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Meka aka CurlyMonroe |
When it comes to natural hair, manageability is often a major concern. Natural hair can be time consuming and realistically speaking, it can be hard! This concern is leading many women to make the decision to texlax or texturize their natural hair.
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Texlaxing means applying relaxer to your hair and intentionally under processing it by not leaving it on for the recommended time. For example, if the relaxer is supposed to stay on for 25-28 minutes and you only leave it on for 8, it’s a texlax. Some women also texlax by adding oil to the relaxer. Women who choose to texlax do so in order to loosen the curl pattern while still keeping texture, not resulting in bone straight hair.
A texturizer is formulated slightly differently than a relaxer and is therefore considered a “mild relaxer.” It also loosens the curl pattern without completely straightening the hair.
The main con of having texlaxed/texturized hair is that it will likely result in multiple textures. And just like a relaxer, you’ll have to touch it up. This is even trickier with texlaxed/texturized hair, as you’ll have to do every step exactly the same in order to reap the same results. Plus, once you’ve texlaxed/texturized, there is of course no turning back. If you end up regretting your decision, you’ll have to transition and/or big chop all over again.
Meka aka Curly Monroe |
Meka used the Just For Me texture softener and left it on for about 8 minutes and admits, “The first time I wasn't sure. It took me some time to get used to it. Initially, I had too many textures after. I had to learn my hair again. I left the texturizer on too long in the back. I have straight roots along the back perimeter of my head if I don't scrunch.”
After getting another texturizer this year, she says, “I like how my hair looks. I use fewer products, have less bad hair days and I don't have to redo my wash and go as much. My wash and go lasts longer than a week.”
“My best friend was disappointed as we were on our natural journey together. I also noticed a lot of my natural friends on social media stopped liking my posts. I understand everything isn't for everyone.”
All in all, Meka says she doesn’t regret her decision at all: “It's something I contemplated for months before actually doing it. After loads of research, I am happy I did it. Your hair, your head, your way!”
Meka, one year into her texlaxing journey:
Have you texlaxed/texturized your natural hair? Share your experience?
Kanisha is a Christian writer/author based in Augusta, GA. Other than CurlyNikki.com, she has also written for BlackNaps.organd Devozine, and has authored a book of poetry entitled, "Love Letters from the Master." Kanisha can be contacted for business inquiries at [email protected]
I've been off and on with Texlaxing my hair since 2011(i first tried it), but off and on with BIG CHOP since 2002. First I want to say its a shame when GROWN ASS people STOP talking to their friends b/c they either went natural or permed THEIR hair. It's YOUR body do WHATS BEST for YOU, and people that consider themselves your FRIEND and leave after that was NEVER YOUR FRIENDS..Texlaxed is/was the BEST thing I HAVE DONE TO MY HAIR(i have a texlaxed/TWA(now) and I am 4c. I've ALWAYS LOVE CURLY hair, and have been trying to find a way to get that and is STILL trying too. I LOVE NATURAL HAIR, but NOT the MAINTENANCE that comes with it ESPECIALLY 4c hair..
nice
I've heard about Dubbie shoppes adding relaxer to their "Conditioning treatments".