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Just aslong as you don't need a Bantu!!:p :p :p Thats for the hardcore locks! :p

BANTU: Aint that the truth! When I discovered this perm, this was on special request for me!!

My mother used to use Bantu. She's the only person I knew, who's hair did not fall out from that stuff.

I usually use Optimum if I decide to shop at a public beauty supply store. If I decide to spend a little extra money, and buy from a licensed-only establishment, I use Mizani.

I use TCB Naturals and the one in the green box, Olive Something or other. (Haven't had my caffeine yet, sorry), at home. Professionally, the stylist uses Mizani or Affirm, both a little too strong for my scalp.

I don't know what my beautician uses, she usually puts the box where I can't see it. I think it's Affirm, but I've been going to this lady since I was in High School so I trust her. I usually get a relaxer every 6mo to a year. In my mind, if I go back any sooner my hair will be overprocessed (I've had that happen before and most of my hair fell out). But, by waiting so long I can hardly get the comb through my hair, so I'm gonna start going for a touch up at 3 months and see how that works.

I've never tried to relax my own hair, I'm afraid of what might happen, but I might try the next time I need a relaxer.

Thank you for starting this thread!

I recently used the Olive Oil (green box) and it was fine but it was the first time I had tried putting my own perm in...I won't do it again. I didn't leave it in long enough anyway and it was just too stressful.
At the salon I get Affirm which I like.

Does anyone have suggestions on deep conditioners? I just bought a protein treatment from Paul Mitchell, but I"m hearing from classmates that I shouldn't use it every week.

I don't have any conditioners to recommend, but I also heard that you shouldn't use ANY one conditioner every week. Supposedly your hair will get 'used to it' and it'll begin to lose its effects....So you should 'switch off' between a few ever so often...

Can any resident hair expert confirm or deny??

*And I definitely could've used this thread when I got the bright idea to relax my own hair 2.1 weeks after getting a PERMANENT hair color put in...:eek:

Yeah, I'm still in hair recovery:o :(

It all depends on your hair texture. Protein conditioners are not good for hair textures which African Americans tend to have, because it tends to dry the hair. Instead, moisturizing conditions are best for that type of hair. In the case of hair textures of caucasians, protein conditioners are needed, and they probably could use it weekly. I'm not saying African Americans can't use protein conditions, just not weekly (may once a month, or even bi-weekly).

For my hair, I love Aphoghee and Pantene's deep conditioner.

You're right, Aphogee is great, but you can't use it every week. I do the protein treatments every couple of months. Every two weeks I do a deep condition, and I alternate between Suave Humectant, Pantene and Elasta QP.

Aphogee does have conditioners you can use every week. I actually use their instant conditioner every week (with the exception of the weeks I use a deep conditioner), along with their moisturizing treatment. I put both of them on together, and leave in for a few minutes. However, they do have a deep conditioner which definitely should not be used every week. Truthfully, no deep conditioner should be used weekly.

I've heard this many times, but I've never found any truth in it. Products are made to improve the hair over time, so of course, if you're using a good product consistently, your hair should improve. It's usually not that the product is no longer working, it's that your hair has improved over time, and the texture is different (hopefully healthier). Now, everyone's hair is different, so that's not a rule set in stone. It's best to find what routine/products are best for your hair, and not try to follow what someone is doing.

The advice I would give is, if you do find products that you like, stick with that one product, and don't mix different products together (i.e. Pantene shampoo with Motions conditioner). Product lines are designed to work together, and sometimes, when you mix different products, it can actually cause damage to the hair. Once again, this is not always the case. Some people mix products and have no problems at all.

I thought it was Olive Oil, but wasn't sure.
I just started doing my own perms for financial reasons. It took me two touch ups to get it right. I start at the top and do the hair line last. I also got one of those brushes to help with application.

Yes, that is the same reason that I put in my own perm. But from now until I have a real job, I think I'll just budget so I can go to the salon OR let someone else more experienced put them in.
I think I'll try and put in protein treatments every other month, and see how that goes.

I self-relax every 12 weeks with Elasta QP regular lye. Thinking of going back to mild though for less irritation. Deep condition every other week. Light protein on the weeks in between. Oh yeah, protein treatments MUST be followed by a moisturizing conditioner. Asking for trouble otherwise.