Would I Be Better off Relaxing?

[options]

Here's a brief hair history:

Oct 2004 - Performed first texturizer with Silk Elements Texturizer in regular
Nov 2004 - Performed a corrective texturizer with the same product with somewhat better results
Jan 2005 - Performed touch-up with same product
Feb 2005 - Begin experiencing reversion; texture looks, feels and behaves almost totally like my natural hair
March 2005 - Perform a corrective/touch-up with Silk Elements Texturizer, this time in "coarse," which I assumed would be more effective since it is a stronger formulation.

Verdict: Woke up with slightly loosened hair that still looks, behaves and feels almost totally natural (except when Maxiglided, which I did this morning).

I do not know what to do! My hair still seems healthy. It is not excessively dry or breaking. I am still seeing progress with my length (almost shoulder-length!). But I don't know if I would be better off continuing to "texturize" with this product, since this is what I have been using, and just accept that it will only minimally loosen my hair texture, or if I should just completely relax my hair. I like the way my natural and texturize hair are, in general, but I do not have the time to be twisting and braiding, either as a style in itself or as a pathway to another style (twist or braid outs). I texturized primarily for the purpose of hoping to get up and go - at least for the most part, without marathon twisting sessions.

If I decided to fully relax, considering the previous processed my hair has endured, what should I consider? Are there any specific lines I should look into using? What about strengths, because this ---- texturizer has not made much a dent in anything! What about application? When might it be safe to attempt this?

I refuse to cut my hair, but almost feel like it out of frustration.

Someone. Please. Help. A. Sister. Out.

 

[Poohbear]

Dont cut your hair off unless you want/need to. How about grow out your texturizer and just relax your new growth as it grows in? I don't know if that will work, it may make your hair look funny just like us that are transitioning from relaxed to natural. I'm not sure because I don't know too much about texturizing. Maybe someone else will chip in and help ya' out.

 

[Nanyanika]

Options, i understand your frustrations...did you do any strand tests prior to the texturizer, this would have given you a good idea of the strength/type of relaxer is correct for your texture/thickness etc. it is very easy to do, Without doing one there is no telling what textures you can end up with from one touch-up to the next. when i corrected my hair i took some great advice from curlycurly, i did the strand tests and sectioned my hair in eight parts, applying the creme them individually to ensure consistent results and it was a success, however i had areas which were prevoisly relaxed bone straight by a stylist which is why i have to grow it out now(i'm very sad about this as i like my texturizer). your hair sounds like mine resistant... technique really does matter, i recommend combing the relaxer through, to strecth curls. I wouldn't recommend applying chemicals over old processed hair its already weakened and prone to breakage/damage. Have you tried doing braid-outs, twist-outs, shake and gos and puffs? these are really nice quick styles. if you choose to relax please be very cautious, to reduce breakage you should strengthen with protein and add plenty moisture to lower risk of damage for at least 12 weeks before attempting this again. do not cut your hair there is no need especially because its healthy... you need to find a good relaxer, DO STRAND TESTS, PRACTICE YOUR TIMING AND TECHNIQUE. you could alternatively process the newgrowth a bit straighter and grow-out the rest of the hair. Seek some advice from a professional stylist if your unsure. GOOD-LUCK WHATEVER YOU DECIDE.

 

[options]

I did do strand tests, and I applied the texturizer in four sections, so it took quite a while. I was trying to be very conscientious and do a good job, and here I am stuck with the same result!

In the meantime, it might behoove me to get some braids while time passes and I can try a stronger product (relaxer) next time. Now it's a matter of finding the right relaxer...

 

[UmSumayyah]

Get a different relaxer, do a strand test. Do one not only on the roots but down the length of a small lock of hair. I'd section off a bit of hair where I could see it, say above the ear (skipping the hairline). Apply some relaxer cream to the roots, wait 5 minutes and then down the length. Smooth and rinse, then check for degree of straightness and strength. Monitor that lock of hair for 4 weeks while I keep my hair in a ponypuff or something similarly easy.
Then, after 4 weeks (and the usual protein/moisture treatments one would do for relaxed hair) if it looks nice and isn't breaking I would do my whole head in a similar manner.