3. …But don’t forget about your protein
The moisture-protein balance is also very important at this stage because the protein will help keep up your hair’s strength as you add all this moisture to it.
This boost of protein will strengthen your hair and help make your stretch easier. This is a tricky one though because your hair is more sensitive than normal and you don’t want to risk protein overload. Be sure to use a light protein every so often and a moisturizing conditioner* after applying a strong protein treatment.
4. If you are not already doing so, wash your hair in sections
There are so many pluses to doing this. First you’ll be able to wash your hair thoroughly; each strand will get adequate conditioning and washing and rinsing, etc.
Next, you’ll cut down the manipulation associated with wash day which will ultimately help avoid breakage and tangling. Basically, washing in sections makes your wash day run much more smoothly which in turn makes things easier on you. Who doesn’t enjoy perks that don’t require too much work?
5. Protect your strands
This is the culmination of all the tips mentioned above. At all costs protect your strands against breakage. Doing this means protective styles that are low in manipulation.
Braid-outs and twist outs could be your answer. Buns or ponytails are other worthwhile hairstyles so long as they are not too tight. Additionally, try to avoid direct heat and de-tangle with your fingers or a wide tooth comb* (especially close to your roots).
Conclusion
These tips will help you walk across the tightrope that is stretching your relaxer. In this challenge you are basically fighting against your main rival: breakage.
With this in mind remember that one of the biggest keys to stretching, much like your journey as a whole, is listening to your hair. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a longer stretch means you’re doing better for your hair because that is not always the case.
Some women thrive by waiting 20-24 weeks and for others it is best to only wait 10-12 in between touch ups. Don’t negate your hard work by doing more harm than good based on a formula that hasn’t been proven by you.
It doesn’t matter how you get across your tightrope, just as long as you make it to the other side.
Sally Dias-Prentice says
Really would like to read article but its not opening. ..
BlackHairInformation.com says
What do you mean Sally Dias-Prentice what’s happening?
Raven Cusic says
Hey Jamika Barnett I thought she was you lol
Prince Maxwell Ansong says
pretty
Nalutaaya Love says
Nice
Jamika Barnett says
Lol! U so silly Raven Cusic
Raven Cusic says
I did though
Jamika Barnett says
With a quick glance so do look like me tho! Lol
Jamika Barnett says
*she
Patricia Opel Jaye says
Nice photography
Sally Dias-Prentice says
Ok thank you for your assistance