Refreshing our Minds on Relaxer Stretching + Video

Hey there!

I am currently just about six months post and I got to thinking about the whole process of going without a relaxer for long periods and so I made a video compiling my thoughts.

How about a refresher on relaxer stretching? Yes?

Check out this video on what I deem the pros and cons of stretching.

I also included some tips on how to have a successful stretch.

 

How many weeks post are you??

 

 

 

Knowing When to End it - My 10 Weeks Post New Growth

This is just a short post documenting my new growth at 10.5 weeks post (taken a few weeks ago, I'm 12 weeks post now). I'd say it's about an inch/ inch and a half when semi-stretched. I think this is the perfect amount to avoid both over-lapping and under-lapping while self-relaxing.

10.5 weeks post new growth

Chilling Time - What I Do with my Hair on Weekends

Hey hey hey! Happy Sunday!

So you guys know I have been doing weekly protective styles since January. Then when I am heading out on the weekend it's probably a braid-out or a bun. But what about when I'm just here chillin' at home? Well, that's what I'm showing today.

after releasing last week's PS

The other Side of Relaxer-stretching - Under-lapping

We all know the perils of overlapping, so we stretch our relaxers to prevent it. But what about 'under-lapping'? You don't know what that is? Yeah, I just made that up. But on a serious note, what I'm referring to is when you have lots of new growth and don't get to all of it when relaxing, leaving you with a tad bit of curly (natural) hair between your processed parts.

unprocessed bits shown on damp hair

What Has Changed? - Relaxer Stretching + New Growth

I am sitting here at 7 weeks post. My new growth is there, not overbearing, but certainly noticeable. I started thinking to myself "How the heck did I used to relax my hair at 4 - 6 weeks post??" There isn't nearly enough of the coils there to handle that process without causing damage through overlapping. Additionally, damage aside, there really is no need to relax because my hair is still very manageable during wash and styling and can still look very presentable. What has changed?

7 weeks post relaxer

Checking Me Out - HOTD2

Stretching relaxers is great, but being 19 weeks post can make it really difficult to style your hair. You may be tempted to break out the flat iron more often because the new growth can be something special!  But you don't have to! Below is a pic of my hair today, which is a kind of go-to style for me. 

Flat twist w/ bun - 19 weeks post

Checking Me Out - HOTD

Heyy Loves!

So my hair has been "out" for about 3 weeks (since my 6 weeks of protective styling). I'm going to long-term protective style again soon, so this weekend I'm bringing you a "Hair of the Day" post.

Background Info.

Been So Long! - Routine After 6 weeks of Protective Styling #2

Click here for part one.

Cleansing, Conditioning & Styling

After about 4 hours of detangling and pre-pooing (I threw a workout in the mix as well which lengthened the time a bit), I still wasn't done! I still had to complete the routine. I had to shampoo, condition and style! Being that this is the first time I had full access to my hair after 6 weeks and as per operation moisture, a clarifying wash was in order. I reached for my beloved ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo and diluted it in water in a ratio of about 1 part shampoo to 2 parts water. I applied it to my scalp and hair without rinsing my pre-poo. I scrubbed my scalp with the pads of my fingers and then pulled the excess suds down the shaft. I let it sit for about 5 minutes and rinsed.

I T-shirt dried for about 20 minutes while I had dinner (again with the multi-tasking lol). Subsequent to that, I applied my wonderful mixture of a deep conditioner. I keeping with my no protein plan, this mix included Queen Helene Cholesterol (which I recently discovered doesn't contain any protein - hallelujah!), Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose, EVOO, vegetable glycerin and of course WATER! I don't know why, but I totally forgot my essential oils.

Successful Stretching - 10 Tips

We've already discussed the effects of stretching, and decided that the benefits won ;-). So... now you have decided to embark on a stretch. Good for you! But you want to know how to keep the drawbacks at bay. You're in luck. This post is geared towards just that. 

10 weeks post, wet hair

Below are some tips for having an incident and accident-free stretch.