of my hair in my opinion. Then it took a really DEEP conditioning session to get my hair back to the right PH balance. But the end result was wonderful. I may have to buy the Mizani PHerfecting Creme if it helps me get back to the right PH balance after relaxing.

Next time though, I'm relaxing in two days and two sections. I can no longer attempt to relax all this hair at the same time.

No problems so far....but I'll report in with any.

Glad you had better results!

 

[pisceschica]

I read here that the kiddie relaxers are actually stronger than the adult relaxers. Also, some people don't like lye because it's not as strong as a no-lye and doesn't get their hair straight. You know the saying, "lye is better for the hair and harsher on the scalp, and no-lye is harsher on the hair and better for the scalp."

Anyway, good luck with your decision. When I used no-lye I used Optimum and my sis still uses it, maybe you should try that one.

@kiddie relaxers: people seem to think its safer and gentler because the box has a young child on it instead of women. But I tell people hey, they still have the same ingredients and warnings and they both can cause a chemical burn and or breakage if misused.

Before I really got into hair care I would stupid bounce from brand to brand and from type to type. While many say that lye makes for straigher hair and no lye makes for more comfortable scalp for my hair that is not the case. My hair actually gets straighter and lasts a little longer with nolye relaxer. And since I have fine hair I ususally go with mild version of it.

My fav is ORS no-lye.

 

[pisceschica]

Very good point. Im gonna start researching individual ph levels of the diff brands and see what i come up with.

I found this:

The pH balance determines how harsh the chemical is. Research has shown that the lower the pH, the less damaging the product is to your hair. Water has a pH of 7. Anything less than 7 is considered acidic. The lower this number gets the greater the acidity. Any pH greater than 7 is considered alkaline. The higher the number gets the greater the alkalinity.

A one point difference in pH’s could have a significant impact on your hair A product with a pH of 13 is 10 times more alkaline than a product with a pH of 12. This same product would be 100 times more alkaline than a product with a pH of 11. The pH levels even tend to vary among the same products from batch to batch. A relaxer that worked great for you the last time you touched up, may cause more damage to your hair the next time you use it. It’s worth noting that the pH balance of Liquid Drano is 13.3.

The information gathered came from September 1999 edition of Consumer Reports and is not reported in any particular order. Its corresponding pH balance follows the product name/description.

 

[Kellum]

Ok, I decided to post a couple of pictures, of my hair on the same day, here instead of my fotki...


Here is my hair down:

And here is my nape damaged by MBB :

Wow, sorry for your mishap. I couldn't tell at all from the pics with your hair down. Your hair is still just a thick and lush. Did the nape area feel different than the other hair. Was there any burning or tingling? Was the damage immediate after washing out the relaxer, or was it noticed over time? Do you think that maybe the strength was too strong?

 

[Kellum]

I went from No-Lye (texlaxed - not fully processed, left it on for 7-10 minutes total) to Lye (texlaxed) with a 16 week stretch in between the two relaxers. I used Mizani Butter Blends Mild (no lye) and just switched to Mizani Lye for fine/color treated hair.

My hair turned out GREAT!

I was so surprised that there is actually a difference between what the No-lye did to my new growth and the Lye. Yes, it did take longer to process. I used to get it pretty straight with 7 minutes of No-Lye, but it took about 10 minutes before I felt like my hair was ready using Lye. I also had to rinse way more to get the relaxer out of my hair in my opinion. Then it took a really DEEP conditioning session to get my hair back to the right PH balance. But the end result was wonderful. I may have to buy the Mizani PHerfecting Creme if it helps me get back to the right PH balance after relaxing.

Next time though, I'm relaxing in two days and two sections. I can no longer attempt to relax all this hair at the same time.

No problems so far....but I'll report in with any.

You don't have to take 2 days to relax your hair. I do mine in halves. I relax on side, go through all the steps, and then do the other side. I can get it done in one evening. Doing my whole head at once is just out of the question unless I want to over process some parts of my hair and under process others.

I jumped back and forth a few times. I started out with no lye then switched to lye and back and forth. I settled for no lye.

The problem was, when I switched to lye I got a nice size chunk of hair out every time I washed out the relaxer (I didn't get any hair loss with no lye). Even when I adjusted the time I still lost too much hair.

By the way, I was using Mizani BB Mild.

My nape came out, and so did my edges. I guess lye is too strong for me.

Now that I use no lye i'm no longer losing ANY hairs.

You know I don't get all of the hair shedding too with no lye. I remember my hair seemed to shed a bit more with the lye relaxers. I think they are just too strong for my head.

 

[babyblue]

thanks so much for this. Dark and lovely and TCB look like they fit what i'm looking for in the 10-12 range

I found this:

The pH balance determines how harsh the chemical is. Research has shown that the lower the pH, the less damaging the product is to your hair. Water has a pH of 7. Anything less than 7 is considered acidic. The lower this number gets the greater the acidity. Any pH greater than 7 is considered alkaline. The higher the number gets the greater the alkalinity.

A one point difference in pH’s could have a significant impact on your hair A product with a pH of 13 is 10 times more alkaline than a product with a pH of 12. This same product would be 100 times more alkaline than a product with a pH of 11. The pH levels even tend to vary among the same products from batch to batch. A relaxer that worked great for you the last time you touched up, may cause more damage to your hair the next time you use it. It’s worth noting that the pH balance of Liquid Drano is 13.3.

The information gathered came from September 1999 edition of Consumer Reports and is not reported in any particular order. Its corresponding pH balance follows the product name/description.

 

[ajoyfuljoy]

There is a marked difference in my hair that has been relaxed with lye versus the hair that was relaxed with no lye. The no lye hair makes my lye hair look natural! The lye hair is much thicker and makes the no lye hair look weak and thin (though it isn't).

I have decided to stick with the lye for the long term health and thickness of my hair. My relaxer is very mild so my scalp is happy. I have the best of both worlds with Silk Elements Mild Lye!

 

[taz007]

Wow, sorry for your mishap. I couldn't tell at all from the pics with your hair down. Your hair is still just a thick and lush. Did the nape area feel different than the other hair. Was there any burning or tingling? Was the damage immediate after washing out the relaxer, or was it noticed over time? Do you think that maybe the strength was too strong?

I don't think that my my hair still looks like that. Those pictures are from December and my hair has pretty much been in corn rows since (I am going to do my hair today and do a length check).

I only left the Mizani on for 10 minutes! There was no burning or tingling. In fact, I remember posting that I loved how my hair felt immediately after rinsing it out. I always neutralize properly. I wash 4 times (alternating between ACV and neutralizing shampoo) and then leave the neutralizer in for 1 additional hour. Those pictures were from about a week post in December.

Look at the Phyto hair which is very shiny and healthy. Then there is the MBB nape ...

Phyto for life!

 

[Kellum]

I don't think that my my hair still looks like that. Those pictures are from December and my hair has pretty much been in corn rows since (I am going to do my hair today and do a length check).

I only left the Mizani on for 10 minutes! There was no burning or tingling. In fact, I remember posting that I loved how my hair felt immediately after rinsing it out. I always neutralize properly. I wash 4 times (alternating between ACV and neutralizing shampoo) and then leave the neutralizer in for 1 additional hour. Those pictures were from about a week post in December.

Look at the Phyto hair which is very shiny and healthy. Then there is the MBB nape ...

Phyto for life!

Wow, sorry Taz that sucks. That happened from 10 mins of having the MBB on your nape area. Was it like that immediately after rinsing it out, or did you just notice it later that week? That really sucks. I guess the relaxer just didn't agree with your hair. Have you tried lye relaxers in the past?

I'm so glad you only did your nape and not your whole head. I bet your were upset to have that happen to your nape, but to have it happen to your whole head would have been more devastating.

I thought about trying the MBB when my Fibergaurd Sensitive Scalp no lye ran out just to see how I like it. Now after seeing this I will stick to what I know. The MBB is easier to access in the BSS, but oh well. I will just have to keep ordering the Fiberguard online. It hasn't done me wrong and I'm not trying to have any set backs.

 

[taz007]

Wow, sorry Taz that sucks. That happened from 10 mins of having the MBB on your nape area. Was it like that immediately after rinsing it out, or did you just notice it later that week? That really sucks. I guess the relaxer just didn't agree with your hair. Have you tried lye relaxers in the past?

I'm so glad you only did your nape and not your whole head. I bet your were upset to have that happen to your nape, but to have it happen to your whole head would have been more devastating.

I thought about trying the MBB when my Fibergaurd Sensitive Scalp no lye ran out just to see how I like it. Now after seeing this I will stick to what I know. The MBB is easier to access in the BSS, but oh well. I will just have to keep ordering the Fiberguard online. It hasn't done me wrong and I'm not trying to have any set backs.

I noticed it later that week. After rinsing the MBB out, I liked how it felt for about 2 days, then my hair started getting crunchy and then at about 7 days .... well, the picture is worth a thousand words.

I am going to begin either blow drying or rollersetting my hair now, so I will be able to assess the damage shortly.

 

[WorkInProgress88]

Ok, I decided to post a couple of pictures, of my hair on the same day, here instead of my fotki...


Here is my hair down:

And here is my nape damaged by MBB :

wow, thats unfortunate that this happened to you. I guess its one of those instances where what works for one may not work for another. I recently switched over to MBB and i liked the results ( i used Silk Elements Lye an ORS No Lye previously and i liked the results too). Idk if hair types mean anything in regards to this but i'm a 4a/b