How I Will Stretch For 6-7 months.

I decided that I want to stretch my relaxer to either 6 or 7 months. I want BSL so badly. Even at the end of the stretch if I dont reach BSL, I at least want to be one inch away from it. So I am on a stretching journey till either January or February. So right now I am planning ahead of what I will do to my hair down the road to ensure it's health and well being.

Last relaxer and trim: July 23, 2010

Month 1 (August): Protective bun

Month 2-3 (Sept-Oct): Sew-in

Month 4 (Nov): Sew-in take down. Straighten hair and trim.

Month 5 (Dec): Either another sew-in or just braid outs/flexi-rod sets/buns

Month 6 or 7 (Jan or Feb): Relax and trim (if needed)

My 1st Virgin Indian Sew-In!

I am currently 6 weeks post relaxer. On Sunday September 5th, I got a sew-in done by my stylist [my lovely cousin!]. It came out so beautifully! Everybody thought that it was my real hair because the hair left out on top blends so well with the weave. I was inspired by Kim Kardashian's signature loose curl hairstyle, so that's what my cousin gave me. When it was done, it looked just like Kim's hair but more natural so it wouldn't seem like i was actually wearing a weave. I didn't have time to take pics of my hair right after the process because I had to hurry and go to work. But I did take pics once I got home from work. By that time, the curls dropped slightly, but it was still beautiful. The hair that I used was 100% Indian hair. Originally, it would have cost me $359 for only 2 packs. But I paid $170 for 2 packs because my cousin is a hairstylist and was able to get a discount for me. This hair is great because it can be colored, washed, blow dried, flat ironed, and everything...just like your real hair! It can even be used over and over for up to a year. I think investing in this weave is money well spent.

I am planning on leaving this install in for 2 months. I plan on removing it on November 5th or maybe a week later. I don't plan on relaxing anytime soon. Right now, my mind is set on relaxing in January or February 2011. After the weave comes out, I plan on getting my hair washed, blown out, trimmed, and flat ironed. Then I'll wait a few weeks to get another weave. This weave will surely help me stretch for 6-7 months, which is what I am in the process of doing right now. It seems like that's the only way I can get to BSL since it's taking sooo long!

I was inspired by this photo of Kim.

This pic is after I came home from work. The curls dropped, but I will update you all on my hair after I curl it for school soon. Hours before this pic, It looked just like Kim's.

See how my real hair blends so well? You cant even tell the difference!




If you're interested in the hair, you can order your own from www.indiquehair.com!

How I Stretch My Relaxer

Stretching comes very naturally to me. You have to have patience in order to stretch successfully, which will then yield in good results :)

Definition: Stretching is defined as "waiting" longer than the traditional 8-10 weeks until you get your next touch up. If you go any longer than 8-10 weeks, that means that you're stretching. Normal stretchers can stretch up to about 12-14 weeks. Advanced stretchers can stretch up to a period of 6 months to a year!

Why Do People Stretch?: The importance of stretching is to avoid over processing [which could lead to weakened damaged hair], gain a greater amount of length, and also strengthening and thickening up the hair.

Different Textures: When you stretch for a period of time, there will be an obvious difference in textures. This difference is where the natural hair [new growth] meets the relaxed hair. In the hair world, we call this the demarcation line. The demarcation line is very fragile and the relaxed ends can easily be snapped off from the natural hair if the two textures are not properly moisturized on a regular basis.

Hairstyles: Some people stretch by doing protective styles 24/7 or simply by getting braids. I honestly can not stretch for 6 months with out braids..I would go crazy and probably relax sooner. I normally get 2-3 inches of growth when i stretch for 6 months. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but i don't take growth aids to increase my growth rate. Hair grows at about .5 inches per month, so this is normal for me to get 2- 3 inches of growth with out any growth aids. I am now just considering taking growth aids.

How i stretch:
1. I get a relaxer
2. When I am almost 3 months post [12 weeks], i get box braids and leave them in for 2 whole months
3. I take out my braids after 2 months and this leaves me at 5 months post [20 weeks]
4. I deep condition and strengthen my hair for the whole month prior to the relaxer process
5. I am now 6 months post [24 weeks] and ready for a relaxer ;)

Since I'm APL [arm pit length] now, i decided not to get box braids anymore because i feel my hair has graduated from braids. My hair is now very close to the length of the human hair i use for box braids, and i don't want to go any longer because it becomes difficult to sleep in. So, i cut my stretching time to 3 months instead of 6.