Relaxing your hair can provide a sleek, straight look, but it’s essential to do it safely to avoid damage and maintain hair health.
Chemical relaxers are powerful and can weaken your hair if misused, so following the right steps is crucial.
Here are the best ways to relax your hair safely while keeping it smooth, healthy, and manageable.
1. Choose the right relaxer
The first step to safe hair relaxation is selecting the right product for your hair type. Relaxers come in different strengths—mild, regular, and super. Choose a formula suitable for your hair texture. For fine or damaged hair, opt for a mild relaxer. Regular relaxers work well for medium-textured hair, while super relaxers are best for coarse or resistant hair. Always perform a patch test to check for allergic reactions before applying the product to your entire head.
2. Prep your hair and scalp
Preparing your hair and scalp is crucial before applying a relaxer. Avoid washing your hair 3–4 days before relaxing to prevent scalp irritation. Coat your hairline, ears, and nape with petroleum jelly or a protective balm to minimize chemical burns. Detangle your hair thoroughly and divide it into sections for even application.
3. Follow the instructions precisely
Carefully read and follow the relaxer instructions. Apply the relaxer to the roots only, avoiding previously relaxed hair to prevent over-processing and breakage. Work quickly and evenly to ensure consistent results. Use a timer to avoid exceeding the recommended processing time, as leaving the relaxer on too long can lead to hair damage.
4. Neutralize and condition
After rinsing out the relaxer, use a neutralizing shampoo to stop the chemical process and restore your hair’s pH balance. Lather thoroughly and rinse until the water runs clear. Follow up with a deep conditioner to replenish moisture and strengthen your hair. Deep conditioning is vital after relaxing to repair and protect your strands.
5. Maintain your relaxed hair
Proper aftercare is key to maintaining healthy relaxed hair. Moisturize your hair daily with leave-in conditioners or lightweight oils to prevent dryness and breakage. Schedule touch-ups every 8–12 weeks, focusing only on new growth to avoid overlapping chemicals. Minimize heat styling and always use a heat protectant when using hot tools.
By following these steps, you can relax your hair safely while keeping it healthy and strong. A little extra care goes a long way in achieving smooth, sleek results without compromising hair health.
