Successful Stretching - 10 Tips

We've already discussed the effects of stretching, and decided that the benefits won ;-). So... now you have decided to embark on a stretch. Good for you! But you want to know how to keep the drawbacks at bay. You're in luck. This post is geared towards just that. 

10 weeks post, wet hair

Below are some tips for having an incident and accident-free stretch. 

1. Incorporate protein treatments to add strength to the line of demarcation in order to prevent breakage. 
2. Keep new growth(along with the length of your hair) well moisturized to give it elasticity during periods of manipulation, including detangling and styling. 
3. Use low manipulation and/ or protective styles to look cute without handling your new growth too much. 
4.  Keep heat styling to a minimum, as it dries out the hair leading to breakage. 
5. Invest in a good detangler for those tough detangling sessions. Alternatively, use oils and conditioners which provide slip. 
6. Detangle in the shower. The shower stream aids in this process, detangling without causing breakage. 
7. Finger detangle where possible, otherwise, use only a wide tooth comb. 
8. Try tea rinses if you experience excessive shedding. 
9. Be patient and gentle with your hair 
10. Be aware of changes in your hair's behaviour and know when to call it quits. 

There you have it, my 10 tips for successful stretching, and what's great is that most strategies would have been employed in your typical hair journey anyway, so it's not too much of a...stretch (pardon thy pun). 

Now go forth and stretch thy relaxer! :-) 

XOXO, 

Abbi