Low Manipulation for Stretching

This past Sunday the 8th made me officially 7 weeks post. Its not really a long time for most stretching gurus. My original goal was 8 weeks but with my end of the year goals not being met I'm trying to do some quick revisions to my plans for my hair. Basically, instead of being able to relax at the end of December it may be early-mid December. I was determined to stretch for the first time 10 weeks (end of the month) that's its almost an obsession. This relaxer stretch I've been able to gain a good amount of growth, which I am grateful for but the stretch is also starting to cause headaches...physically and emotionally. Traditional protective/low manipulation styles such as braidouts and bantu knots do NOT hold in my hair without a heavy amount of mousse or some holding cream/gel. I don't want hard hair if I help it. My hair is layered too short in the front for buns. I will continue to work on these until I find what works for me. That's what this journey is about, find and doing what works for me.

My go to style for the time being is a simple blow dry and flatiron. The clash I'm continuing to have with this is all the hair on my bathroom floor. Thank the Lord I have a head full BUT keeping it on my head as long as possible is the struggle when I attempt 8-10 week stretches. I'll two-strand flat twist the front as shown in the pic then pin up the back to keep it off my next but I still wouldn't call his low manipulation cause I redo it everyday.

• Today I pre-pooed with a moisturizing deep conditioner mix I made for 30 minutes
• Shampooed with Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo
• Deep conditioned using Affirm Fiberguard Sustenance Fortifying Treatment for an hour
• Applied styling products: Aveda Brilliant, Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum, Herbal Essences Split End Protector, Moroccanoil Treatment
• Blow dried on medium heat then sealed cuticle on cool setting 
• Reapplied Paul Mitchell serum before flat ironing with my Rusk flat iron at 375

My roots are still poofy but manageable :) The war rages on...

Healthy Hair Journey!