Relaxer Stretching

I am currently 8 weeks post relaxer. I plan to stretch my relaxer until November. Stretching a relaxer means that I am going to extend the time period between getting relaxer touch ups. I have been stretching my relaxers for over 4 years.

Initially, when I started stretching my relaxers it was difficult. Now that I have taken the time to learn my hair, I am finding that it has become easier to stretch my relaxers. My last relaxer stretch was at the beginning of the year. My last relaxer was applied on July 2, 2012.

When I stretch my relaxers I treat my hair as if it is natural. I use my fingers to comb, brush and detangle my hair. Clean, well manicured nails are much more effective than any comb you will find and it prevents you from ripping and tearing through your hair.

I also only finger comb my hair while under the shower spray. Did I mention that I co-wash my hair at least three times per week to maintain my new growth. Cowashing is simply using a conditioner instead of shampoo to wash your hair.

Remember, it's not the shampoo that cleans your scalp and hair. You can clean your scalp simply by massaging it with your fingertips. After you massage your scalp, wet it under the shower spray and then apply the conditioner. Then, proceed wiht your shower. After 3-5 minutes rinse your hair and

I used to go to the salon to have a relaxer applied. Now that I take care of my own hair, I put my own relaxers in. I have found that that my home techniques have helped me grow my hair to mid back length. I plan to document my next relaxer application with pictures for the blog. I really think that it will help people.

Relaxed or naturual, we want others to love their hair as much as we love ours.
 

The Sister's Garden

Last spring, my sister and I decided to grow a flower garden. This garden has blossomed into much more than just a bed of flowers, it sets the perfect scene of peace and tranquility.

We encourage you to find something that you enjoy doing. Anything that helps you de-stress and relax, then do it. You will be much happier and a happy person is a healthy person.

Uncontrolled, unmanaged stress can manifest in your life in many different ways. Stress can ruin your health, cause ulcers and digestive issues and hair breakage. I know this may sound difficult for some, but try to find ways of releasing your stress.

Deep breathing exercises as well as meditation can also help you alleviate stress. So can a garden. Try it. The best thing about growing a garden, after you plant the seeds nature will do the rest.

If you live in an area where you are unable to grow a garden, get some flower pots and go to work. Pay attention to the information tag on the plants to determine if you need plants that require partial or full sunlight. This will help you decide which plants will be best for your home or garden.

Sow the seeds and you will reap the benefits of your garden in record time.

Give it a try. If you have a garden already, submit a comment and tell us about it. Remember each one should teach one. This is how we grow.
 

Monique's Twist Out

My BC was January 3, 2012, and since then I have been using twist outs as my protective style.

I never realized how much I had fallen in love with my hair until a month ago.

This has been a journey filled with joy and sometimes tears but at the end of the day when I'm in my bathroom doing my hair I feel empowered, happy, and relaxed. 

It wasn't always like that when I was transitioning, it felt like I was on an island by myself with no GPS.

I was confused, I stayed on natural hair blogs, tried googl-ing everything about transitioning, and natural hair care, until I learned how to treat my new growth.

I transitioned for 5months, and then my sister big chopped me. I had less than two inches of hair, when I was bc'ed. Below are pictures of my twist out at 8 months and I love it.

Instead of the strange stares that I received at the beginning of the year, I am now receiving compliments and smiles from people. Everyone loves my new style. My father was my biggest critic, but now he brags to others about how beautiful my hair is.

This makes me smiles so much.
 

Braid Outs the Perfect Protective Style

 One of my favorite protective styles are braid outs. Braid outs are a great protective style because the ends of your hair do not rub on your shirt and they require no heat.

Braid outs are the best way to stretch a relaxer. These pictures show my hair at 8 weeks post relaxer.

Below are details on how to create your own braid out style.

After I co-wash with Aussie Moist and Silicon Mix, I apply my leave in mixture and braid my hair in two pocohontas braids. I then roll the ends of the braids using a perm roller.

When I awake in the morning, I place oil (jojoba oil) on my hands and unbraid my hair. Since my hair is mid-back length (MBL) my braids are still damp in the morning.

After I undo my braids, I seperate the braids and fluff.

This style generally lasts for 3-4 days, in between my co-washing sessions. Once the ends start to frizz, I pull my hair into an updo.

Welcome to Our Blog

Relax it's Natural is a blog created by two sisters to help you jump start your healthy hair journey. We are here to provide you with tips that we used on our journies and to encourage you along the way.

If you are reading this, then you are taking the first step towards your healthy hair journey. Your journey starts the day you decide to take the health of your hair into your own hands.

Giovanni has been on her hair journey since August 2008. It all started with the Shamboozie hair book. The minute I realized that black women could really grow their hair long, I was hooked. I started noticing the hair practices that were detrimental to my hair growth. I educated myself on how to care for my hair.

Giovanni passed on her knowledge to her sister. Instead of continuing the relaxed journey, Monique decided to go completely natural. With the help of Giovanni, Monique big chopped on January 3, 2012. Since that date, her hair has grown like wildfire.

For years we were taught that black women couldn't grow their hair long and we believed that myth. It is a myth.

Please understand that as long as you are alive and breathing, your hair is growing. The problem is with retention. If you don't take care of your hair, you will not retain it. Unhealthy hair practices leads to breaking, short, chopped up hair.

Monique is the natural sista and Giovanni is relaxed. Although, the texture of our hair is different we share the same goals, healthy hair.

Join us on our journey!