My mom and I both use affirm to relax our hair.
Andre's system confuses me sometimes. I would say that I am predominantly 4a. I do have some 3 parts in the back. My strands are medium/fine. I just have a lot of them.
To base my scalp I use the Cream of Nature Scalp protector. It comes in a yellow bottle with an applicator tip. It looks like vaseline but is easier to rinse out. I usually base my scalp in a checkerboard pattern. Front to back and ear to ear. I apply the protecto in sections up to the newgrowth, focusing on the ends first.
I don't add anything to the relaxer.
I use the Affirm 5 n 1 reconstructor as step 2. I have added Aphogee EFA oil to the 5 n 1 at this point. I tried the positive link the first time I relaxed with affirm, but I preferred the way the 5 n 1 felt in my hair. My mother uses the positive link and she likes that. So it might be a matter of personal preference. I usually shampoo with the neutralizer 2 or 3 times after rinsing out the 5 n 1, just to make sure it's all out. Each lather lasts at least 5 minutes.
After I neutralize, I reapply the 5 n 1 for at least 30 minutes, wrapped in saran wrap. I find that this allows for better penetration than a plastic cap. I follow this up with a moisturizing conditioner for another 30 minutes. I rinse that out, apply a leave-in like Razac, a serum like Loreal or Biosilk and I then roller set my hair. If I use a setting lotion, I like the Revlon wrap/setting cream.
I am very happy with the results. My hair had a tendency to turn red whenever I used a no-lye relaxer. Especially on the ends. I haven't had that problem since I switched over to lye relaxers. My hair also maintianed more of its texture. If I let it airdry, there is more definition.
I'm actually on week#7 and even though I have new growth, I haven't had a problem with tangling or breakage. I attribute that to Pantene S&S and the fact that the new growth and previously relaxed hair are not so drastically different as far as texture is concerned.
hth,
myco
