Unfortunate wash day @ 8 weeks post: learning from my mistakes

 

On this last stretch I encountered increased breakage that I've never experienced past 6 weeks post since on my hair journey. During my last wash on Saturday at 8 weeks post, my hair emerged from the shower extremely tangled and matted! :( Unfortunately I didn't have my detangler on hand and so it took the better part of an hour to detangle. Even with my patience I ended up with a large ball of broken and shed hair! If that wasn't enough, I think my hair was starting to break at the demarcation line, something I've almost never experienced before. Grrrr

Looking back I can try to evaluate some possible causes of my unusual wash day experience:

• My regimen, even at 8 weeks post was exactly the same as at my first weeks post relaxer

I think this point may be the root of my problems. I've often read many relaxed ladies describe the changes they make to their regimen as they go deeper into a relaxer stretch. I know I should have adapted my regimen too, but honestly, ain't nobody got time for that! LOL 

Ok back to being serious....

I think that as my hair gets deeper into a stretch:

1. I may experience issues with porosity as my cuticles remained raised (from repeated airdrying) This increases the chance of my hair losing moisture faster, remaining in a weak state and thus snapping and breaking off. 
2. I need to condition more often. Co-washing mid-week may help restore precious moisture to the line of demarcation between my natural and relaxed hair, helping to restore elasticity and prevent breakage. 
3. My hair needs. more. protein. Now its a proven fact that my hair loves protein! I definitely think that from 7 weeks post and onwards I should use the Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise to deep condition weekly. This conditioner has more protein than my weekly staple conditioner (ORS Replenishing Conditioner) 
4. From 6 weeks post I repeatedly had my hair braided, (cornrowed) several times a weeks. Although the manipulation done to create this style might have increased my breakage slightly, I'm inclined to think that the first three points made my issues worse. 

I'm going to try to make a conscience effort to adapt my regimen as I go deeper into my relaxer stretches. Using the points above, I'll draft a new regimen, post it and evaluate its effectiveness at preventing (and stopping!) any potential breakage, tangles and knots at 8 weeks post relaxer. 

How do you adapt your regimen during your relaxer stretches?

'Tis all for now!

Hatter

Summer!

The summer hols are here! They make me want to re-read the Famous Five series! :P haha!
Today I went to the beach with my mom and sister.

I tried to protect my hair from the salt water using a swim cap but unfortunately....didn't work! -.-
Actually, only my nape got wet. When I got home I quickly rinsed with cold water, used my Vo5 and did a final rinse. I guess you could say I co-washed! I'm now airdrying with a little bit of ORS HAIRepair moisture creme.
My hair is drying a bit frizzy and dull because it hardly has any product in it. Doesn't bother me much! It's the weekend and I'm going to relaaaaaax.
Take a break, hair! You've worked hair during the semester. While you're at it, take a view of the beauty outside!

How are you enjoying your summer?

Cheers!
~Hatter

Relaxer Update and Quick Co-wash

I've been busy busy busy dealing with my exams this month, which is why I haven't posted in a while!
During my blogger break I had my roots relaxed at about 7 weeks post. I know, I wanted to wait the full 8 weeks but my new growth was difficult to handle. Plus, I hated having crappy hair everyday.

Gained a nice little bit of length. I'm now about 1& 1/4 inches past collar bone length. The downside is that my hairdresser didn't get my roots processed evenly and I have some telaxed areas. Grrr. Also, my ends are a bit damaged :(  I dusted them myself but I don't think I took off enough. Ah well...I'll just work harder to make sure they hold up until next relaxer in late June/early July! =D

Just co-washed with my new Garnier Fructis conditioner. The consistency is very thin and light. Smells fruity!
I sectioned by hair in four, twisted and pinned each section into a bun and then proceeded to co-wash each section individually. This method is soooooooooooooooo much easier and more effective than washing my whole head at once! *victory dance*

Downside--> Co-washing is not enough to remove the week build up on my hair and scalp. (My last wash wash Sunday!)

NB: Must use my Neutragena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo every time I want to co-wash my hair. Don't like this sticky feeling of build-up! Yeeechh 

Currently air-drying my hair.

Cheers!

~Hatter