Regimen + Goals

My Hair Regimen: I moisturize and/or oil my hair daily. As needed (usually weekly) I cleanse my hair and scalp with a moisturizing shampoo (or a clarifying one if there's build up). I do a moisturizing OR protein treatment with every shampoo. I stretch my relaxers 3-4 months.

My go-to protective/low manipulation styles: buns, braid-outs and halfwigs. In 2012 I want to start experimenting with more heat-free styles. I air dry most of the time and flat iron for length checks only.

I'm currently midback length (MBL) and actively working towards reaching waist length by my graduation in mid-2012.

Tuesday 5 July 2011

Relaxer Prep

I'm relaxing soon, not sure of the exact date yet. I am only about 9 weeks post, but I have a lot of new growth....So much that I want to relax now. The next paragraph is me complaining about why I want a relaxer. If you're transitioning or natural, you can kindly skip this part lol

I don't want to get cornrows (my last experience was a bad one) so it's not like I can hide my hair for another 2 months. It's getting to that point where I'm looking rough around the edges -- literally. Natural hair can be slicked back and look neat because it's a uniform texture...but new growth and bone straight relaxed hair can be challenging to work with and blend. It requires patience which I'm not sure I have right now. When I come out of the shower, after 5 minutes the new growth at the front is completely dry...I don't even get a chance to smooth it with a brush or anything. Part of the reason why I haven't claimed MBL is because if I let my hair loose, it reaches BSL/APL. But it's only when I pull it, that it shows the true length. This hide and seek is a direct result of shrinkage. I want to be able to look at my hair and see the real length. I don't want to put in all this effort just for my hair to shrink up to a milestone I passed already. Maybe I'm attached to length? Maybe. Maybe I just want my hair to fit my lifestyle. I like to do styles (messy buns, braidouts, twistouts, flexi rods, curls, intricate buns and updos, wash and goes, etc etc etc) without worrying about the weather or the detangling session later. I miss thorough detangling sessions being less than 30 seconds. I miss being able to do heat styles that last for weeks without worrying about my hair reverting. There is clearly a natural hair trend. People are lopping off their relaxed hair left right and center, which is awesome if that's what they want to do. But I like that I decided to remain relaxed despite the influence of the people and pictures on the internet. On the flipside I like that in real life (where most people are relaxed here in Toronto) I enjoy getting compliments on my hair, and sharing advice and my regimen with others. Yesterday's blow drying session had me "snap, crackle and popping"... there were a lot of broken hairs due to me raking through the 2 textures with a Denman. I should have taken my time but honestly, between the heat and how busy things are, I don't have the patience this time around to do a long stretch. I usually have a decent gut feeling about things when it comes to my hair. Right now my gut is telling me to end my stretch with a fresh relaxer.

For those who are still with me lol, stay tuned for updates within the next few weeks.


So what am I doing between now and my next relaxer?
  • No washing or itching.
  • Only product that will be applied to hair is CHI Silk Infusion. "Silk can form a protective covering over the hair to prevent it from being damaged from alkaline materials, such as the chemicals in relaxers." Taken from a thread on LHCF
  •  Only thing applied to scalp will be vaseline

    5 comments:

    1. Can't wait to see the length update! I always blowdry the week before my touch up, even if its only the roots because like you said the roots being shrunken can just cause too many problems! IDK when I'm gonna relax, but I am excited about it! lol.

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    2. I feel your pain! I just relaxed at 11 weeks because honestly, stretching in the summertime (if you're not tucking your hair away completely) is a giant pain in the butt.

      Can't wait to see your relaxer results!

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    3. Im about to relax also. Im 8 wks but the poof and humidity is another thing. I got a party im going to ,im really trying to look good. Im about to relax also. Im 8 wks but the poof and humidity is another thing. I got a party im going to ,im really trying to look good.

      ReplyDelete
    4. i just needed to hear this! esp the natural hair bit with so many naturals around its kinda getting confusing to relax or not but i loooove my relaxed hair. cant wait to see it grow as long as yours :)

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    5. HEYYY! Can u please follow my blog? I am new to hair care, kinda lost & tryna find my way. I had gotten so frustrated with my own hair I wanted to just cut it all off. I thought hair regimens were for naturals only lol silly i know! But if u could follow & lend any advise I'd surely appreciate it!!

      ReplyDelete

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