How Often Should Women of Color Relax Their Hair?
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Overview
Relax Every Six to Eight Weeks
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Most hairstylists recommend having a retouch relaxer applied every six to eight weeks, depending on the length, texture and condition of the client's hair. During a retouch, the relaxer should only be applied to the new-growth. Using a relaxer on previously treated hair or overlapping can lead to over-processing, breakage and damage. Relaxing every six to eight weeks can help to maintain the smooth, straight appearance of the hair.
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Stretch Relaxers
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As hair begins to grow, the natural texture becomes more apparent, and there will be a noticeable difference between the virgin hair and the previously relaxed hair. This is known as the line of demarcation. Increasing the length of time between relaxers or stretching can help to reduce the risk of damage caused by overlapping, as this makes the new growth easier to see.
Bottom Line
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Relaxing every six to eight weeks will give the hair a straighter and more uniform appearance. However, if you want to reduce the use of chemicals, save money and possibly have healthier hair, stretching is recommended. If you want to try stretching, but are not sure how long to wait in between treatments, try extending your relaxer by one to two weeks from your last application. For example, if you normally relax every seven to eight weeks, try extending it to every nine to 10 weeks.
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References
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