Reader's Question: Weaves/Sew-ins to Stretch Relaxers

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Reader's Question:
In order to stretch relaxers, is it okay that I have weave with braids in it or a sew in 2-3 weeks after a relaxer?

My Answer:

I personally would not recommend getting a weave/sew-in within two weeks after a relaxer.  Three weeks would be a much safer amount of time to wait, in my opinion.  Four weeks or more would be even better.  I say this because the scalp needs to "recover" (for lack of a better word) after a fresh relaxer.  Weaves/sew-ins can apply tension to the scalp, and installing one within two weeks can lead to hair loss.

After three to four weeks, weaves/sew-ins that are installed and maintained properly can be a good way to stretch relaxers.  Other safer options are braid-outs, cornrow-outs, twist-outs (with perm-rodded ends), ponytail roller sets, and straw sets.  Check out this earlier post on styles that blend the new growth with your relaxed ends.

I hope this answers your question!

Oldies, But Goodies

1. Valentine's Day Treats ... Lower in Fat But Still So YUMMY!
2. Healthy Hair Feature: Chime/HairCrush
3. Sleep is Essential for Hair Health
4. Protein Moisture Balance Solved
5. Chocolate Conditioner Recipes!

Beautiful Heart-Shaped Hair for Valentine's Day || Easy Curly Twist Out Tutorial

This video includes three versions of this look on three different lengths and textures of hair.  Be sure to watch all the way until the end.  I might just try this look! :o)

Style description: Wet twists with flexi rods on the ends.  The end result is a heart-shaped twist-out with curly ends.  Can be done on short, medium, or long hair.  (See the shorter versions near the end of the video.)

Difficulty level: 2/5

The Basics to CHANGING a Hair Care Regimen || Part II

Last month, I discussed Part I of this short series.  Here is the second and final part:

Understand the pros and cons of what is it you want to incorporate into your regimen.  Do you want to incorporate heat usage?  Do want to use conditioners containing silicones?  Then make certain you research the pros and cons of such practices.  Without understanding all aspects of what it is you want to incorporate into your regimen, such adjustments can adversely surprise you ... and your hair.

Start with one adjustment.  Making multiple changes to your regimen at once can make it difficult to identify the culprit if setbacks happen.  This step especially applies to newbies in their hair care journey.

Try your new product more than once and in various ways.  Products that fail to work the first time or via one method make work the second or third time and via another method.  I have had this experience with such products as coconut oil, shea butter, and certain conditioners.  While coconut oil fails to moisturize or seal my hair after a fresh wash, it is actually moisturizing when I use it as a pre-poo or mixed with shea butter as a sealant.  While shea butter alone does nothing for my hair, it works very well when mixed with oils and even aloe vera gel.

Hair Diary || 5-Year Nappiversary!

I big chopped exactly five years ago today after a ten-month transition.  I will never regret going natural because my hair has never been healthier or longer.  Here are photos of my hair from these past couple of weeks.

Stay tuned for my wash-n-go conclusion in an upcoming post ...

Jan/Feb 2013: Wash-n-go with TONS of gel for hang (on left).  Flat ironed then braided (on right).

Jan 2013: Wash-n-go followed by gel galore.

Feb 1, 2013: Braided for a braid-out.  2013 is about having fun with my length!

February 2008.  The big chop.  (Shrunken wet fro.)

Mixology || Curling Pudding (or Twist-out Definer)

Do you want to make your own curling pudding or twist cream?  Or do you want a product that holds without the dryness or flakiness?  Here is a recipe worth trying:

Ingredients (large batch):
1 tbsp castor oil
1/4 cup shea butter
1 1/4 cup your favorite gel

Instructions:
Whip the shea butter with the castor oil using a hand mixer (ideal) or a fork. Then mix in the gel thoroughly.  Use to define curls or apply before twisting for a defined twist-out.

"Soul" Food Mondays || We Make Our Days

We make our days pleasant or miserable. If we insist on being miserable, irritable and nasty, more than likely the day will give us exactly what we give it. A day is too valuable to waste on misery and unhappiness. ~IYANLA VANZANT

Your perception becomes your reality.  A miserable outlook may translate into a miserable truth.  We make our days.