“Stretching a relaxer” means getting your hair relaxed less
frequently. For example, if you wait beyond
the common 6 to 8 week time frame between relaxers, it is considered
stretching.
For twenty years I went to the salon to get my hair
chemically relaxed every 6 weeks. As a matter of fact, I thought it was the law if you had relaxed hair.
This
averages to about 8 to 9 times a year. I
did not know then that 9 relaxers in a 12 month period was not the healthiest
option for my hair. I was told that my hair was genetically thin and would only grow so long without becoming unhealthy...hence the frequent hair cuts.
Because my hair and my brain were both “trained” to adhere
to this six week schedule, I would have a difficult time with tangled hair and
breakage at only 5 weeks post my last relaxer. So at 6 weeks on the nose, I was in
that salon chair on time… if not an hour early.
At the start of my hair journey, in 2012, I started stretching to 9 or 10 weeks. There were a few times when I surrendered at 8
weeks.
At the end of 2013 I was in a position where I could not get
to my stylist for 3 months... yes, 12 whole weeks! Now 12 weeks is nothing to the
advanced relaxer stretchers out there. Many ladies only get a relaxer once or
twice a year without any major hair setbacks.
I am not at that advance level yet, but my first 12 week stretch
was a huge success. First, it shows that you would be surprised at what you can
do if you have to. Second, stretching for those 3 months gave my hair and how I
“feel” about my hair a tremendous uplift.
Physical Benefits of Relaxer Stretching
It allows for recovery. The relaxer is literally changing
the structure of the hair shaft. I look at it as major reconstruction because
once curly hair is straightened by a relaxer, it cannot return back to its
curly state. Therefore, undergoing a chemical treatment is stress to our
strands. Stretching from 6 week touch ups to 12 week touch ups, doubles the
time I can baby my hair and let it rest.
My ultimate relaxer stretch goal is 6 months!
Emotional Benefits of Relaxer Stretching
Are there emotional benefits? Well if your hair has ever
been over processed, thin, and breaking, you know the answer is, yes.
I had a color service done in a salon (also a chemical
service) and a few weeks later my hair was breaking like crazy and shedding
with every stroke of the comb. Emotionally I was broken inside. I felt insecure
and cried every morning when I had to comb my hair into some kind of style for
the day.
Going for months without any type of chemical service, gives
my heart relief… especially now that I see my hair getting thicker and
longer. I cannot recall ever being happy about the health of my hair before.
If I can do it, you can too!
After about 6 weeks, my new hair growth makes its glorious appearance.
This leaves me with two different hair textures. I have a straight hair texture
that is easy to detangle and moisturize, and I have my naturally curly (4C)
hair texture that is dry as a bone and has major shrinkage.
So, it has taken some time to learn how to manage my hair and
keep it moisturized and strong between relaxers so I don’t have breakage at the
line of demarcation (where the two textures meet).
Still, the time you invest in finding the right products and the
right regimen that will allow you to have successful relaxer stretches will be
worth it all!
I am shouting and giving God the praise because my hair has not been this thick since I was a little
girl and has not been this long….EVER.
Subscribe to the bog today and stay tuned to learn exactly
how I take care of my hair beyond the notorious 6 week mark.
Blessings!
~Candra
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