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That was easily the most painful experience I've ever gone through. That sodium hydroxide stuff burns your scalp, it's like wearing a flaming helmet. But I managed to bear it.
After she washed that stuff out and let me get up, I noticed long straight bangs hanging in front of my eyes. Oooh yeah... first good sign. Then I went and looked in the mirror...
WOW! I was nearly speechless. All the dreaded curls and waves... gone forever! My hair's not 'long' yet. (about 5 inches) but it's much further along than I originally thought.
Humidity come and try to get me, my hair is invincible! Moahahaha!
Congrats on your achievement of dream hair :) Hair relaxation could really do wonders to one's hair.
But do be forewarned that this process is similar to hair perm (in fact, it's just the exact opposite of perming, with the same side effects). Hence, do keep up with constant treatment of your hair with "relaxer shampoos" or visit your hairdresser regularly.
Not to throw a wet blanket but a relaxed hair do not last forever :( It'll "wear out" in about a few months. Do not go immediately for "re-relaxation" as it'll do further damage to your already "fried" hair (although not observable at the relaxed state). Do let your hair recover for a few months after relaxation before going for re-relaxation.
Best wishes in hair growing.
My barber said that when mine grows out, it will probably not need any more relaxing since gravity will pull it down. It was really just the horrible flip-curls on the ends that needed taming, and the relaxer worked well to get those little bastards. Now I don't even need to use the straightening iron anymore!