Hair Relaxer ??

From the time I decided to have surgery I made a decision not continue to use the relaxers.  I have not had a relaxer since late June 2009.  From July until January of this year I wore goddess braids.  Starting in January I went to the stylist weekly for washing/conditioning.  She flatironed it for me and that worked pretty well (I did have to cut it a few times to combat the breakage).

It was doing fairly well until I reached the beginning of the fifth month post op and all h*** broke loose.  In addition to the breakage my hair started to feel dry and brittle--almost like straw.  I know it would only have been worse with the perm.

I was so depressed by all the breakage and full strands in the sink every day I finally decied that enough was enough.  Based on recommendations I received on the BAF I got a weave (about 6 weeks ago) and I am very happy with it.  At least I don't have to look at it all day every day.  I love it!

I don't know every-ones different... but I have soft fine hair... I usually don't get a relaxer but every two to three months... but after surgery.. I did my usually routine... my hair fell out bad!!...  i HAD TO CUT IT REAL SHORT!!.. I would talk to your beautician... your hair is very delicate after surgery.. and you have huge hormone changes that affect the growth.. and re-growth.. so I actually had to start wearing.. a natural.. and just let my stylish maintain it... also around the 12  to 13 months out.. sometimes it will start to fall out again..Biotin helps some

Take care!!

I stopped the relaxers and have switched to the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, which does have its own set of chemicals but has caused absolutely no breakage. I was afraid that without some form of chemical treatment, I would be pulling too much on my hair shafts and causing even more breakage.

The keratin treatment has left my hair in AMAZING shape - it's healthier than I can ever recall it being.

I say this with the caveat that I have not yet reached 3 mos. out yet and haven't started to see the effects of the hair cycle post-surgery. We'll see.

PS - I see that you're in NJ. My hair stylist is in Spanish Harlem at a Dominican salon called Mirror Image (110th & Columbus). She had RNY herself and is very familiar with our hair concerns. You can ask for her - Cesarina.

Thank you !!

I just got one the other day and everything was fine. I was lazy so the last time I had, had one was the day before surgery because I wasn't going in with a messed up head.  It had been almost three months since I had one talk about a mess. 

Weave and don't worry was my choice.  I am planning to wear a weave until 1 year post op.  I started half wigs and weaves in January when I decided to have surgery.  If it does fall out, I will not notice.  Then after I have lost all excess weigh and am in maintenance, I can decide what style will be best for my new face and body.