Optimal Care for Relaxed Hair

Optimal Care for Relaxed Hair

It is somewhat disheartening to hear the stories of women with relaxed hair and the many issues they face. Some women find it difficult to maintain the upkeep of a relaxer. Some are experiencing damage due to over processing or improper care of their relaxed hair.  Others desire the use of fewer chemicals on their tresses. And you have several women who are simply afraid of their relaxed hair, due to the fear of breakage or further damage when handling it. The good news is that there is hope for relaxed heads to achieve a healthy state of hair if the proper steps and care are taken.

I will begin with some of the proper ways to care for hair that is in a rather healthy state. These tips will not necessarily work for an already damage head of hair. I am assuming that the relaxer has been properly applied.

The first thing to remember for chemically treated hair is that moisture and protein balance can be the determining factor in whether you hair is healthy or not. The chemicals in relaxers, whether you use a lye or no lye relaxer, causes a drying process to occur, therefore you have to replenish moisture on a regular basis. However if your hair is lacking protein, then that can also cause breakage, so it is critical to maintain a proper protein and moisture balance for your relaxed hair to thrive. There is a quick way to assess whether protein or moisture is needed in your relaxed hair by doing a strand test.  When the hair is wet, you can tell by the stretchiness or flexibility of the strands. If your hair is very soft like a baby’s then your hair is in need of a protein treatment. If the hair does not stretch at all, then you need to replenish moisture in your hair. The key here is there is a healthy balance that must exist in order for you to resist breakage.

Keeping your scalp clean and conditioned is critical. As with any head of healthy hair, it begins with a healthy scalp. Shampooing should take place at least once weekly and should be immediately followed up with a deep conditioner. When deep conditioning, you are allowing the conditioner to sit and penetrate your scalp and ends. Follow the instructions on the product that you are utilizing carefully for optimal results. Your deep conditioning needs are based upon your assessment of your hair and the strand tests.

Cowashing is a technique used by many women that struggle with a lack of moisture. This term refers to the process of washing the hair with conditioner only in order to replenish moisture, as shampoos tend to strip hairs of their natural moisture.

Stretching your relaxers is a term used to describe going beyond the normal recommended time of getting a new relaxer. The normal recommended time by most hair care professionals is four to six weeks. However, when you stretch your relaxers beyond the suggested time, you are giving your hair a break from chemicals. It also ensures that you don’t overlap the chemical, which causes severe damage and breakage.  Many women report thicker tresses and less breakage. But it is important to listen to your hair when stretching. If breakage occurs while stretching, it is more than likely time to relax. Your hair type will determine how long you can stretch.

It is very essential to invest in quality products for your relaxed hair. Do your research.  Hair care forums are a great place to start to ask questions and get reliable reviews on products. Experimentation is necessary. If you notice pleasing results with a line of products, or a product alone, it is suggested that you stick with it. Check out ingredients and avoid alcohol as a first ingredient. Alcohol is drying. Although alcohol is found in many commercial products, the further down on the ingredient list it is, the less the product has in it. More than likely it is necessary to invest more money into a quality product in order for you to enjoy superior results.

Finally, treat your relaxed hair with care. Remember that relaxed hair is not in its natural state, therefore it is more fragile. Pamper your tresses. Use a wide tooth comb to detangle hair as opposed to a fine tooth comb. Avoid frequent manipulation by keeping your hands out of your hair. Protective styling can keep your hair from breaking. Wear styles that will keep your hair off of your shoulders. Friction from your clothes can only lead to breakage. And finally, keep you hair from stresses such as low quality products and over processing.

Who said that relaxed ladies could not enjoy healthy hair? It is all about giving your hair that extra care and attention that it deserves.

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