I kinda see what the OP (original poster? still trying to learn the language) is saying. I have VERY coarse, past shoulder-length, relaxed 4B hair and before finding LHCF, I was relaxing my hair every 5 weeks because it was just really out of control at that point. My stylist also didn't seem to mind that I was relaxing every 5 weeks. I completed my first stretch (8 weeks) about a month ago and although I know that this is better for my hair (I have noticed thinning edges over time...probably from too frequent relaxing), after about week 4 post-relaxer, my hair starts taking on a whole other form and shedding like crazy.
My problem with stretching is that my hair gets VERY dry after week 4 and I haven't really found the perfect moisturizer. Detangling my hair becomes a NIGHTMARE and if I try to rollerset after week 4, I tend to loose a lot of hair because my hair is so thick and hard to comb through. I tried to braid it wet and let it air dry but I ended up with a tangled mess and lost a lot of hair the next time I washed and detangled. I having been trying to wash my hair more often (every 4-5 days vs. 7) but am I defeating the purpose of keeping my hair on my head if I lose so much while trying to detangle wet hair?
I started using Aveda DR about a week ago which is helping with the shedding and dryness. Before this I was using KeraCare dry and itchy as well as experimenting with other products discussed on the boards.
I really would like to stretch but I need HELP. For those ladies with extremely coarse, thick, 4B (rather 4Z
) hair like mine, what products and techniques have you used to manage your stretches with minimal hair loss and damage?