So, I am about 15 weeks post relaxer and, while I have this wonderful new growth, this is the time when my hair starts getting a bit tangly as it becomes harder to manage the two textures (relaxed ends and new growth). A lot of people ask me ways to stretch relaxers or deal with new growth with out running to the salon.
Here is my tip - as you stretch, try to find ways to manipulate your hair less and less. Make bigger braids and sections and it will cause you to fight with your hair less and less. I tend to go from roller sets to braid outs to two braid air drys. I gradually stop sectioning and combing and opt for styles that require less manipulation. This way I work with my natural texture and go with styles that airdry overnight and are a bit fuller. It saves me a lot of time and energy. Its also a great easy style that can be done daily for the work out divas. Click on the post to read the written instructions :)
Find more photos like this on Healthy Textures
How I did it :)
I co-washed after my work out with Sauve Coconut Conditioner
I applied Keracare Conditioning Creme Headdres and ORS serum to sopping wet hair
I made a center part and slicked down the hair with a wide tooth comb, braided and secured ends with Hype Hair rollers.
I applied a quarter size amount of Nourish and shine to roots and covered my hair tightly with a doo rag. It took less than 10 minutes.
Woke up the next morning, unraveled braids, fluffed up roots and was all set :)
If you want to see the pictures with commentary on each photo, click here and check out the pics under "My Photos".
Comments: (10)
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By: PeaceMa on 8/06/2008 10:59AM
Thanks for this info Jennifer. My hair is just a bit shorter than yours, but it looks like our hair is similar. I will try this tonight as my hair has really been growing like crazy and I am in need of a relaxer already! In this southern heat, I'd really prefer to go without using the hair rollers at night.
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By: miss hakim on 8/06/2008 11:16AM
I used to do this before I chopped my perm off. Just be careful when it's wet not to braid it to tight, to avoid breakage. And moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. You'll do fine. Good luck.
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By: Amiris on 8/10/2008 8:36PM
I've been growing out my relaxer for almost a year now primarily using weaves, braids, flat twists and blow outs. I'll definitely try this out, thanks for sharing this
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By: ladyleo on 8/11/2008 12:20PM
What I do is wash my hair and put in leave-in conditioner, cornbraid my hair going back, about five or six braids, put little clips on the end so the braids don't become loose, wake up, take them out and go about my business
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By: Stacey Quashie on 8/11/2008 3:20PM
My daughter had long hair just like that, but a little kinkier, so I put a perm in her hair at the age of six, she is ten now anad her long hair is gone due to over processing and chlorine. Now we are trying to go natural without putting in a perm. I'm going to try this with her hair thanks for the tip.
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By: Mssylady on 8/11/2008 6:29PM
Since my hair has grown out, I do the same thing and it works great! My hair looks just like yours, the braiding really works and using a light creme dressing after unbraiding helps the shine. Great idea to post on this site.
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By: Illiana on 8/18/2008 7:36PM
This styling technique looks interesting, but how does it hold up in the humidity of the summer? My hair has been quasi-natural for the past 8 or 9 years, because of a bad experience with a relaxer (i was only 10yrs old *tear*). Every since then i have been getting a press, which ppl say I stretch alittle too far. My stylist is good, it looks like a perm when she's done, and i can go two weeks with my press-wrap w/o even touching it. As I get older I worry about the overall health of my hair, when I stretch, I do not wash, and I have No experience doing my own hair... any advice?
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By: Samantha on 8/20/2008 12:02PM
This looks great on your hair, but my hair is shorter and a totally different texture so i'm wondering if i can still have the same results. I used to do the whole air braiding technique but now when i try to do it, the braids get bent while i sleep and when i take the braids out in the morning the results aren't that great. But maybe i'll try this again.
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By: Navie on 8/22/2008 3:43PM
When you hair is shorter and you want to grow your perm out try a straw set...It works great..it takes alot longer but the result will look really nice and it will as two to three weeks depending on how you maintain it...u need regular drinking sraws, bobby pins, and setting lotion. Cut the straws to about half of your hair length. Take one end of the straw and start at the top of hair wraping your hair the length of the straw. put in a bobby pin in at each end..and once done just let it air dry...once dry pull apart curls use a light oil spray and go... i hope this helps!!
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By: Outraged Parent on 8/29/2008 1:59PM
I think it should be ILLEGAL to relax a child's hair. SHAME on all the MOTHERS who put Toxic Chemicals on the hair/scalp of a child.
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