Hair at scalp thinning each relaxer

[MDinLA]

I have noticed that each relaxer I do, my hair is thinning at the scalp. I am wondering what I am doing wrong. I think I do many things right: grease the scalp and the relaxed hair, stretch about 8 weeks, castor oil, Ovations on scalp. My hair is longer at each relaxer, but at the scalp it is thinned out. I use Motions regular relaxer. Could I be leaving it too long or should I use mild instead. Most of my hair is relaxed after each touchup, but then there are a few spots that are underprocessed. PS. I do my relaxers at home.

 

[sweetpuff]

I'll bump that thread for you.
according to me you are doing the good thing...
did you try to stretch longer? I gradually went from 8, 9, 10, 12 to 16 weeks. so far, so good.
do you use a lot of heat in between relaxers?

 

[MDinLA]

Don't use much heat. I stretched last time 12 weeks, this time 8 weeks. Im getting married in a few weeks, so the 12 weeks stretch wouldn't have worked out. My scalp did burn, but it has always burned. Maybe I left it on for too long, but I honestly didn't see a large amount of shedding or hair falling out, so I really don't get it.

 

[glam-]

I don't really have any advice for you, but it's a good thing you are paying attention to your scalp and any changes.

Have you considered that maybe the relaxers just don't agree with you? I have a cousin who just can't relax her hair for anything (her mom is the same way). It was thinning and would even fall out each time she tried to relax. Now she is natural and her hair is doing much better. (Her hair reminds me of TSUPrincess' - it is so pretty) My cousin can even use heat, the chemicals were just a no-no for her.

 

[MDinLA]

Yeah that is always a possibility, but I have been relaxing for 17 years, so I'm not sure that the relaxer process would be the only factor. My mom has been trying to convince me to stop using relaxers, but I'm not sure I want to do that. I hope there is another solution.

 

[glam-]

Yeah that is always a possibility, but I have been relaxing for 17 years, so I'm not sure that the relaxer process would be the only factor. My mom has been trying to convince me to stop using relaxers, but I'm not sure I want to do that. I hope there is another solution.

I understand.

 

[JustKiya]

Are you combing through your relaxer, or just smoothing it? One of the ladies here just mentioned in another thread that you shouldn't comb through the relaxer, as it 'pulls' on your hair, and can slowly and gradually stretch the strand so that it gets thinner. Instead, she suggested (I think it was Aggie) that you just use the back of the comb to 'smooth' the hair.

Have you tried different relaxers? Lye vs. No Lye?

It's not healthy for the relaxer to always burn like that, is it?

I hope you can figure something out......

 

[didirose]

I'm sorry this is happening to you!

How long are your leaving the relaxer in your hair?

One of the reasons why I texlax and stretch is to prevent overlapping. If you straighten your hair using heat appliances, wet wrap, or rollersetting then you can achieve a bone straight look without relaxing the hair straight. It sounds like your hair may be over processed, since you say you haven't experienced a large amount of shedding (I was thinking for a moment it was due to "wedding" stress).

 

[PinkPebbles]

^^^^^It's not healthy for your relaxer to burn on your scalp. Over time this can cause hair loss.

Are you doing a protein treatment at least once a month? This will help strengthen your hair.

 

[MDinLA]

Are you combing through your relaxer, or just smoothing it? One of the ladies here just mentioned in another thread that you shouldn't comb through the relaxer, as it 'pulls' on your hair, and can slowly and gradually stretch the strand so that it gets thinner. Instead, she suggested (I think it was Aggie) that you just use the back of the comb to 'smooth' the hair.

Have you tried different relaxers? Lye vs. No Lye?

It's not healthy for the relaxer to always burn like that, is it?

I hope you can figure something out......

Thanks. I smooth with my hands, not a comb. I don't think it is healthy for the relaxer to burn, but it is norm for me. Usually my scalp burns once the relaxer is left on too long. But I think that this has been the case for years, but only recently have I started noticing the thinning. Even when I was getting it professionally done, it would burn if left on too long.

 

[MDinLA]

I'm sorry this is happening to you!

How long are your leaving the relaxer in your hair?

One of the reasons why I texlax and stretch is to prevent overlapping. If you straighten your hair using heat appliances, wet wrap, or rollersetting then you can achieve a bone straight look without relaxing the hair straight. It sounds like your hair may be over processed, since you say you haven't experienced a large amount of shedding (I was thinking for a moment it was due to "wedding" stress).

Well if that is the case that I may be overprocessed, then that makes me feel a "little" bit better ie it seems to be fixable. But how in the world can you guys texlax, cause it seems to me that by the time the relaxer is placed throughout the entire head it's at least 15 minutes already, and I would think that by then the hair is completely relaxed. I've thought about texlaxing, but I don't see how it's possible. Maybe I just need to apply it faster? So I can wash it out faster...

 

[MDinLA]

^^^^^It's not healthy for your relaxer to burn on your scalp. Over time this can cause hair loss.

Are you doing a protein treatment at least once a month? This will help strengthen your hair.

I do a protein treatment ever so often. I don't really get much breakage anymore. Would the protein treatment help with the thickness of the hair at the scalp?

 

[Lucky's Mom]

Maybe relaxers are just not for you.......................

I read this article at the beginning of the year....
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/colu...sses_in_distress_from_care_and_chemicals.html


Good luck to you.

 

[SignatureBeauty]

Never Mind!!

 

[eyunka]

As far as texlaxing you can add conditioner or a your favorite oil to the relaxer....

Question I know you said you don't use much heat but do you use a hand head blow dryer and are you using it more than before

I stopped going to my stylist and when i started back she was asking what i was doing because my hair seem to be getting thinner. i told her but she still couldn't figure it out because i seemed to be doing all things right until one visit i said something about blow drying my hair without letting it dry about 20-30% 1st.

 

[bermudabeauty]

Maybe relaxers are just not for you.......................

I read this article at the beginning of the year....
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/colu...sses_in_distress_from_care_and_chemicals.html


Good luck to you.

OMG! Seriously every relaxed head should read that article. I am scared Did you see that lady's hair??!! I have never in my life seen something like that! I am going to get off this thread and massage my scalp immediately! That was almost enough to make me go natural! I think I might start stretching my relaxers after reading that article. THAT WAS HORRIBLE! Poor lady

 

[PinkPebbles]

I do a protein treatment ever so often. I don't really get much breakage anymore. Would the protein treatment help with the thickness of the hair at the scalp?[/quote]

No, the protein would only help strenghten the length of your hair. You can try stretching your relaxers which helped thicken up my hair.

I'm still concerned about the relaxer burns you are getting. Try a milder relaxer or a no-lye relaxer. Although I don't like no-lye relaxers for my hair but it would probably be better for you since you have a sensitve scalp.

 

[didirose]

Well if that is the case that I may be overprocessed, then that makes me feel a "little" bit better ie it seems to be fixable. But how in the world can you guys texlax, cause it seems to me that by the time the relaxer is placed throughout the entire head it's at least 15 minutes already, and I would think that by then the hair is completely relaxed. I've thought about texlaxing, but I don't see how it's possible. Maybe I just need to apply it faster? So I can wash it out faster...

I add 1/3 cup oil to my relaxers. I think this might help you if you are slower at applying the relaxer to your hair. Also make sure all the previously relaxed hair is protected, I do this by adding a conditioner and sealing it with oil prior to the application. It really sounds like you've been taking too much time with your applications. The entire process usually takes me 15 - 20 minutes. The oil works to weaken the relaxer, so if you choose to relax straighter then you will take a little bit more time.

 

[didirose]

I should also add the relaxer should not result in scalp burns. That tells me you may be taking to long with the smoothing process of the application. I agree with suggestions that you should stretch, I tend to stretch 12-16 weeks to lessen chance of overlapping. The new growth will also give you the appearence of thicker hair. If you think your scalp burn is not due to overprocessing and more toward sensitivity, spray some oil sheen in the area at the first sign of heat, it should prevent further suffering.

I do stress the stretching. I think it will save further damage to your hair!

 

[Ms Lala]

OP when I was relaxed my hair burned VERY easily. Relaxing my hair in sections helped. Sometimes I did it in 2 sections and sometimes 3. I can't really give good instructions because it's been a long time. I hope you find a solution because the constant burning could be causing damage.

 

[Irresistible]

I don't really have any advice for you, but it's a good thing you are paying attention to your scalp and any changes.

Have you considered that maybe the relaxers just don't agree with you? I have a cousin who just can't relax her hair for anything (her mom is the same way). It was thinning and would even fall out each time she tried to relax. Now she is natural and her hair is doing much better. (Her hair reminds me of TSUPrincess' - it is so pretty) My cousin can even use heat, the chemicals were just a no-no for her.

yeah my first thoughts is to possibly give up that relaxer, and then rule out what Ovation could be doing or if its playing a role in it

 

[Irresistible]

I do a protein treatment ever so often. I don't really get much breakage anymore. Would the protein treatment help with the thickness of the hair at the scalp?

no I dont think you should use any protein while using Ovation, thats my understanding, a few have ended up with protein overload that way

 

[Irresistible]

OMG! Seriously every relaxed head should read that article. I am scared Did you see that lady's hair??!! I have never in my life seen something like that! I am going to get off this thread and massage my scalp immediately! That was almost enough to make me go natural! I think I might start stretching my relaxers after reading that article. THAT WAS HORRIBLE! Poor lady

I'm really glad that was posted, someone sent that to me, wanted to post it, but felt like it would be hellfire and brimstone up in here if I did lol

 

[Forever in Bloom]

I'm really glad that was posted, someone sent that to me, wanted to post it, but felt like it would be hellfire and brimstone up in here if I did lol

Then don't get me started! I was speaking with a customer the other day who said her friend does autopsies. She said whenever they are working on African American females who have had relaxed hair, they have all this green puss and foam that emerges from their scalps. Gross!!

 

[Lucky's Mom]

OMG! Seriously every relaxed head should read that article. I am scared Did you see that lady's hair??!! I have never in my life seen something like that! I am going to get off this thread and massage my scalp immediately! That was almost enough to make me go natural! I think I might start stretching my relaxers after reading that article. THAT WAS HORRIBLE! Poor lady

I know.... It is very Sad. I am grateful I stopped relaxing. I was having issues on my hair and Scalp - And my hair thickened a GREAT deal in the absence of relaxers- and I have another dear friend that is now bald as well..For me.... Relaxers were the worst...They were Toxic....... But sometimes we don't know till it is too late.

 

[Lucky's Mom]

Then don't get me started! I was speaking with a customer the other day who said her friend does autopsies. She said whenever they are working on African American females who have had relaxed hair, they have all this green puss and foam that emerges from their scalps. Gross!!

OMG............... Lawd lawd.

Wow. What is being done to us? WOW!

I am not against anyone who relaxes.... I am saying that for the record, because I have been e-bashed before.... I just thought it would be good information - because sometimes we think we are doing everything right ( Relaxed and Natural ladies) and we are way off.

 

[MDinLA]

As far as texlaxing you can add conditioner or a your favorite oil to the relaxer....

Question I know you said you don't use much heat but do you use a hand head blow dryer and are you using it more than before

I stopped going to my stylist and when i started back she was asking what i was doing because my hair seem to be getting thinner. i told her but she still couldn't figure it out because i seemed to be doing all things right until one visit i said something about blow drying my hair without letting it dry about 20-30% 1st.

No, I don't blow dry very often. Usually I cowash and airdry. I bun 95% of the time.

 

[MDinLA]

I do a protein treatment ever so often. I don't really get much breakage anymore. Would the protein treatment help with the thickness of the hair at the scalp?[/quote]

No, the protein would only help strenghten the length of your hair. You can try stretching your relaxers which helped thicken up my hair.

I'm still concerned about the relaxer burns you are getting. Try a milder relaxer or a no-lye relaxer. Although I don't like no-lye relaxers for my hair but it would probably be better for you since you have a sensitve scalp.

Hmmm, maybe I can try that- no lye or mild. Why is lye so bad? Is it less toxic? Less likely to burn?

 

[MDinLA]

I add 1/3 cup oil to my relaxers. I think this might help you if you are slower at applying the relaxer to your hair. Also make sure all the previously relaxed hair is protected, I do this by adding a conditioner and sealing it with oil prior to the application. It really sounds like you've been taking too much time with your applications. The entire process usually takes me 15 - 20 minutes. The oil works to weaken the relaxer, so if you choose to relax straighter then you will take a little bit more time.

Oh OK. That is a GREAT idea. I guess since I am new at the self relaxing thing that I have been taking longer than it should. Seems like the addition of oil, since it would slow down the relaxer process, it would probably take longer to burn. I have been a member and I had read about adding oils to relaxers, but I always thought it was to add a "conditioning" effect, but if it will help with this, then I will definitely try it. Thanks!

 

[MDinLA]

OP when I was relaxed my hair burned VERY easily. Relaxing my hair in sections helped. Sometimes I did it in 2 sections and sometimes 3. I can't really give good instructions because it's been a long time. I hope you find a solution because the constant burning could be causing damage.

Thank you for the support!