What Not to Do While Stretching Relaxers

What Not to Do While Stretching Relaxers

The art of stretching relaxers is something that takes some time and effort. Basically, if not done correctly, stretching your relaxers can have adverse reactions and cause breakage. If you hair is breaking due to stretching, then of course you are defeating its purpose. The real purpose of stretching is to bring life to your relaxed hair by allowing it time to recover from chemicals in longer stretches of time. Many women report thicker tresses as a result of stretching, as I have. When I first began  in my endeavor to stretch, I discovered after much frustration, that my hair was somewhat over processed as a result of getting relaxers too frequently.I discovered this after realizing just how much healthier and thicker my hair was after getting fewer relaxers. My stretching journey started off atrociously, as I had not developed a  proper system to realize success in my goals.

So I compiled a list of what things to avoid when stretching your relaxers.

Stay away from drying products. When I am stretching, I notice a significant amount of dryness. So I have learned that products that contain lots of alcohol are to be avoided! Alcohol is your hair’s enemy, so it is not wise to use alcohol based products even when stretching is not the case. Use products that are water based, which will keep your hair moisturized while you are stretching. Be sure to seal with an oil to lock the moisture in.

Do not handle your hair a lot during stretching. Manipulating can bring about breakage. Protective styles are ideal for stretching. The less you manipulate/handle your hair the better off you hair will be. Brushing often should be avoided. If you are using ponytails as a protective styles avoid tight pulling and hard brush srokes.

Do not neglect your scalp. Use moisturizing oils to keep your scalp oiled. Again, dryness is what you are aiming to avoid. Coconut oil is a great oil for your scalp as it actually works to condition the scalp. It also softens the hair, so don’t be afraid to use it on those dry roots.  Coconut oil has been very beneficial to me during my stretches.

Do not skip deep conditioning treatments. Deep conditioning is what is going to keep your hair strong from the natural roots to the relaxed ends. Sit under the dryer with your conditioner to get it’s full effects. Make sure you include this step in your stretching regimen as it can be that determining factor in the success of your stretch.

Avoid keeping your hair in a matted state. For example if you are bunning, then you want to make sure that your hair is well detangled underneath. To leave your hair in a bun for several days and not care for those roots is a big hair blunder. Wear your bun or ponytail in the day time and be sure to moisturize and seal at night and start fresh each day.

Do not overdo it with the protein. Protein can cause breakage in excess on the hair. It is important to carefully follow directions on the label of protein based conditioners.

Don’t stretch beyond your hair’s limits. When breakage occurs, assess your routine, and if you’ve done it all correctly, then it may be time to relax. Stretch a little at a time, and increase your intervals from relaxer to relaxer gradually. For example, your first stretch may be for 10 weeks, the next one may increase to 12 weeks, and so on.

Avoid bone straight relaxing. When I relax after an extensive stretch, I actually have better results when I texlax. When you texlax you are just loosening up the curl pattern, not allowing that chemical to sit on your hair for a long period of time. Getting the hair bone straight is never a good practice and results in limp and lifeless hair.

Your strectch will only be as successful as the time and the time and effort that you put into it. Try to be patient with the proceess in order to enjoy a healthier head of hair.