What does it mean to stretch a hair relaxer? It means to go longer between having a chemical relaxer placed on your hair to straighten the new growth during a relaxer touch up.
This article will address why you should stretch your chemical hair relaxer appointments and how you can stretch a relaxer without breakage. Even if you have kinky or curly hair new growth, you can learn how to stretch your relaxers.
Here is why you should stretch your chemical hair relaxer appointments:
Stretching a relaxer is healthier. Some women get their hair relaxed like clockwork every six weeks or so. This is not healthy for the hair or your scalp because it is more frequently exposed to chemicals, which could include lye, depending on the relaxer formula. This can lead to scalp irritation and increased breakage and dryness.
This is why I urge all chemically relaxed women to stretch their hair relaxers for as long as they possibly can. I stretch my relaxers to every 13 weeks. It was not easy to make the transition from seven to 13 weeks. It may take some trial and error to find the right schedule for you. Don’t be alarmed if it’s not easy to stretch your hair relaxer at first. You’ll learn what your hair needs to adjust to the new schedule while staying manageable.
Stretching a relaxer can lead to longer hair growth. You’ll not only notice that you have more hair to relax during touch up time, but you’ll make greater strides in your hair growing longer if that’s a goal for you. Your hair will grow longer with proper hair care.
Stretching a relaxer saves you money. You’ll save money by stretching your relaxer because you won’t be paying a hairdresser every six weeks to perform a chemical relaxer process on your hair. This will free up money in your beauty maintenance budget to use for other things- such as hair products.
Do you want to know how to stretch a relaxer? Here is how you can stretch your hair relaxer:
Low hair manipulation when stretching a relaxer. When you reach your normal time threshold for your relaxer, it’s time to switch over to low manipulation mode. This means don’t play in your hair and don’t switch up your hairstyles too often. Great low manipulation hairstyles include buns and braids. You can also do braid outs for a cute hairstyle. Braid outs involve braiding your hair, letting the hair sit and them removing the braids. Your hair will be wavy and more closely match your new growth.
Use new growth softeners to help stretch your relaxer. There are products you can use to help soften your new growth making your hair more manageable while stretching your relaxer. Depending on the hair product, you can use these new growth softeners daily or during your shampoo and conditioning regimen.
Occasionally use hot combs and flat irons. If you want to keep your hair straight while waiting to get a relaxer touch up, you can use a hot comb or flat iron to straighten your new growth. Apply more heat to your new growth to straighten it and quickly swipe the hot comb or flat iron through your relaxed hair to prevent breakage. Make sure you’ve washed and conditioned your hair before applying heat. Only use hot combs and flat irons occasionally as to now damage your hear when stretching your relaxer.
