How to Chemically Relax Hair

Using a chemical relaxer on your hair can make your hair more manageable. Chemical relaxers are useful for removing kink or curl from hair and to give the hair a more easily manipulated texture, which makes everyday hairstyling an easier process.

Things You'll Need

• Rat-tail comb
• Applicator brush
• Chemical relaxer product
• Water
• Neutralizer or neutralizing shampoo
• Butterfly clips
• Medium plastic bowl
• Conditioner

Instructions

How to Chemically Relax Hair

1. Choose your product. Your hair relaxer product should depend on the texture of your hair. For fine hair, a mild relaxer is best. Hair that is coarse may require a medium-strength relaxer to eliminate the curl. You can find professional products to chemically relax hair at a beauty supply store or other professional beauty outlet. You will need a rat-tail comb and an applicator brush to complete the process.

2. Prepare your hair. Section the hair into 4 equal vertical partings. The first part goes down the middle, starting at the forehead, and extending the nape of the neck. The second partings extend from the crown of the head, starting at the middle part, to just above the ear on each side of the head. Each section can be secured with a butterfly clip, if necessary.

3. Apply the solution. If you are doing a chemical relaxer on just the root of the hair, follow the directions to mix the product in a medium plastic bowl. Starting at the nape of the neck, and using a rat-tail comb, begin by splitting a 1/4-inch horizontal section out of the bottom of the first quadrant. Dip your rat tail comb or applicator brush into the solution, and comb or brush the solution onto the parting, completely saturating the roots. Use the comb to smooth the curls at the root as you apply the relaxer solution. Move to the quadrant on the other side and repeat the process. Continue working with 1/4-inch partings until you have reached the crown (top) of the head. Begin taking a section from one of the quadrants at the front of the head. Start above the ear with a 1/4-inch section. Once completed, repeat the process on the other side.

4. Apply the solution to the ends of your hair first, if you are doing a whole-head application. Begin application 1/2 inch from the root and apply to all ends first. Go back through the head and apply to the root. Do this quickly to avoid damage or breakage.

5. Comb for smoothness. As you apply the relaxer, continually comb the root to ensure the product is even, and that the curl is becoming smoother. After all sections are complete, continue combing for the time stated on the application instructions, or until the root appears as smooth as desired.

6. Shampoo and neutralize your hair. After observing the hair has reached the desired smoothness, shampoo the solution from the hair with a shampoo that is recommended in the relaxer instructions. Follow the shampoo with a neutralizer and leave on for the period specified in the instructions.

7. Condition your hair. After the chemical relaxer has been completed, condition the hair with a regular conditioner, or one that has been recommended by the manufacturer. Do not apply any other chemicals to the hair for at least a week after a chemical relaxer treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply the chemical relaxer product quickly, to avoid hair damage.

• Keep the relaxer product away from hair that has been previously chemically relaxed, as breakage may occur if product comes into contact with this hair. Some tingling and even mild burning may occur during application. If your scalp burns excessively during the process, remove the product.