Things You'll Need:
- Wide-tooth comb Shampoo Conditioner Deep conditioner
-
Step 1
Consult with a hair stylist. The stylist may be able to get around cutting off all the relaxed hair by braiding or coiling the hair. Styling the hair will allow it to grow out with minimal stress and breakage, and also will make the transition less obvious.
-
Step 2
Get the relaxed hair cut every four to six weeks. This may make it seem like the hair is just getting shorter and shorter, but it is important because cutting the hair removes fragile ends before they can break off, which further damages the hair shaft. When the natural hair grows to a reasonable length, have the stylist cut off the rest of the relaxed hair before it can damage the natural hair.
-
Step 3
Keep up a hair-care regimen, especially if the hair is growing out unstyled. Only comb the hair with a wide-tooth comb. Shampoo and condition the hair as often as necessary to maintain a clean, healthy appearance. Apply deep conditioning treatments to the hair once every 10 days or so to limit breakage. Do not treat the hair with vinegar, bath soap or any other non-hair-care product in the hope of stripping out the relaxer. They will not work and will damage the hair further.
-
Step 4
Limit hair styling with heat-based products, such as curling irons and straighteners. These devices will damage and dry out the hair.
-
Step 5
Stick with it. This process takes many people more than a year to complete, and it can be tough to keep from running back to relaxers when the hair begins to grow out.
