Relaxed hair, by its definition, undergoes controlled damage in order to straighten it, but maintaining this hair in a healthy fashion is possible with several simple steps. If you're not currently following most of these tips, your hair may not be as healthy as it can be. All hair should be pampered, but relaxed hair requires even more special treatment due to its processed nature. See if these seven tips for maintaining healthy relaxed hair can't help you get your straight tresses into the best shape possible.
1. See a Professional for Chemical Applications
This is typically where you'll spend the most money in maintaining relaxed hair, but it's worth investing in a trusted stylist for touch-ups and/or coloring. They're licensed for a reason. Too many women (and children and men) are walking around today with damaged hair that's the result of home treatments.
Find a stylist you trust. This may not be easy; you may have to try several salons and get recommendations before you find someone you're happy with. Once you find a professional and build a good relationship with her, she should be able to advise you whether a lye or no-lye relaxer is best for you, which cuts will best flatter your face and how to care for your hair on a daily basis.
2. Avoid Overprocessing
Applying relaxers to previously processed hair or leaving chemicals on for too long are two of the most common mistakes made when it comes to straightening. While home kits are easier to use than ever and cheaper than having a professional apply treatments, these products also make it easy to overprocess the hair. Not waiting the recommended time frame between touch-ups is another risky relaxer move.
Consistently applying straightening chemicals to previously processed hair will eventually lead to damage, breakage and possible permanent hair loss.
Even if you must apply your own relaxers, have a trusted friend help you with back sections of the hair whenever possible. Better yet, however, save those pennies and see a stylist for this task.
3. Choose Low or No-Heat Styling
Flat irons and curling irons are very convenient, but daily use will eventually lead to dryness and damage. Heat tools are fine for occasional use, but try to get into the habit of low or no-heat styling when you can. Examples of styling techniques that don't require a lot of heat include:
- Wet sets
- Wrapping
- Satin-covered rollers
- Curlformers
- Flexi-rods
Also, try any of these hairstyles that don't need to have ends "bumped" or curled:
- Buns
- Braids
- Updos
4. Wrap and Protect at Night
Not only does wrapping your hair at night save you time in the morning, but it also protects your delicate tresses while sleeping, especially if you add in extra protection in the form of a silky hair cover or pillowcase.
When you mold your hair to the shape of your head, you preserve body and volume in a low-maintenance fashion that requires absolutely no heat.
5. Condition Regularly
Relaxers strip away some of the hair's natural oils during the process of straightening; replacing moisture is essential to keeping hair in good shape. Instead of greasy, petrolatum-laden products, which don't actually moisturize the hair but only coat it, rely on good quality conditioners to maintain proper moisture levels in your hair. Follow each shampoo with a rinse-out conditioner and deep condition two to four times per month, depending on your hair's needs.
6. Trim as Needed
The ends of your hair can become excessively dry if not cared for properly. They're the oldest and most fragile parts of your hair and they need to be treated with extreme care. However, they're not going to last forever and it's better to get rid of split and dry ends sooner rather than later. If you routinely pamper your hair and observe other good hair care practices, you'll need to trim less often than someone who flat irons daily or never deep conditions.
7. Wear Protective Styles
Why protective styles such as chignons, updos and braids? Because these hairdos keep your hair's ends up and out of sight, which allows them to retain moisture, which in turn leads to more hair retention. Even if your goal is not to grow hair down your back, healthy ends are still important, as they fit into an overall healthy head of hair.
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