Relaxer Day!

I finally relaxed my hair at about 18 weeks post! In my mind, I felt like relaxing my hair would renew my desire to spend time styling it... wrong. I knew I was tired of battling my new growth, but I could actually just be tired of doing my own hair. Haha! I'm so serious ladies! Does anyone else ever feel like this?! No? ...just me? Okay...

On to the details of relaxing, or texlaxing, whatever floats your boat. I used my fav Creme of Nature Straight From Eden Relaxer. If you've been following me long enough to know how I go about texlaxing my hair, you'll be shocked to hear I didn't add any oil to the relaxer this time. Why you ask? Because I completely forgot. I mean it didn't even cross my mind until I was starting to rinse it out. At which point I may or may not have freaked out a bit and contemplated shedding real tears at the thought of having bone straight hair again #Iwasntready

Prep - 
{1} I thoroughly detangled my hair using my fingers followed by a wide tooth comb. Divided into four sections.

{2} Layered the length of my hair with my "triple threat" - safflower seed oil, Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner, and vaseline - to protect my previously relaxed hair.

{3} Parted my hair to base my scalp with vaseline. After applying vaseline to my scalp, I twisted the length of each section. 

{4} Mixed the relaxer... this is the point when I usually add the oil to help slow down the relaxer process, but I forgot  -_-

Relaxer Process - 
{5} I always start applying the relaxer at the crown of my head since it is my most coarse area and work my way down each section, saving my nape and edges for last. I love this twisting method because I can move through my whole head in about 5-6 minutes. I use the rest of the time to make sure I didn't miss any areas. I do not smooth the relaxer in my hair. Total time: 13 minutes.

{6} Rinsed the relaxer out and soaked up the excess water with a towel. As you can see my hair was still very textured after I rinsed!

{7} Mid-step protein treatment with Umberto Beverly Hills Repair Treatment Masque and L'Oreal Damage Erasing Balm. I put on a plastic cap and sat under the dryer for about 15 mins. 

{8} Neutralized with the Straight From Eden Hydrating shampoo. I lathered three times, allowing the third to sit for a few minutes just to be sure.

{9} Deep conditioned with CON Straight From Eden conditioning treatment and TRESemmé Naturals. Rinsed and did and ACV & aloe rinse. 

Styling - 
{10} Applied my leave-ins - Elasta QP H2, Shea Moisture Restorative conditioner, Straight From Eden Repairing Oil - and detangled my hair.

{11} Blew my hair dry on low heat.

{12} Went for my Caruso steam rollers. They always make my hair look like I put a lot more effort into than I actually did :)

I was pleasantly surprised that my hair didn't over-process, retaining just as much texture as I wanted, despite the fact that I forgot to add any oil. That, of course, makes me wonder how much of a difference adding oil really makes when under-processing my hair. Perhaps my triple threat of protection is enough for keeping the length of my hair from over-processing along with my new growth. But it also makes me love this Creme of Nature relaxer even more. I definitely don't have to worry about it being too strong for my hair. The back of my hair is pretty much fully texlaxed now. The shrinkage is ridiculous. Cheers to a successful relaxer day!

I'm happy to be back to linking up for the #WashDayExperience with SavingOurStrands and Just Grow Already! Be sure to go check out other wash day experiences!

31 comments 18 weeks post, relaxer update, self relaxing, Straight From Eden Relaxer, texlax

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Relaxer Update, Quick Length Check & Steam Rollers

I relaxed my hair at a little past 22 weeks post. I didn't plan to stretch that long this time and I don't plan to do it again, but who knows. I spent the majority of this stretch in protective styles so I didn't really struggle with battling my new growth. I think it was a pretty successful stretch. Protective styling has been treating me well. My goal was to finish the year with another style, but I think I may continue with it throughout the winter. Not sure yet, just thinking it may help keep me from having to figure to keep my hair moisturized all the time. My hair hates winter. I am certain I will need to trim soon, but I'm still playing keep away with my scissors so that will have to wait. 

Anyways, my relaxer day went as smooth as I could have asked for. Creme of Nature's Straight From Eden relaxer is definitely my staple now. I was able to repeat my desired results without any problems so that sealed the deal for me. Here's the details:

Prep - 
{1} I thoroughly detangled my hair using my fingers followed by a wide tooth comb. Divided into four sections.

{2} Layered the length of my hair with my "triple threat" - grapeseed oil, PM Tea Tree conditioner, and vaseline - to protect my previously relaxed hair.

{3} Parted my hair to base my scalp with vaseline. After applying vaseline to my scalp, I twisted the length of each section.

{4} When I mixed the relaxer, I added about 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil to the mixture to make sure my hair would not process faster than I wanted.

Relaxer Process - 
{5} I always start applying the relaxer at the crown of my head since it is my most coarse area and work my way down each section, saving my nape and edges for last. I love this twisting method because I can move through my whole head in about 5-6 minutes. I use the rest of the time to make sure I didn't miss any areas. I do not smooth the relaxer in my hair. Total time: 14 minutes.

{6} Rinsed the relaxer out and soaked up the excess water with a towel.

{7} Mid-step protein treatment with Aphogee 2-step. I actually hate this stuff, but in an effort to pare down my ridiculous product stash, I decided to use it. It definitely does its job as far as the protein treating is concerned, which is what matters. Everything else about it sucks though.

{8} Neutralized with the Straight From Eden Hydrating shampoo. I lathered three times, allowing the third to sit for a few minutes just to be sure.

{9} Deep conditioned with Silk Dreams Soothing conditioner and TRESemmé Naturals. Rinsed and did and ACV & aloe rinse. 

Styling - 
{10} Applied my leave-ins - Elasta QP H2 & Straight From Eden Repairing Oil - and detangled my hair.

{11} Blew my hair dry on low heat and lightly flat ironed (1 heat pass).

Blew my hair out & lightly flat ironed it after my relaxer. Did a quick #lengthcheck (playing with my slo-mo 😂) I think I'm ready to claim #brastraplength!! #healthyhair #texlaxed #adesiredbeauty

A video posted by Melanie (@adesiredbeauty) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:36am PST

At this point, I started trying to take pictures for a length check, but ended up playing with the slo-mo video feature :) I posted that on my Instagram last week.

{12} Decided to use my Caruso Steam Rollers, hoping for better sleeker results than the first time. I used mainly the jumbo rollers and a few medium sized ones.

I totally fell in love with my steam rollers this time!! My hair was so soft and bouncy and I LOVED the curls. They gave me soft, loose curls. The curls fell into nice waves by the end of the day, too.  Overall, this relaxer day went very well! 

17 comments Creme of Nature, relaxer, relaxer prep, relaxer update, self relaxing, steam rollers, Straight From Eden Relaxer

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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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Relaxer Update!

My 25 weeks of new growth stretched

I relaxed my hair after a 25-week stretch!! New personal record for me! It was never a goal for me to go six months without relaxing, it just kind of happened. I didn't want to relax at the usual 12 weeks post because of my plan to install box braids. Once they were out, I wanted to wait awhile before relaxing then things were going well and it took me a little while to decide what to do next. And there you have it... an unintentional six month stretch was completed. 

I have been having a really hard time finding my beloved Elasta QP Soy Oyl Ultra-Hydration Relaxer Kit in stores. For some reason, I didn't even think to search for it online until all was said and done. Probably because the thought of going from easily grabbing one for $6 at my beauty supply to doubling that price for shipping is annoying to me. My goal was to just use a kit that has worked well for me in the past, but I somehow failed at that. I guess that's what happens when your tired and last minute shopping. I ended up getting Dark & Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 Shea Moisture Relaxer Kit. I have used this on my cousin's hair in the past and liked the way it processed, but never on my own. 

One of the main reasons I did not want to try a brand new relaxer was because I knew that I would have no real way of knowing how quickly it would (or wouldn't) process. After pairing that with the fact that I had just henna-ed my hair and was unsure of how the two would work out together, I realized I was getting into some risky behavior this relaxer day. 

{1} I sectioned into 4 & detangled my hair, applying my triple threat layer of protection to the length of my hair along the way. I used Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner, grapeseed oil, followed by good ole Vaseline. 

{2} Based my scalp, edges and ears with Vaseline. 

{3} Mixed the activator and relaxer cream thoroughly, then added about 1/4 cup of grapeseed oil. (This is my normal routine and I figured I'd rather end up with very under-processed hair than hair that processed more than I wanted.) 

{4} Applied the relaxer to my inches of new growth only. It took 15 minutes start-to-finish, no smoothing. 

{5} Rinsed the relaxer out and applied my protein treatment. This kit actually comes with a mid-step protein treatment called Silk Keratin Serum, which is one thing I liked about it in the past. I applied that first and then added my Umberto Repair Treatment Masque. I let this sit for about 10 minutes under a plastic cap. 

{6} Rinsed and neutralized using the shampoo that came in the kit. I lathered three times and let it sit a little bit, just to be safe. The pictures below are my hair when I rinsed it out. Quite under-processed. I think this is the most under-processed my hair has been before, but I like it. 

{7} Deep conditioned using Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose and Aubrey Organics Island Naturals Replenishing conditioners (first use) under a plastic cap for about an hour. I picked this up intending to re-up on Honeysuckle Rose, the two bottles look almost identical. After looking at the ingredients, I decided I'd still try it even though it wasn't what I wanted to buy originally. 

{8} Rinsed and sprayed my ACV rinse all over my hair and scalp. Let it sit for a couple minutes then rinsed with cold water. 

{9} Soaked up the excess water with a towel. I let my hair air dry somewhat even though I was planning to rollerset. I just don't like to detangle my hair when it's too wet. I applied my leave-ins: Elasta QP H2 and Aphogee Green Tea & Keratin Restructurizer. 

{10} Wet my hair again and flexi-rod set it, using purple and grey. I also added a little Organix Macademia Oil in this step. I love flexi-rods, yet this was my first time using them on wet hair. Had some issues getting them tight at my roots, but went for it anyway. 

{11} Sat under my bonnet dryer for... not long enough! My hair felt dry, but once I started taking them out, I realized my roots weren't. Oh well! Another learning experience. My little sister helped me save the style even with those thick roots :) I thought the curls were so pretty. I'll be attempting another set so I can try to get better. 

Overall, I was very pleased with the way this relaxer day went and happy with my decision to relax. So funny I got a fresh relaxer and people were complimenting my "natural" hair style. I cannot decide if I want to continue using the same relaxer kit this way to get the same results. I also am not sure if my very underprocessed hair is due to the relaxer being weaker than my previous kit, the fresh henna treatment in my hair, or a combination of both. I'm sure I have plenty of months to decide how I'll go about this next time. 

6 comments acv, apple cider vinegar rinse, flexi-rod set, relaxer, relaxer update, self relaxing, texlax

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Relaxer Update

after detangling & pre-relaxer routine

I relaxed my hair two weeks ago today (August 8th) at 11 weeks post relaxer. Since I thought I was getting family pictures taken the next week I ended my stretch a little earlier than I could have. Once I knew it wasn't going to happen, I had already psyched myself up for fresh hair and didn't want to deal with my new growth anymore. So, I went for it! The previous wash day was pretty protein intensive, as usual, but I followed up with a deep conditioning session containing protein a few days prior to relaxing. I usually don't do the extra deep condition day, but I just felt like my hair needed a little more this time.

I made sure I detangled my hair very well before relaxing this time, in 4 sections. I am usually not as thorough as I should be with this step and I believe it totally slows me down during the application step. For some reason, I finger detangle during my prep and once I start apply the relaxer I get so upset with myself for forgetting to use a comb afterward. I guess because, normally, I only use a comb at the end of wash days. Anyway, I did my usual pre-relaxer routine: based my scalp with vaseline then layered the length of my hair with the triple threat of (1) conditioner (HE Honey I'm Strong), followed by (2) oil (grapeseed), topped with (3) vaseline. I really think that this step is great. It truly protects my previously relaxed hair from being processed again and/or losing any of the texture I am trying to keep. 

I decided to add oil to my relaxer this time. I have done this one time before and I liked my results even though I wasn't the smartest about the way I went about it. I have tried several different methods of texlaxing since then and believe that combining this with the triple threat will produce the results I want. I measured out 1/4 cup of grapeseed oil and sat it to the side. I mixed the activator and relaxer creme completely. I then began to slowly pour some oil into the relaxer, mix until it was back to creamy and pour some more. I only ended up adding about an 1/8 of a cup into the mixture. I think I will add the whole quarter in next though. The first time I did this, my mistake was adding all the oil at once along with the activator. Yea...never do that. It made the mixture so runny it was hard to control during application. *sigh* you live and you learn, right? So, this time, I made sure I kept the consistency I need while mixing in the oil a little at a time.

My processing time was about 15 minutes. I just do not think I will ever get to a processing time of 10 minutes without doing the half and half method. I have no desire to even try the half and half method either. It seems like it will guarantee relaxer days go from a matter of hours to a full day event. Maybe not, but either way I just don't want to do all those steps twice. This is one of the main reasons I decided to combine the two methods of texlaxing: I want to achieve my desired texture while relaxing my whole head at once in around 15 minutes. 

after t-shirt drying

I rinsed the relaxer out in the shower and followed with a protein treatment. In my last relaxer update post, I talked about hating how messy Aphogee's 2-step protein treatment is and not being too keen on the smell either. A fellow blogger (hey KLP!) suggested I try out Nexxus Emergencee and I have been hunting for that stuff ever since. To no avail. I have purchased two new protein conditioners, Umberto Beverly Hills Repair Treatment Masque & L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm, while attempting to find that one. I combined them in this step, covered with a plastic cap and left it on for about 5 minutes. Rinsed then neutralized (3 times). My hair felt uh-mazing!! Strong yet so soft and I hadn't even deep conditioned yet! I deep conditioned under a plastic cap with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose and Silk Dreams Vanilla Silk Cream Moisture Dream for about 10 minutes, rinsed and did an ACV rinse. T-shirt dried for a little while, then I applied my leave-ins and let my hair air dry in a loose bun overnight. 

That may seem like a lot because I want to be detailed enough so that any lady could repeat my process if they want. Also to explain why I do things the way I do. All in all this whole process only took a couple hours. I did it after work and was in bed in time to get enough sleep for the next work day! Relaxing your own hair doesn't have to be a full day event. :)

6 comments protein treatment, relaxer, relaxer tips, relaxer update, self relaxing, texlax

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Relaxer Update

I relaxed my hair about a month ago, ending a 12 week stretch. I used Elasta QP's Ultra Hydration conditioning relaxer. I really like the way my hair feels after relaxing with this kit. It also under-processes my hair even if I leave it on for longer than the recommended processing time. 

Knowing I was soon to relax, I did a protein deep condition the wash day before my relaxer day. On relaxer day, I pre-pooed with Herbal Essences Honey I'm Strong and grapeseed oil for about an hour. After, I based my scalp with vaseline and also coated the length of my [previously relaxed] hair with it. 

shots of some of the texture left in my hair

Now that I am intentionally texlaxing/unprocessing my hair, my goal is to have a processing time of only 10-15 minutes max. I didn't make it this time. Came in right under 20 minutes. I also didn't add anything to the relaxer like I have the past two times. However, my hair still came out pretty darn textured and SO very thick. So I'm not upset at all. I'll move faster next time. 

Once I rinsed out the relaxer, I applied my protein treatment, this time using a spray bottle. Although the spray bottle made it a little less messy and Aphogee works well, I am considering finding another hard protein treatment. The sticky mess plus the bad smell makes me roll my eyes when I use it, honestly. I saturated my hair, made sure it was evenly distributed and then used a blow dryer to harden it. I rinsed in the shower, neutralized (3 lathers) and used Aphogee's balancing moisturizer, leaving it on my hair for about 5 minutes. 

 

Aphogee 2-step Protein Treatment (in spray bottle)

I used Beautiful Textures Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner along with Silk Dream Vanilla Silk Cream Moisture Dream conditioner to deep condition my hair. I mixed them in an empty jar and applied from root to tip. I put on a plastic cap and a scarf and left it on for about an hour and a half, spending half of that under my bonnet dryer. I rinsed with cool water followed by an apple cider vinegar rinse. 


Since I am participating in this protective styling challenge with a goal of using no heat, I did not straighten my hair or do a length check. But I will be very soon! I applied my usual leave-ins (Aphogee Green Tea & Keratin Restructurizer and Elasta QP Silk H2), let my hair air dry and put it up in my go-to bun. I was pleased with my results!

air-drying

6 comments air-drying, protein treatment, relaxer, self relaxing, texlax, underprocessing hair

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Relaaaxer Day

This was the quickest relaxer day I've ever had! Thank God it was not to the detriment of my hair. I wanted to try to stretch a little longer, but with everything I have going on with the holidays this was the best opportunity. So I was about 10 weeks post, which is my minimum stretch period. I've probably been self-relaxing my hair for about 7 years now. Before that, it was done by my mom and/or my sister. 

Any-who, this is my third time tex-laxing - purposely underprocessing my hair with a relaxer. The first time was an accident. So I've been experimenting with ways to achieve my perfect amount of textured hair. This time I added conditioner to the relaxer. 

1. I divided my hair into four sections (two front, two back). In each section, I parted my hair horizontally and based my scalp with vaseline. I also put vaseline around my edges and ears.
2. To protect my previously relaxed hair, I use a conditioner, an oil and vaseline. I don't mind if I get any on my new growth. I used Herbal Essences Honey I'm Strong, followed by grapeseed oil and sealed with vaseline. This creates a pretty solid layer of protection to prevent over-processing from relaxer runoff during rinsing. This process also leaves my hair pre-parted for quick relaxer application.
3. I use Elasta QP Ultra Hydration No-Lye Relaxer. I think this relaxer underprocesses my hair period, but I like how my hair feels after using it. I start at the top of the back sections working my way down then move to the front sections. My mom helped today since I was in a time crunch. Whole application including smoothing took about 15 minutes. 
4. After rinsing, I did a mid-step protein treatment. I use Aphogee's 2-step Protein Treatment. I truly hate how this stuff smells and I always end up making a mess with the whole application and blow drying it hard step, BUT it is a good hard protein treatment. My hair likes it so I keep using it.
5. I neutralized (3 lathers with the shampoo from the kit) and applied the balancing moisturizer for the 2 step protein. I left that on for about 5 minutes then rinsed.
6. I tried a new addition for deep conditioning - Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment. Mixed with Elasta QP Soy-Oyl Ultra Hydration Deep Conditioner (my faithful base conditioner). Sat under my bonnet dryer for about 30 minutes.
7. Detangled and rinsed in the shower with cool water. Did a final rinse with apple cider vinegar and cooler water. 

My hair felt quite soft, yet strong, and smelled really good when all was said and done. So I was pleased. Perhaps I will buy another packet of the CON Argan Oil Conditioner. I applied my leave ins (pictured above) and put my hair in a bun to air dry so I could quickly get ready to go to a holiday party. Nothing fancy, but it worked. :)  

took it down to finish airdrying later that night

1 comment 10 weeks post, protein treatment, relaxer, self relaxing, texlax

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