Back with a quick Relaxer Update while dealing with my Over-processed #relaxedhair!! 

Hey Hun! It’s my first wash day after relaxer. Let’s rebuild those broken disulfide bonds and repair our hair using Olaplex 0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7! Check out the final results of my post relaxer routine. 

Oh, and don't forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE :) 

IT'S OFFICIALLY HERE!!
My relaxer day routine, in detail, is LIVE on my Youtube Channel. 
You have no idea how excited I am. This video has been highly requested over the years. I know I've explained my relaxer routine and products, but there's nothing like actually SHOWING you guys  e x a c t l y  what I do. I've been self-relaxing for the past 10 years. I swear by all of the methods, products and techniques I share in this video.
You will see my entire relaxer touch-up process from start to finish - minus my trim. I don't self-trim, I go to my stylist for that. 
In my video, I demonstrate how to achieve and maintain healthy relaxed hair while relaxing at home. I also share tips for taking care of your relaxed hair to prevent over-processing, overlap, relaxer run-off etc. so that it can grow long, thick, and healthy!

Blog Post Mentioned: 
 Lye vs. No Lye - http://bit.ly/lyenolye 
♥Products Mentioned: 

 Roux Porosity Control - https://amzn.to/351j1K7 DAX Pomade Vegetable Oil Hair Grease - https://amzn.to/3lToxoC ORS Olive Oil Relaxer - Normal Strength Lye - https://amzn.to/3dtximo ORS Olive Oil Neutralizing Shampoo - https://amzn.to/33Zn8He Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 - https://amzn.to/3lQlDRD Creme of Nature Plex Breakage Defense Bond Mender - https://amzn.to/3dtt7XX As I Am Long & Luxe Strengthening Shampoo - https://amzn.to/319kvka Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm - https://amzn.to/31dBFxf Tressemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant - https://amzn.to/37gr34B Organix Argan Oil Serum - https://amzn.to/350o6SR 

♥Tools Used: 

Sprush Tool Applicator - https://amzn.to/34ZFBCI 

Magic Star Jumbo Rake Wide Tooth Comb - https://amzn.to/2SUJCCZ 

Hair Steamer (alternative) - https://amzn.to/341TIIn 

Sedu Flat Iron - https://amzn.to/3lV3Jxj 

 Check it out below!!

Don't forget to Like, Comment and Subscribe!!

...and of course, a couple updated hair pictures too! Thanks for watching xoxo!!

On Instagram, one of my followers asked me what the difference was between Lye and No Lye relaxers? Not only is this a great topic, but it's a common question that most relaxed ladies have! So I thought a blog post would be the best way to discuss the difference and open up a conversation about it :)

Lye relaxers - easier on the hair, harsher on the scalp

In lye relaxers, the active ingredient in breaking down the hair bonds is called sodium hydroxide (lye). Lye relaxers typically come premixed in a tub and ready to use. Professionals in salons typically use this type of relaxer. Lye relaxers tend to carry a higher pH and must be applied carefully to avoid irritation/burning to the scalp. Lye relaxers give off a low degree of hair bond breakage that preserves the natural strength and elasticity of the hair*.

No Lye Relaxers - easier on the scalp and harsher on the hair

In no lye relaxers, the active ingredient is guanidine hydroxide (no lye)*. No lye relaxers are packaged in box kits that need to be mixed in order to activate the formula.  No lye relaxers are typically classified as being extremely drying to the hair. After mixing the ingredients together, the chemical reaction within the relaxer creates calcium deposits which then develop on the hair shaft and decrease the hairs ability to absorb moisture. Using a chelating shampoo to remove the mineral deposits can easily resolve this issue.

Let's simplify this a bit further...

Lye Relaxers

Pros
- does not leave drying mineral deposits on the hair (hair feels softer and silkier)
- premixed and ready to use
- low degree of bond breakage = more strength and elasticity left in the hair
- good for several applications

Cons
- higher pH
- harsher on the scalp (can cause burning and scalp irritation) if used incorrectly

No Lye Relaxers

Pros
- lower pH
- less irritating on the scalp

Cons
- leaves drying mineral deposits on the hair
- good for only one application
- takes longer to process the hair (could lead to over-processed hair if left on for too long because of slow processing time)


I've always been an avid Lye relaxer user, predating my hair journey, as I used to get my hair done at the salon and they only used lye relaxers. Box relaxer wasn't even an option! Nor did I know the difference at the time. For the past 9 years I've been using the ORS Olive Oil Professional Lye Relaxer in Normal Strength and I love the results I get after using it - this is nothing new LOL! Don't think I'll switch anytime soon :)

What type of relaxer do you use? Lye or No Lye? Have you tried both? Which do you prefer?


*Source: The Science of Black Hair

Happening right now!! Ran out of Vaseline, using the next best thing - Dax! Oldie but a goodie. All details will be on my blog (link in bio) #hairlista #relaxedhair

A photo posted by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on Jun 14, 2015 at 3:20pm PDT

If you follow me on Instagram (@hairlicious) you know that I relaxed my close-to-three-months worth of new growth over the weekend. I'm very impressed with the results and the overall process. I've been self-relaxing, with the help of my sister, since 2010. Not only does self-relaxing offer you the flexibility to relax whenever you want, it also provides you with control, freedom and the opportunity to pamper your hair.

Here are the steps I took this relaxer day:

Step 1: Applied Roux Porosity Control all over my hair and ends. This conditioner provides awesome slip for detangling. I apply this to my ends since it has a low pH to prevent the relaxer from processing my ends while I'm rinsing it out.

Step 2: Coated my previously relaxed hair with DAX! I no longer use Castor Oil/JBCO to coat my ends before relaxer. I preserve my liquid gold for my scalp and DC's - only! I've been using Vaseline since it's extremely thick and relaxer will NOT penetrate through it while I'm rinsing my relaxer out. Since I ran out, I decided to use some DAX that was laying around the house. Worked like a charm!

Step 3: Began to section off my hair in 4 quadrants. I proceeded to part my hair in 1" sections and two-strand twist each section. I did this for the entire head.  I put my hair in mini twists to speed up the relaxing process without having to part my hair as I go.

Step 4: I set the timer on the clock to 25 mins.  I usually complete my entire head (with smoothing) with 3-4 mins to spare.

Step 5: I neutralized with Motions Neutralizing Shampoo. I always neutralize 3 times (one session for 5 mins, another for 5 mins and then a final session for 10mins). I leave the neutralizing shampoo on my hair as if it were conditioner. This process ensures the relaxer has stopped working and is no longer in my hair.

Step 6: I followed up with my Creme of Nature Argan Oil sulfate-free shampoo and then t-shirt dried for 15-20 mins.

Step 7: Let the pampering begin!! I deep conditioned with Aussie Smooth + Keracare Humecto w/ 3PO (Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil) under my steamer for 20 mins and then hopped into bed to continue deep conditioning overnight. When I rinsed out my DC in the morning, I was presented with smooth, fluffy, full of texture, soft freshly relaxed hair!

My new growth is in full effect and I'm going on 10 weeks post relaxer. I plan on relaxing next week at 11 weeks post.  Above, are my staple products that I always use during my relaxer process. Today, I made a trip to the Beauty Supply store to restocked my stash!