Relaxed hair offers a sleek and versatile look, but to keep it smooth, healthy, and stylish, some special care is needed.
Achieving salon-worthy styles at home is possible with a few key techniques and the right products.
Here’s a guide to maintaining and styling your relaxed hair so it stays strong, shiny, and beautifully manageable.
- Prioritize moisture and conditioning
Relaxed hair is prone to dryness, so keeping it moisturized is essential. Regular deep conditioning, ideally once a week, helps retain moisture and elasticity.
Look for hydrating masks with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil. Leave-in conditioners and lightweight hair oils are also great for maintaining moisture and preventing breakage. Avoid products with sulfates and alcohol, as they can strip the hair of essential oils and lead to dryness.
- Use heat sparingly
Heat styling can be damaging, especially on relaxed hair. If you plan to use a flat iron, curling iron, or blow dryer, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum to create a barrier against heat. Keep the temperature as low as possible, ideally below 350°F, and limit heat styling to once or twice a week.
For styling without heat, consider setting your hair with rollers or using twist-outs, both of which can provide volume and texture without causing damage.
- Try low-manipulation styles
Styles that require minimal handling reduce breakage and encourage healthy hair growth. Protective styles like loose buns, braids, or ponytails are ideal for relaxed hair, as they keep the hair tucked away and safe from environmental stressors.
Additionally, these styles allow your hair to rest from daily combing and styling, which can cause wear and tear. Be mindful of tight hairstyles, though, as they can lead to tension and breakage around the edges.
- Smooth and style with satin and silk
Friction can cause frizz and split ends, especially on relaxed hair. Wrapping your hair in a satin or silk scarf at night or sleeping on a satin pillowcase can help reduce friction and retain moisture. This practice keeps your hair smooth and sleek, allowing you to wake up with manageable hair that’s ready to style.
- Trim regularly
To maintain healthy, salon-worthy hair, aim to trim your ends every 8 to 10 weeks. Regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and keep your hair looking polished. Even a small trim can make a big difference in maintaining your hair’s strength and overall look.
Conclusion
With the right care and styling techniques, maintaining relaxed hair at home is manageable and rewarding.
By prioritizing moisture, minimizing heat, and choosing low-manipulation styles, you can keep your relaxed hair healthy, shiny, and beautifully styled.
Incorporating these tips into your routine can help you achieve salon-quality results from the comfort of your home, ensuring that your hair stays strong and stunning all year round.
