When we decide to skip wash day at 12 weeks post relaxer.
The past two weeks have been extra busy with the book tasks and my first riding show. So I decided to skip wash day last week in part because I was simply exhausted. My relaxer appointment is on Saturday, so I must wash my hair today.
I’ve been wearing my hair in a low bun (for riding) and haven’t detangled my hair in far too long. The combination of loose shed hair and my thick roots are a formula for disaster. Fortunately, I’ve been able to avoid a setback by doing the following:
- Dry hair is angry hair. To avoid angry hair, I’ve been keeping my roots and strands heavily moisturized and sealed with a castor/olive oil mix.
- Soften new growth before detangling. Every few days, I sprayed my roots with aloe vera juice, allowed it to sit for a few minutes, then gently finger combed. Last night, I followed up the juice with my castor/olive oil mix.
- Think vertical not horizontal. Most of us probably part and detangle our hair using horizontal parts. That works fine if you have minimal amount of new-growth. However, making vertical parts are best. The strands glide past each other more easily when you make horizontal parts. This in turn minimizes manipulation.
- Finger comb before you use a real comb.Your fingers can feel tangles that the comb will just break through.
I’ve been detangling in sections and it took me one hour to detangle the two bottom braids in the back. It’s going to be a long night. How is your relaxer stretch coming along?