How to Make Relaxed Hair Healthy

When hair is relaxed, chemicals are applied, and they alter the composition of the hair shafts. As the chemicals work to straighten the hair, they also dry and damage it. After hair relaxation, your hair will be more prone to splitting and breakage, so it's important to take proper care of it. There are many things you can do to make relaxed hair healthy. It's important to stick to a solid hair care regimen to restore your hair to optimal health as quickly as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Hair dresser
• Conditioner
• Hot oil treatment
• Protein

Instructions

1. Get your hair trimmed. Remove any dead or split ends. If you don't, the damage may creep up the hair shaft. Generally, you should have a trim every 2 to 3 months to keep hair healthy.

2. Use a deep conditioner on your hair. Choose a conditioner that is highly moisturizing, and allow it to rest on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes. Because hair relaxers leech moisture from your strands, your hair needs the extra hydration.

3. Apply a hot oil treatment to your hair. You can find these treatments at virtually any cosmetic, beauty or drug store. The hot oil penetrates the hair shaft, resulting in shinier, healthier hair. Wrap your hair in a plastic bag and allow the treatment to remain on your hair for approximately 20 minutes before rinsing it out.

4. Shampoo your hair every 2 to 3 days. Daily shampooing dries out your hair and isn't necessary. Because your hair is already prone to dryness due to the chemical relaxers, you should only wash it every 2 to 3 days.

5. Avoid heat. Heated styling products such as curling irons, hot rollers and straightening irons all dry and damage hair. Because your hair is already vulnerable, you should avoid such products altogether. Likewise, use warm or cool water to rinse your hair. Hot water will dry out your hair, making it susceptible to breakage.

6. Add more protein to your diet. Hair is made from protein, so you must consume sufficient amounts to have healthy hair. You can find protein in meat, dairy and nut products.

7. Massage your scalp. This increases circulation so nutrients and blood can reach your hair follicles easily. Use even pressure to massage your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes at least twice daily.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your wet hair. It is easier on your strands than a fine-toothed comb or hairbrush.

• Avoid tight hairstyles. They pull on strands and may lead to breakage.