Relaxer Health!

Some people need a relaxer to manage their tresses. That is fine if you really take care of it. I would say, only allow a professional to relax and touch up your hair, but, most of them just do what they have to do to get that money. Most professionals and people in general think that it is OK to get a touch up soon as they see new growth or when their edges start looking rough. If you get a touch up too soon the risk of your hair being over processed is higher. Over processed is when your touch up is being applied and not only does it get on your new growth but also on the part of the hair that has already been relaxed.

The hair on average without the help of vitamins grows about 1/2 inch a month. If you are receiving a touch up every 4-6 weeks there is a higher risk that your hair will be over processed. A relaxer breaks downs the proteins in the hair to make it straight. If your hair is over processed it is becoming more damaged than before and when your hair get to a certain length it breaks. No wonder why so many women of color have been ear length or shoulder length for years.







So how to help prevent over processing?

Stretch your relaxer. What's that? Do not get a tough up as soon as you see new growth. Wait at least 10-12 weeks before getting your next touch up. I know some women with hair down their backs who stretch longer only relaxing every 3-4 months. That means they only get touch ups 3-4 time a year. By doing this will help your hair will grow thicker and longer. Also by stretching it makes it easier for you or your stylist to see exactly where your new growth ends making it less likely to over process.

What to do with all that new growth while waiting for your next touch up?



      * First moisturize! While stretching for months it will be obvious to see the two textures. The point where the two textures meet is very weak. To prevent the hair from breaking at the point where the two meet keep the hair moisturized daily!


       * Styling. Some of us have thick new growth, and depending on how long you stretch it can grow really long as well. having a mini fro and straight hair can look pretty odd. You can flat iron the roots to match the rest of your hair. Or if you don't want to use heat you can do braid outs. A braid out is when you braid your hair at night using oils, wrap/setting foam ,and your fav hair lotion. In the morning you take it out and wear your hair wavy. This style will help the two texture blend together.

After your Stretch:
          After you  finally get a touch up wait about a week or two and give yourself a protein treatment. Click the April folder above then click on protein treatments I use for more information. HAPPY STRETCHING!!!!

Here are some youtube clips of some women that stretch and their advice.


http://youtu.be/48f9e0knEqQ


http://youtu.be/TZxWhw_a0eY


http://youtu.be/zCUAKmB3gVE


http://youtu.be/pUL3nKAeVls

Braid out tutorial link one of my favorites! http://youtu.be/sdJoMm-m8uI