SETBACKS FROM SELF-RELAXING

My current relaxer (love it!)

Not many hair bloggers/vloggers talk about the downs of their hair journeys when it comes to self-relaxing. I understand they need to keep a positive outlook, displaying their success only when it comes to haircare. It encourages everyone to believe in themselves and that they can do it too. But I think it's also important to inform others on what can happen (the risks) of relaxing your own hair, especially if you've never done it before. That's the reason why I decided to talk about my setbacks on today's post.

I started relaxing my own hair in 2014. Keep in mind that I knew nothing about relaxing my own hair. But I've learned how to do it over time. Here are the setbacks I've had so far:

SETBACK #1

That first setback happened because I used a leftover relaxer that stayed too long under the bathroom sink. Big mistake! My hair became dry and as you can guess, some of my hair fell off but only at the nape on the right area. Because of this, I avoided heat styling as much as I could. And if I had to use heat (a flat-iron), I'd avoid to do so before my next relaxer touch-up. I moisturized and sealed more regularly and kept up with my deep conditioning sessions, and more importantly, I now keep my relaxer kits in a dry, cool place and never use leftover relaxers again!

I tried keeping my nape at the same length on both sides and the damaged area grew out nicely, although it's still a bit shorter than the left side. Side note: My whole right side is a bit shorter than my left side.

SETBACK #2

This one is more or less an ongoing problem when relaxing my hair because it's around the crown area. But I will say the damage was more obvious 2-3 years ago, as the hair at the crown was shorter than the rest of my hair. It's one of the most difficult part to see when retouching my new growth. I minimized the breakage by (again!) not using direct heat, doing more rollersets and keeping the area moisturized with regular deep conditioning treatments and moisturizing & sealing.

It is important to have a second mirror when self-relaxing in order to have a better view of your crown area. If you're still feeling nervous, have a trusted friend or a professional hairstylist do your relaxer touch-up.

SETBACK #3

The other setback I'm currently dealing with is underprocessing. I think everyone had dealt with this one at one point in their hair journey. My hair came out underprocessed because I used a relaxer that was too runny. This setback is less serious as one could have a corrective relaxer. Luckily for me, my underprocessed and well-processed hair blend nicely either when I do rollersets or twist-outs. Again, I avoid any direct heat styling and keep my hair moisturized.

The thing is, it's always best to have a professional touch up your new growth to avoid self-relaxing drama. At the same time, kuddos to all who relax their own hair successfully, either by themselves or with the help of a friend. But if you're one of the unsuccessful bunch, the secret to managing your setbacks and restoring your hair to health is to:

• Avoid direct heat styling as much as possible
• Opt for low manipulation and/or protective hairstyles
• Keep your hair moisturized with regular deep conditioning and moisturizing & sealing sessions
• Wear a headscarf to bed
• Gradually cut the damaged ends so they don't hinder your hair growth
• Stimulate hair growth by nourishing your scalp with natural oils to grow strong and healthy hair. 

Remember, health over length, always! Because your hair will continue to grow nonetheless, as long as you continue to be consistent with your healthy hair routine.