Stretching?! What the-?
Ok, first off let's talk about what stretching is. We all know that stretching means to basically pull something until it's longer, right? This little meaning can apply to your hair too! Stretching, when it comes to hair, means to go a while without a relaxer. For example, if you have in braids and plan on keeping them for let's say a month and then plan to get a relaxer after you take them out, you're STRETCHING! Most people, because of advice from their stylists, stretch for six weeks. I, like a lot of hair junkies, stretch my hair for twelve to fourteen weeks.
How do you do it?
Most women stretch their hair with protective styles (i.e braids, buns, twistouts, phony ponies, etc.). Braids by far are the best way to stretch in my opinion since that's how I stretch my own hair. You can also use carmelization to stretch. This treatment is all natural and you apply it like you would a relaxer so your new growth is soft. Another great way to stretch is to get blowouts from a Dominican salon.
Moisture & Protein vs. Hair Breakage
Keeping the hair moisturized AND protein-ized -- I know, I'm stupid hehe-- is vital when it comes to stretching. Use moisturizing sprays like S-Curl or Glycerine Mix (70% glycerine & 30% water). As for protein treatments, I use Infusium 23 (Repair)ologie. But you can use whatever you think is good for you. As long as it doesn't have petroleum or mineral oil. You can also co-wash (washing your hair with a conditioner) with a moisturizing conditioner like Suave Humectant one day and then co-wash with a LIGHT protein conditioner like ORS Replenishing Pak. But make sure if you feel like you're getting product build-up that you use a clarifying shampoo to cleanse your hair so that you can go back to your routine. And make sure that when you do moisturize your hair daily, you seal the moisture in with a natural oil like olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba, almond, etc.
That's all, folks!
That's pretty much all I have to say on this subject. Remember that your hair grows at it's own rate so be patient! Also, take your vitamins (or food supplements which are better), massage your scalp with essential oils, and have faith!
Ok, first off let's talk about what stretching is. We all know that stretching means to basically pull something until it's longer, right? This little meaning can apply to your hair too! Stretching, when it comes to hair, means to go a while without a relaxer. For example, if you have in braids and plan on keeping them for let's say a month and then plan to get a relaxer after you take them out, you're STRETCHING! Most people, because of advice from their stylists, stretch for six weeks. I, like a lot of hair junkies, stretch my hair for twelve to fourteen weeks.
How do you do it?
Most women stretch their hair with protective styles (i.e braids, buns, twistouts, phony ponies, etc.). Braids by far are the best way to stretch in my opinion since that's how I stretch my own hair. You can also use carmelization to stretch. This treatment is all natural and you apply it like you would a relaxer so your new growth is soft. Another great way to stretch is to get blowouts from a Dominican salon.
Moisture & Protein vs. Hair Breakage
Keeping the hair moisturized AND protein-ized -- I know, I'm stupid hehe-- is vital when it comes to stretching. Use moisturizing sprays like S-Curl or Glycerine Mix (70% glycerine & 30% water). As for protein treatments, I use Infusium 23 (Repair)ologie. But you can use whatever you think is good for you. As long as it doesn't have petroleum or mineral oil. You can also co-wash (washing your hair with a conditioner) with a moisturizing conditioner like Suave Humectant one day and then co-wash with a LIGHT protein conditioner like ORS Replenishing Pak. But make sure if you feel like you're getting product build-up that you use a clarifying shampoo to cleanse your hair so that you can go back to your routine. And make sure that when you do moisturize your hair daily, you seal the moisture in with a natural oil like olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba, almond, etc.
That's all, folks!
That's pretty much all I have to say on this subject. Remember that your hair grows at it's own rate so be patient! Also, take your vitamins (or food supplements which are better), massage your scalp with essential oils, and have faith!
Product Name: Oyin Handmade Greg Juice
4 comments
January 9, 2008 at 5:39 PM
What is the purpose of stretching? It doesn't change the rate in which your hair grows...
January 9, 2008 at 5:47 PM
The purpose is so you don't overprocess your previously relaxed hair, save money, and take a break from relaxing. :)
December 28, 2008 at 8:51 PM
How do you know how long you've stretched? I usually get a relaxer every 6 weeks. If I get one the 7th week is that a 1 week stretch or a 7 week stretch? Thanks! :)
December 29, 2008 at 1:07 AM
How ever many weeks it's been since your last relaxer is how long you've stretched. Typically, people do 10-12 week stretches. Right now, I'm on my 10th week and I'm going for a full 26 week stretch.
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