I am currently 32 weeks post. That is a feat in itself for me. I went from panicking if I went past the 4 week mark to being 8 months post. I've pretty much just decided to continue to go with the flow and follow my hair's lead. Just like Jeni from Just Grow Already, I am at a point where I have no clue what I want to do with my hair. I don't have an overwhelming sense to relax my hair or to decide to just go natural. Me and my hair are just chilling to say the least. lol I'm over the whole relaxer prepping and not being able to scratch my head. The latter being the most annoying because my scalp decides to itch like crazy the week of my relaxers. It's nothing but the devil I tell ya. lol I am not cutting my relaxed ends off anytime soon because I am still trying to grow my hair out. Anyway, I digress from the point of this post.
Here are some things that have been helping me get through this stretch.
1. Detangling in the shower... I have start my detangling sessions in the shower. I wash my hair in 4 sections. Under running water, I gently pull my hair apart to release any tangles that I come across. This helps to make detangling after I have applied my leave-ins much easier.
2. Midweek Cowashing - Doing this helps to give my hair the boost of moisture it needs. Moisture is definitely a must when stretching.
3. Deep Conditioning with steam - This is another thing that helps with adding moisture to your hair. I try to steam at least once a week but I have been steaming twice a week lately.
4. Tension Blow Dry Method - I am an avid air dryer and being this far into a stretch, the shrinkage is outrageous. But using the tension method helps to stretch it out and also makes bunning a lot easier.
5. Getting my hair straightened - Whenever I feel like my hair is getting on my nerves and I need a break from it, I go to the shop and get it done. This gives me the chance to enjoy my hair and to see how my hair is progressing.
These are just some of things I do help with stretching. What do you do to help with stretching?
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! I'm a long stretcher too and i'm currently 7 months post relaxer. Don't know when i'm going to relax my hair but i'll relax it for sure cause i prefer my hair relaxed.
ReplyDeleteWhat has really helped me is reducing drastically manipulation. In fact, I use wigs as my main protective style and cornrowed my hair underneath. When it comes to shampooing and deep condition i don't undo my cornrows. I just make sure to rinse out products well and that's it ! I also redo the cornrows every 2 or 3 weeks depending on how loose they are and i'm really satisfied! No breakage at all !
Thanks for checking out my blog. I agree low manipulation is a life saver too. I bun majority of the time. Thanks for sharing what helps you through stretching.
DeleteCongrats on reaching 32 weeks post! I completely agree with this whole post. Using running water to loosen tangles and remove shed hairs is so underrated but makes a world of difference for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeni! That technique is definitely a life saver. lol Oh and I bought my paperback copy of your journal. I can't wait to get it.
DeleteEek! I'm so excited, thank you! And I actually said eek out loud so my coworkers are looking at me like I'm crazy lol! #ImANut
DeleteLmao those journals come in handy. I have the digital version but I gotta have the paperback too. Lol
DeleteWOW 32 weeks, that's awesome. Keep us updated on your plans.
ReplyDeleteYou know I definitely will.
DeleteMatrix Detangling Solution was sent from the heavens for my hair! (Dramatic ay?) Ha-ha! It's saves me every wash day from ravenous tangles!
ReplyDeleteKLP | SavingOurStrands
I think any product that helps with detangling is heaven sent. Lol
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