How to Safely Apply a Relaxer on Your Hair

For women who want to achieve the straight look without the hassle of using a hot comb or flat iron--especially on very coarse hair, here are a few ways to get straight hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 latex gloves
• Relaxer cream
• 1 wide tooth comb
• Towel
• Shampoo
• Conditioner

1. Put latex gloves on your hands. Open the of of the relaxer base and pour activator in the base. Make sure to whip it until smooth and lump free.

2. Part hair into four sections using a comb. Another option is an application brush.

3. Start with the top of your head, then work your way around the back and lastly to the hairline. Evenly smooth out each sectionsrepeatedly.

4. Leave relaxer on hair depending on the time provided. If the hair is fine-medium it should be at least 10 to 12 minutes long. If coarse-resistant, 12 to 18 minutes.

5. After the time is up, wash out the relaxer completely with warm water to make sure the relaxer is out of the hair.

6. Shampoo the hair and lather it. Repeat the process.

7. Towel dry hair. It is optional to use a hair conditioner. If deep conditioning, leave on hair for at least fifteen minutes using a shower cap on head and sit under a hair dryer. Afterwards rinse out the conditioner.

8. Style the hair by wrapping it, curling or whatever you'd like.

Tips & Warnings

• If hair is fine-medium it is best to use a regular relaxer. For thick hair, use a coarse one.
• If it is the first time using a relaxer, smooth from the roots to the end of hair. If you are only doing a touch up, smooth the relaxer through new growth.
• Wait six to eight weeks between relaxing.
• Avoid overworking the hair by smoothing relaxer throughout the hair (if already relaxed). Continual use of doing so may cause damage and loss to the hair.
• Never use a relaxer the same time with permanent hair color. Both include chemicals and if you use both the same thing will cause harm to your hair. Wait at least two weeks to use hair color after relaxer is applied to hair.
• Do not use if the scalp is irritated or if you scratched it.