How to Perm African American Hair

Relaxing one's hair can save money and time waiting for a salon appointment, but care must be taken. You will be using strong chemicals to partially break down your hair in order to change its texture. A relaxer kit can make things easier, but make sure you read the instructions and ensure that you've all needed supplies about a day before you plan to relax your hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• relaxer creme
• neutralizing shampoo
• hair clips (plastic would be best)
• conditioner (optional, but recommended)
• towel
• latex or vinyl gloves
• conditioning cap (optional)

1. A day or two before you plan to relax your hair, perform the strand and allergy tests that are recommended by the instructions that come with the home relaxer kit. It's possible for one to proceed without the tests, but it is NOT advisable. Make sure that all the materials are in the kit, and that you understand the directions.

2. Start with dry, relatively clean hair- it need not be freshly washed. Divide the hair into four sections and secure with clips. Put on your gloves, and smooth the petroleum jelly around your hairline- this will keep the relaxer cream from touching your skin. Your kit may include a cream for this purpose that you may use instead of petroleum jelly. Unclip one section of hair, and smooth the relaxer cream onto hair, from root to end, but avoiding the scalp. Once the hair is coated, unclip and move on to the next section. Once all sections are coated with the cream, note the time, and start the countdown. You may have to comb your hair to more evenly distribute the cream- but do this only if the directions recommend such. If you've used plastic hair clips, you can put your hair up, or cover very loosely with a plastic conditioning cap.

3. Once you've waited the proper time for your hair to process (this will be clearly stated in the home relaxer instructions), it's time to rinse the relaxer cream from your hair and stop the process. Rinse with water that is comfortably warm. Once all the cream is removed, use the neutralizing shampoo to stop the chemical process completely. Lather, rinse, and repeat at least three times- if you have a neutralizing shampoo that changes color when the relaxer has been completely neutralized, you may stop when all the suds are the desired color. Rinse thoroughly, towel dry, and condition and style as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• A friend can be of great assistance when trying to reach hair at the back of the head, and can tell when all the relaxer cream has been washed and rinsed from the hair.
• If you have very long hair, you may want to buy extra relaxer cream and/or neutralizing shampoo at a beauty supply store- you can purchase the same brand of kit and extras. This will also come in handy for touch ups.
• Plastic hair clips will not react to the relaxer creme- use these if you can, but avoid putting metal clips in hair with relaxer creme on.
• Work fast when smoothing the relaxer cream on- otherwise your hair may not be evenly processed.
• Wear an old shirt or use a stylist's cape when relaxing your hair.
• For added shine, make your last rinse a cold one.
• There may be some discomfort- a tingling sensation may be felt.
• If you feel a burning sensation, rinse the relaxer cream from the hair, and neutralize with the neutralizing shampoo.
• About 24 hours prior to relaxing hair, do not scratch or otherwise abrade the scalp- this will exacerbate discomfort. You can comb hair to remove tangles, but avoid letting the comb touch your scalp.
• Keep the relaxer cream away from the eyes and mouth- the cream contains a very caustic chemical.
• Do not substitute the neutralizing shampoo for any other kind of shampoo- they will not stop the chemical process. You may, however, substitute a different brand of neutralizing shampoo.
• Avoid using permanent color immediately after a relaxer- there are several safe alternatives- you can use some gentle semi-permanent colors right after relaxing.
• Your newly relaxed hair is fragile- treat it gently.

Resources

• Allure Beauty Supply
• Hair Relaxing and Perming tips

[ke3hi]

on 6/25/2009 Thanks, this artical was helpful, RIP Michael Jackson

[tonyb7542]

on 1/5/2009 great tips thanks