How to Fix Underprocessed Relaxed Hair

Relaxers are often used to straighten curly hair.

A relaxer is a chemical process often used as a hair treatment. When applied to hair, a relaxer breaks apart the chemical bonds in hair, thus relaxing the hair and making it straight. Underprocessed relaxed hair occurs when the relaxing chemicals are washed out before the hair is properly relaxed, leaving the hair looking brittle and unhealthy. The easiest way to fix underprocessed relaxed hair is to reapply a new relaxing treatment to the hair, followed by a healthy treatment of conditioners and moisturizers to revitalize your processed hair.

Things You'll Need

• Relaxing kit
• Comb
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Towel
• Petroleum jelly
• Latex gloves

Instructions

1. Wash your hair with a vitamin-rich shampoo. Massage the shampoo into the underprocessed areas of your hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly. Wait until your hair dries completely before moving on to the relaxing process.

2. Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles left from washing it. Pay close attention to the underprocessed areas of your hair.

3. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly around the base of your scalp to protect your face and neck. Part your hair into four sections using a comb. Allow your hair to remain parted while you prepare the relaxing chemicals.

4. Prepare the relaxing chemical as instructed in the directions. For most relaxing kits, you need to mix an activating chemical with the relaxing gel. Stir the two chemicals together well, making sure to evenly distribute the activating chemical.

5. Apply the activated relaxing gel to the underprocessed areas of your hair. Focus on these areas, making sure to include the hair roots. It is likely that you will expose already processed areas of your hair to the relaxing gel. This should be fine; however, try to limit your application to just the areas that are underprocessed.

6. Allow the relaxing gel to remain on your hair as instructed in the directions. Relaxing times often vary depending on the texture of your hair and the relaxer you use. If your scalp begins to burn, wash the relaxing gel out immediately.

7. Wash the relaxing gel out of your hair thoroughly after the appropriate amount of time using warm water. Avoid using cold water to wash your hair as the sudden pH change may damage your hair roots.

8. Wash your hair with the neutralizing solution. Massage the solution into your hair evenly, from the roots to the tips. Be careful not to miss any areas.

9. Wash your hair using cold water to remove the neutralizing solution. Apply the conditioner from the relaxing kit to your hair. Allow the conditioner to sit in your hair for at least five minutes and rinse it out.

10. Blot your hair with a towel to remove most of the water and allow your hair to air dry. Continue to apply deep conditioners and moisturizers to your hair for over the next three days.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves when relaxing your hair.

• Do not allow solution to come in contact with your skin.

References

• SEDU Hair Style: Hair Perms
• Styles 101: Hair Tips Perming Your Hair
• Treasured Locks: Black Hair Care Tips, Style and FAQs
• Diary of a Hair Obession: Underprocessed Hair
• Hair Boutique.com: Most Common Hair Disasters & How to Fix Them