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!

When did you start your relaxed hair journey? What is your hair regimen? Share a few of your "go-to" hair products. 

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1. Deep Conditioned: Applied Keracare Humecto (mixed with Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Avocado Oil) to dry hair for 30 minutes under heat.
2. Cowashed: Cowashed with Aussie Miraculously Smooth under running water focusing on roots/scalp.
3. Air dried: No product used while air drying. Detangling was a breeze!
4. Moisturized: Applied As I Am Twisting Defining Cream section by section from root to tip!
5. Styling Product: Applied a tiny layer of Creme of Nature Argan Oil Foaming Mousse in sections for extra hold.
6. Perm Rods: Finger parted my hair and began to wrap each section around the Perm rods (I refused to make defined parts due to lack of time so I basically placed the perm rods all over). 
7. Take Down: Carefully separated each curl with a bit of Argan oil to prevent frizz. 

Until next wash day...

Question:

"I'm new to this journey and have been in search of a great regimen to follow for relaxed hair. I have BSB length hair but it is beginning to thin. I want to retain length and thicken as well. Can I get some guidance or be pointed in the right direction to obtain healthier hair?"

Advice: 
Congratulations on starting your hair journey! First things first, I would definitely recommend you start off with a basic regimen that's simple to follow. Things may seem a little overwhelming in the beginning, but an easy guideline will help ease the stress. When I first began my hair journey I followed these simple steps and obtained great results:

• Shampoo (sulfate-free) and deep condition every 3-4 days
• Always deep condition with heat
• Moisturize and seal daily (*Key in length retention)
• Use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner and air dry after each wash day
• Bun my ends 99% of the time (*Key in length retention)
• Cover your hair with a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillow case
• No direct heat (flat iron, blow drying, curling iron etc.)