Loving I saw your other post but didn't respond because I don't always agree with what are given "LHCF" rules. However seeing this has made me log in and actually respond.
You don't need to relax every 8 weeks. Going to 9 weeks is NOT stretching.
What throws most people off with their relaxers is bad practices and not acknowleding that they were using them incorrectly. There is no rule that you need to relax every 8 weeks.
What you should be looking at/for is how much new growth you have. As our growth patterns differ and based on the styles that you wear that may mean you relax at xx weeks during the summer but can easily go to xx during the winter. There are no hard and fast rules on this. Setting relaxing schedules by calendar is what stylist did in the past to keep money coming in. A stylist that is taking care of your individual hair will let you know if you really need that touch up. Based on what you wrote in another post I don't think you are at that point yet. As a newbie & more important as a self relaxer you have to make sure that (1) have enough new growth to do another process and not overlap and (2) use the correct strength (another peeve of mine people constantly using the wrong strength and then complaining about being underprocessed). Using a mild for 40 minutes is not the same as using a super for 15 if your hair needs super.
If you are able to detangle your hair and wear in the style you are choosing with no issues then you don't need to relax yet. Take it a week at a time - you'll know when you hit that point. Towards the end I'm not wearing wrapped styles its roller sets or braid outs to buns (if its not just braided under my wig).
I know on here pictures are king but I don't post pictures on line. I've been a self relaxer for years. I just did touch up in December and probably won't relax again until April because I stretch in the winters. At minimum I go 12 weeks although I could easily do it every 4 (based on new growth) but that would not be healthy at all. As a newbie you'll figure out what works for you just get to know
your hair (or find a professional that knows what they are doing). All stylists are not scissor happy evil wenches. Its on YOU not to lose your voice when you sit in anyone's chair. I only stopped going to my stylist because of ridiculous day long waiting times (she is too dang popular but absolutely worth it). I'm only confident in what I do at home because I had a stylist that took care of my hair for years.
To answer your question on this post I've used both ORS conditioners you mentioned and IMO there is no need to use both. Just apply as a deep conditioner (I usually wrapping my head with a towel for at least an hour but if I don't have time sit under dryer for 10 minutes) and your hair should be good. I do this once a week. KISS is just that keeping it simple.
Once you decide you are ready for the touch up the week before just wash and deep condition as usual and the days before hand try not to manipulate your hair that much (scratching scalp).
Hope this helps!
