How to Treat Relaxed Hair

Managing relaxed hair is not difficult if you are familiar with several techniques that can help to keep the hair as healthy as possible and extend the life of the relaxer. Here are helpful hints for keeping your hair beautiful, straight style manageable and gorgeous.

Things You'll Need

• Hair care oil or serum for straightening
• Flat iron and/or curling iron
• Hair dryer
• Roller brush
• Silk scarf

Instructions

1. Wash hair once every few days or even once a week. If hair is thick and/or coarse, wash every five to seven days if possible. This helps to extend the life of the relaxer. When washing, shampoo the hair twice and use a deep conditioner. Follow directions for the conditioner, utilizing a plastic cap and heat or warm towel. Dry the hair straight with a roller brush.

2. Avoid hair products that are too greasy or too drying. Purchase hair serums, creams and oils for relaxed hair at a beauty supply store, such as Sally's Beauty Supply or Sephora. Keep in mind the more products you use the more often your relaxed hair will need to be shampooed. If your hair is thinner, use products sparingly. A quarter-sized dollop is sufficient for mid-length relaxed hair.

3. Use a flat iron when needed but not everyday. Avoid using a flat iron daily, as this will cause heat damage to already chemically treated hair. Ideally, use the flat iron after washing on dry hair and no more than a couple times a week at most, if possible.

4. Wrap hair in a silk scarf at night. Before bedtime, brush the hair around the head and secure with a silk scarf for the night. When you wake up, the hair will remain straight and more manageable. Wrapping hair in a scarf helps to minimize the use of hot appliances, something to avoid on a daily basis.

5. Go without a relaxer touch-up as long as possible. Avoid relaxing hair every month or six weeks. If you hair is still quite manageable, wait two to three months between relaxers. The more often the hair is relaxed the more prone it is prone to damage. When hair becomes unruly and more difficult to style on a daily basis without the use of a flat iron then it is time to head to the stylist for a touch-up.

Tips & Warnings

• Have hair relaxed at a salon that is very familiar and comfortable with relaxing and straightening techniques. Use a roller brush with a hair dryer when drying wet hair. Experiment with hair serums, creams and oils to find which is best for your type of hair . Wrap hair with a silk scarf to keep a straight style. Consult your hairstylist about coloring or highlighting hair after a relaxer.

• A few days after relaxing avoid scratching or rubbing the scalp with pressure, as it may be very sensitive. Avoid purchasing hair products with alcohol, as this dries out the hair. Do not use a flat iron for daily use. Do not relax too often. Every two to three months should be sufficient unless the hair is very thick,long and/or coarse.

Resources

• More about hair relaxers
• Source for hair relaxers