As I’m 16 weeks into my current relaxer stretch, I thought I’d share my tips for getting through it!

I relax my hair 3 times a year, roughly every 17 weeks. Leaving a longer amount of time between your relaxers makes it easier to identify new growth & helps to reduce the risk of overlapping relaxers which, over time,  can weaken the hair & lead to breakage.

Check out my tips for stretching relaxers!

Keep your hair well moisturised

Try the LCO method to add extra moisture to your hair to make it more manageable & to avoid breakage during your stretch. You can also sleep with a plastic cap after moisturising & sealing to lock in the moisture 

Wash your hair in sections

This will help reduce any knotting & tangling whilst you wash your hair

Deep condition 

Make sure you pay special attention to your new growth & your ends, this will keep your new growth softer & more manageable

Detangle in small sections

Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid knots & tangles

Use a wide tooth comb to detangle

To minimise breakage & splits

Wear low manipulation styles 

Try to keep your hands out of your hair & rock easy styles that don’t put any strain on your new growth

Slick those edges

Invest in a good gel or edge control to keep your edges laid & to rock those slick styles

Baby steps

If you’re not used to stretching your relaxers then try delaying your relaxer by 1- 2 weeks at a time

Know when to end your stretch

You may have a specific goal of how long you want to stretch your relaxer but listen to your hair!

If you’re experiencing excessive shedding or breakage at the line of demarcation then it may be time to end your relaxer stretch

Patience is key

Your hair is very fragile during this time, be patient & handle your hair with care

How long do you stretch your relaxers & what is your top tip for stretching your relaxers?

~Healthy Hair Junkie~