When I was relaxed I would stretch my relaxers for at least 4 month, but usually like 6-7. For the last three years I relaxed, my hair may have been relaxed a total of 2 times, so I said what was the point
. But ironically the only style I remember doing was wearing it down. I'd wrap after I washed, tie it down, and when it dried it was straight or rolled with velcro mesh rollers at night every once in a while
. My hair grew the longest and thickest it had been since I had been relaxed (bsl/midback). I used NO heat and washed twice a week with Loreal Vive. However, when I relaxed, my hair was practically bone-straight (it would form curls if airdried with no products), but there was absolutely no overlapping due to the fact that my new growth was much more prominent (although this may not be popular opinion, I think relaxing straighter helped to eliminate the need for heat usage and consequently, I was able to avoid damage)