How do I Make Hair Products for Relaxed Hair?

For healthy, relaxed hair, it is important to always use the proper products.

Relaxed hair becomes very dry and brittle if not cared for with the proper products. Many leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning treatments can be done to keep relaxed hair healthy; many of these products can be made at home. Creating your own hair-care products is easy when using common household foods and other items.These products can promote healthier and stronger relaxed hair.

Things You'll Need

• Olive oil
• Eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Coconut oil
• Avocado
• Apple cider vinegar
• Water bottle
• Water

Instructions

1. Determine what type of products to use on your relaxed hair. A good way to do this is by determining what your hair needs most. People with relaxed hair often complain about their tresses being dried out and dull. Another common issue is product buildup. It is easy to damage relaxed hair, as relaxer chemicals weaken hair. A good way to determine whether your hair is damaged is to cut off a strand or two and place them in a cup of water. If the hairs float, they are healthy; if they sink to the bottom, they are porous and damaged.

2. Deep-conditioning hair masks are one of the easiest hair products to make. They provide your relaxed hair with nutrients to make it silky and moisturized. First, rinse your hair with warm water. Then mix egg, mashed avocado, and mayonnaise. Apply the mixture thoroughly from scalp to roots. This can be messy, so be sure to wear clothing you don't about, and drape a towel over your neck. Leave the hair mask on for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse the mask and continue with your usual hairwashing routine. Repeat hair masks every 2 weeks to ensure healthier relaxed hair.

3. Moisturizing your relaxed hair is important to prevent breakage. An easy way to do this is by spraying your hair several times a day with water. Fill a small water bottle with water and coconut oil. The coconut oil helps seal in the water and any leave-in conditioners already on your hair. Always shake the bottle well before using to mix the oil and water well.

4. Product buildup occurs when people use many products on their hair. The best way to avoid is to use a small amount of apple-cider vinegar on your hair once a month. In the shower, pour 1 teaspoon of vinegar into your hands and carefully rub it onto your scalp. After working the vinegar into your scalp for 1-2 minutes, rinse it out with warm water.

5. Hot-oil treatments are a luxurious way to pamper your hair. Many people think they must visit a salon or purchase the treatment at a beauty supply store, but that's not the case. One of the easiest ways to do a home hot-oil treatment requires only a microwave and a bit of extra-virgin olive oil. To a microwave-proof bowl or container, add about a half-cup of olive oil. Heat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Let the oil cool and test it on the inside of your wrist to ensure that it's not too hot. Once you're satisfied with the temperature, dip two fingers into the oil and begin working it into your hair from the ends to the roots. Leave the oil on for 15 minutes, then rinse out as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't like coconut oil or can't find any, good substitutes are carrot or calmond oil.

• Avoid using anything with mineral oil or alcohol, as both of these products can cause relaxed hair to break off.

• If you have an allergic reaction to any product, discontinue use immediately.

References

• Blended Beauty: Relaxed Straightened Hair Tips
• Tyra Show: How to Repair Relaxed Hair
• Long Healthy Hair Advisor: Healthy Relaxed Hair