How to Straighten Very Short Black Hair
Straightening very short black hair requires care and precision. You need to prevent applying your hair relaxer directly onto the scalp, which can cause chemical burns and irritation. If the hair has been previously relaxed, it is important to apply the relaxer only on the new growth. Overlapping relaxer treatments can over-process the hair, which leads to damaged hair that can easily break off and fall out. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Relaxer kit
- Latex gloves
- Old towel
- Petroleum jelly or olive oil
- Applicator brush
- Wrap-set lotion
- Wide-toothed comb
Instructions
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Apply a base to the scalp. A base protects your skin from being burned by accidental slips with the relaxer. Olive oil or petroleum jelly work to protect your scalp. Apply your choice evenly on the neck, the ears, and anywhere the skin may come in contact with the relaxer.
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2
Follow the relaxer kit's instructions. Put on latex gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals, and thoroughly mix the activator liquid with the relaxer creme. Cover your neck and shoulders with an old towel to protect it from accidental spills. Apply the creme relaxer to the new growth using the applicator brush. Avoid getting the relaxer on the previously relaxed hair.
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3
Allow the relaxer to set according to the product's directions to avoid burning the scalp and damaging the hair. Check the time frequently to avoid over-processing, and promptly wash your hair with warm water when your time is up. Work your fingers through your hair to remove all of the relaxer creme. Use a neutralizing shampoo to bring your pH level to a normal level of 7. During the relaxing process your pH level rises to 14 and must be normalized or it will continue altering the hair. Once you've shampooed your hair rinse it twice to remove any remaining product.
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Blot your hair to remove excess moisture. Apply a moisturizing deep conditioner to restore vitamins and nutrients to your hair that are lost when it was relaxed. Deep condition your hair weekly after relaxing your hair to maintain moisture, as your hair loses its ability to keep the scalp moisturized due to the relaxer treatment. Leave the deep conditioner on for 15 minutes and rinse it from your hair.
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Apply a wrap-set lotion to increase manageability. A setting lotion softens the cuticle of your hair and allows your hair to be styled easily. According to "Beautiful Black Hair," by master hair consultant Shamboosie, the lotion is an artificial bond that helps the hair to hold certain styles. Pump a quarter-sized amount of wrap-set lotion into your palms and distribute evenly through your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to lay the hair down. Allow hair to air dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not scratch or wash your hair for 3 days before relaxing to prevent scalp irritation and hair breakage.
