Should a newbie relaxer try stretching?

[Loving]

Hi ladies,

I just relaxed my hair for the first time EVER 6 weeks ago. Since joining LHCF I see many posts about the benefits of stretching. My aim is to get the healthiest hair possible. I originally planned to get a relaxer every 8 weeks - which means I am due for my touch up in 2 weeks time.

If I should go the stretching route, do you think I should try and hold out for 9 weeks between touchups - especially since this is my first?

Thanks as usual

 

[lina]

I think a newbie can try stretching relaxers. I had braids for 6 months to a year and grew my entire head out and got a relaxer 8 weeks ago. I plan on stretching 12-20 weeks.

 

[IDareT'sHair]

You could try to gradually add weeks. 6, 8, 10, 12 etc....and keep your NG Moisturized.

A light protein or reconstructor will also work wonders for keeping your hair strong. Also Deep Conditioning.

 

[Toy]

Go for it but take Baby steps.

 

[sunnieb]

I agree with IDareT'sHair and Toy - start stretching by adding a week or 2 during each relaxer schedule.

This is how I did it so that I could become acquainted with my newgrowth a little bit at a time. I used to get a relaxer touch up every 4 weeks, now I go 14 weeks easily.

 

[Loving]

Hi ladies,

This Saturday makes 8 weeks since my relaxer, which by normal standards means I would be due for a touch up. The thing is my new growth is so soft! I have been keeping up with my DC and protein treatments so that may be the trick. Should I go for 9 weeks or keep to 8 weeks since this is my first touch up?

I am really trying to avoid a setback. Thanks so much.

 

[Loving]

Bumping for my responses

 

[BillsBackerz67]

I agree. take baby steps. I think how ur relaxed hair matches up with your natural texture will determine how long you can safely stretch without breakage. Since Im not relaxed bone straight I will probably be able to go a full year without relaxing if I really wanted to. If I were a 4c hair type and had bone straight relaxed hair I wouldnt even chance trying to stretch past 3 months if that. IMO thats asking for breakage.

 

[Keen]

I agree with the posters who suggest gradually increasing your stretching time. You will never know if you can do it unless you try.

 

[Raspberry]

Hi ladies,

This Saturday makes 8 weeks since my relaxer, which by normal standards means I would be due for a touch up. The thing is my new growth is so soft! I have been keeping up with my DC and protein treatments so that may be the trick. Should I go for 9 weeks or keep to 8 weeks since this is my first touch up?

I am really trying to avoid a setback. Thanks so much.

If you're not experiencing above normal shedding and breaking 9 weeks should be fine. Veteran stretchers say that breakage is the biggest reason to end a stretch.

 

[tiffers]

Loving I say wait another week, especially since your NG isn't giving you any problems.

 

[southerncitygirl]

wait somewhere btw 10-14 weeks then retouch. watch your hair carefully and do as the ladies said....dc, moisturize, etc.