Relaxer Update

texture after relaxing

I relaxed my hair at 17 weeks post with about 2 inches of new growth. I think my hunt for a new relaxer is over. I used Creme of Nature's Straight From Eden relaxer this time and I loved my results. I really wanted to try this because it's plant-derived and doesn't have many of the harsh chemicals that give relaxers such a bad name. I want to use it again to make sure I get the same results before I officially declare it my new staple, but no exaggeration - I LOVED it! And I actually used everything that came in the box with it, which I never do. But I'd heard enough positive reviews of the rest of the products that I wanted to try them. (Plus for $10+ for the kit I better have used everything in it!) Here's how the process went:

{1} I divided my hair into 4 sections and detangled - using my fingers first then moving to a wide tooth comb.

{2} Applied my triple threat layered protection - Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner, grape seed oil, vaseline - to the length of my hair.

{3} In each section - parted hair ~1/4 inch to base scalp with vaseline, then twisted the hair to keep it separated (pre-parting for easy relaxer application).

In every single review for this relaxer that I watched, the women's hair got straighter than I like my hair to get. Even ladies who texlax. This made me nervous that it would process faster than I wanted. Originally, I wasn't planning on adding anything to the relaxer mix because I wanted to see how it worked on its own, but once I got nervous, I decided to add some oil.

{4} I added about 2 tablespoons of grape seed oil to the relaxer mix. I usually add about 1/4 cup so this amount is a lot less than normal. 

{5} My hair is the most coarse at my crown so I always start applying the relaxer there first and do my edges & nape last. It took 14 minutes to touch up my whole head start to finish. FYI: I DO NOT smooth the relaxer. Once I've touched up my whole head, I just go back to make sure I didn't miss any areas then hop in the shower to rinse. 

{6} Mid-step protein treatment: After thoroughly rinsing I applied Umberto Repair Treatment Masque & Aphogee 2 Min Reconstructor. I put on plastic cap and my bonnet dryer for 15 mins then rinsed.  

New growth before & after relaxing 

{7} Shampooed with Straight From Eden Neutralizing 3x. I always lather 3x, allowing the final lather to sit for a few minutes, to be safe. This shampoo smells so good! At this point, my hair felt strong, but not hard. 

{8} Towel wrapped my hair for about 20 minutes.

{9} Applied Straight From Eden & Tresemme Naturals conditioners. I had to add the Tressemme just in case the Eden conditioner didn't have enough of a moisturizing effect on my protein treated hair. I put on a plastic cap with heat for 30 minutes, then probably sat with it for another 30 at least before I went to rinse. 

{10} Rinsed with cool water followed by an ACV and Aloe Vera Juice rinse, which I did not rinse out. 

{11} Towel wrapped for 30 mins.

{12} Applied the Straight From Eden Repairing oil & It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In, and detangled in 4 sections.

{13} Blow dried and flat-ironed my hair. I only did one heat pass with the flat iron so I didn't get my hair bone straight. 

This relaxer day went very smoothly. The Straight From Eden line worked so well with my hair and it smells amazing. I am very pleased with the progress of my hair! Especially my nape. I will be doing a proper length check and trim soon. Though I can already admit my hair's in much better shape than I thought. I am not used to trying to maintain straight hair while working out; so, between Zumba and running, my hair definitely swelled. I ended up pulling it back into a banana clip ponytail, which I quickly fell in love with! I use banana clips a lot, but I hadn't tried this style yet. I think I will more often now :) 

14 comments 17 weeks post, Creme of Nature, relaxer update, self relaxing, Straight From Eden Relaxer, texlax

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