To keep relaxed hair relaxed, you need to focus on maintaining its health, moisture, and minimizing stress that can lead to reversion or breakage. Here's how:
Understanding Relaxed Hair
Relaxing chemically alters the hair's structure, making it weaker and more prone to damage. Therefore, a consistent and careful hair care regimen is essential.
Key Strategies for Maintaining Relaxed Hair
Here's a breakdown of essential practices:
1. Regular Protein Treatments
- Why: The relaxing process breaks down protein bonds. Replacing lost protein strengthens the hair shaft.
- How: Use protein treatments every 4-6 weeks, depending on the hair's condition. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much protein can lead to brittleness.
2. Deep Conditioning
- Why: Relaxed hair needs intense hydration to remain soft, pliable, and prevent breakage.
- How: Deep condition weekly or bi-weekly. Use moisturizing deep conditioners and consider using a hooded dryer or steamer for deeper penetration.
3. Strategic Relaxer Touch-Ups
- Why: Overlapping relaxer on previously relaxed hair causes over-processing and breakage.
- How: Only relax the new growth. Typically, this is done every 8-12 weeks, but adjust the timeline based on your hair growth and texture. A professional stylist can help determine the best schedule.
4. Consistent Moisturizing
- Why: Relaxed hair is drier than natural hair. Regular moisturizing replenishes lost moisture and prevents dryness and breakage.
- How: Use leave-in conditioners, hair oils, and moisturizers daily or as needed. Seal the moisture in with an oil or butter.
5. Protective Styling
- Why: Protective styles minimize manipulation and protect the ends of the hair, reducing breakage.
- How: Opt for low-manipulation styles like braids, weaves, wigs, or buns. Ensure these styles aren't too tight, which can cause traction alopecia.
6. Minimize Heat Styling
- Why: Heat further weakens relaxed hair.
- How: Limit the use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons. When you do use them, always use a heat protectant.
7. Nighttime Protection
- Why: Friction from cotton pillowcases can cause breakage and dryness.
- How: Sleep with a satin scarf, bonnet, or on a satin pillowcase.
8. Exercise and Wash Day Coordination
- Why: Sweat can dry out relaxed hair.
- How: Try to schedule workouts on wash days so you can cleanse and re-moisturize your hair afterwards.
9. Dry Shampoo
- Why: Frequent washing can strip relaxed hair of its natural oils.
- How: Use dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil and keep your hair clean.
10. Swim Cap
- Why: Chlorine and saltwater can be very damaging and drying to relaxed hair.
- How: Always wear a swim cap when swimming and rinse your hair immediately after swimming. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner afterwards.
Summary
Maintaining relaxed hair requires a consistent routine focused on protein, moisture, minimizing stress, and careful handling. By following these strategies, you can keep your relaxed hair healthy, strong, and looking its best.
