24 Oct 12 Relaxer Time!!!!!

Usually I stretch my relaxers for at least three months but I just couldn't wait lol I relaxed at about 8 weeks. 

Products & Application:
- ORS Normal Relaxer
- Elasta QP Neutralizing Shampoo (about 4-5 washes)
- Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo
- Aphogee 2-Min Reconstructor (light protein treatment) 
- DC'd (GVP Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm, vegetable glycerin & macadamia oil) w/ steam for 20 mins
- Rinsed
- Neutrogena Leave-In
- Bee Mine Deja's Milk (moisturizer)
- Sealed w/ coconut oil
- Applied JB Red Palmetto oil to scalp in sections

I used my new Splush relaxer applicator I bought from Amazon and I absolutely LOVE it!  It's a lot easier to apply relaxer to sections and to smooth trouble areas.  I highly recommend! 

Important things to note...because I was very afraid of over processing my already processed hair I applied a considerable amount of coconut oil to the strands that I did not intend to relax.  This minimizes any damage from possible overlapping while applying relaxer and minimizes damage caused from runoff while rinsing relaxer from the hair.  I did this by sectioning my hair into approximately 8-10 sections and applying coconut oil from the end of my new growth sections to the ends of my hair (making sure to concentrate on my ends).  I also started applying the relaxer from the back to the front.  I usually start w/ the first 2 sections but after doing some research I realized that was actually bad for my hair. 

After applying the DC and rinsing I noticed that my hair was straighter than I actually wanted.  In the back of my head within the back two sections I had areas that were almost 75% natural and were causing me problems when detangling so I wanted to relax those areas which would normally not be processed, causing me to relax outside of my normal four sections.  Although it made my hair easier to manage while detangling it also caused my hair to look thinner than usual...

Things to consider for next relaxer...I think I am going to do my best to wait the full 3 months before I relax.  Additionally, I am considering getting my relaxer professionally done....the only issue I see with that is a stylist would not take all the necessary precautions I take to ensure I don't create more, avoidable damage to my hair.  Currently doing research on things I can do to thicken my hair, I am retaining length but my number #2 goal has always been THICKNESS.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

A year into my journey and I'm still learning :)