First Wash after Texlaxing

I relaxed on Thursday, and washed today. I washed using Creme of Nature's Neutralizing Shampoo. I definitely won't be repurchasing this shampoo, if I choose to continue self-relaxing. It's supposed to have a colour indicator (supposed to be white when hair is back to a neutral pH), but it seems to wash out white from the get-go.

I then deep conditioned for 25 minutes under the hooded dryer with ORS Replenishing Olive Oil Deep Conditioner, coconut oil, and olive oil applied to my scalp using an applicator bottle.

I rinsed in and detangled in the shower.

Once out, I applied Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship leave-in conditioner and a tad of CHI Silk Infusion. I rolled my hair using gray rollers, and am now sitting until the dryer for about an hour and ten minutes. My hair most likely won't be dry once that time is up, but I have to be out from under the dryer to watch Gossip Girl ;)

I will probably roll my hair with 2-3 flexi rods before bed.

It felt so great not to have to battle with my hair after washing it. This means my relaxer was much more successful than it was the last time. I still have a lot of texture, which I am happy about. I really don't think I will ever feel 100% confident self-relaxing my hair because I am scared of having a setback. I guess practice makes perfect, but there isn't really that much room for error when using caustic chemicals..

Wash Day

ORS Replenishing DC + Applicator Brush

I practiced relaxing today, using deep conditioner. I am going to attempt to self-relax next week, and I really can't afford a disaster, so I need all the practice I can get. I used an applicator brush that I bought at the BSS for $2. I think I might use my hands (wearing gloves) though. I think I'd prefer to feel what I'm doing. I will definitely continue deep conditioning this way though. It was a really thorough treatment!

My hair after DCing for 30 mins with heat

I rollerset on burgundy rollers, then flat ironed (flipping my wrist to curl it at the same time, for some body).

Transitioning to.. Texlaxed!

I've been on my healthy hair journey for a year now. My original goal was to reach MBL, which seemed so long to me. But I've now decided I'd like to reach WL, then eventually hip length if possible. I like to wear my hair in braidouts and flexi rod sets, for the most part, and I would like those to reach MBL, hence needing my hair to be around hip length stretched.

Lately, as my relaxer day approaches, I've been considering going natural. This week I've been especially torn, because I feel under pressure to make a decision, because it would soon be time to relax. I thought about my reasons for considering transitioning to natural:

1. Hating going to my stylist to have my hair relaxed due to poor salon management
2. Scalp health (I often get relaxer burns)
3. Liking "big hair"
4. Embracing what I was given naturally

After much thought, I've decided I am not ready to be natural. I'm scared that after all the work and mini-chops I'll have to do while transitioning, I'll end up not liking it, and kicking myself for having cut off my relaxed hair's progress.

What I have decided to do is self-texlax. That way, I can keep most of my hair's natural texture, and still have the flexibility of straightening it quite easily. I'll save money by not having to go to the salon. I'll be quite relieved not to have to visit my stylist anymore. She is very pro bone-straight relaxer, and I don't imagine her supporting my decision to texlax instead. Where I live, it's not as simple as just switching stylists. Good Black stylists are very few and far between around here. I've been going to my current stylist since I was 14, and can't imagine putting my hair into anyone else's hands. I've read way too many horror stories.

I've been doing tons of research on self-relaxing. Today I practiced "relaxing" with deep conditioner, to test how long it'd take me to apply it. I was done within 10 minutes, which is good. I still have tons of reading and watching videos to do, but I'm motivated.


I'll be doing this next Sunday, at 13 weeks post-relaxer.

Review: Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo

Maker's Description: Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner is an exclusive blend of organic coconut milk to nourish your hair, while ultra whipped egg white proteins add strength and elasticity, along with weightless coconut oils to add hydration and balance. The luxuriously creamy, foaming, hydrating formula leaves your hair feeling clean, glowing, softly scented and super soft.

Since the beginning of my HHJ, I've wanted to try this shampoo. There's a lot of talk about sulfates, and the drying effect they can have on your hair. I am not one to believe all the hype, but I admit that I have always been curious what difference cutting them out from my shampoo would have. I bought this at Walmart for $6.99. It's somewhat pricey, but I decided to fork out the cash, since I would end up wasting it away on fast food here and there anyway.

I relaxed my hair last Friday after a 20-week stretch. I personally hate how I look with freshly relaxed hair (flat), so I was excited to wash it. I washed on Sunday using this shampoo. It lathered nicely and smelled heavenly. My hair has felt really shiny and healthy this week. After the wash, I did a light protein DC with Motions CPR and roller set using Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-in, coconut oil and CHI Silk Infusion. I cross-wrapped my hair every night.

Usually by now my scalp would feet itchy, but so far I'm good. The only thing that was different this week was the shampoo that I used. Ironically, I usually use Head and Shoulders. Perhaps that shampoo was too drying, making my scalp more flaky and itchy?

All that being said, I will be using Organix consistently until the bottle is done, to see if these results will be consistent.

Me Against my New Growth

I'm currently 10 weeks post-relaxer. My hairdresser gets so upset when I stretch my relaxers more than 10 weeks, so she's expecting me. Well, too bad for her ;) I'm still able to manage my new growth at this point, by only combing my hair on wash day and if I cowash in between. I've been doing light protein treatments using Motions CPR as well as sometimes spraying some Aphogee Leave-In during the week. They have reduced breakage tremendously!

My last touch-up was after a 14-week stretch. My hairdresser was definitely giving me some cut-eye in the mirror. She does a great job and will continue going to her, but I will not give in to her peer pressure to relax more often. I have to continue doing what's best for my hair and scalp.