Relaxing is the process of chemically straightening afro textured hair with the ingredient of Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) /Lithium Hydroxide (No-Lye). This is a very stressful process which breaks the bonds of Afro textured hair and sometimes even weakens the hair. For Relaxed tresses to stay healthy and damaged free following these steps which will help to prevent your hair from breakage.
1. Allow time to lapse between relaxers. Relaxing your hair every 8-12 weeks, this helps for the relaxer not to overlap. Relaxing your hair every time you see new growth will cause breakage to your hair. By using the time frame of 8-12 weeks it provides a descent amount of time in between relaxers as the chemicals are very harsh. Products that help extend your relaxed hair are Honey Caramel Treatment, Mizani Thermasmooth Treatment and Gro Straight Shampoo and Conditioner by relaxing your hair less often your hair will become healthier longer and stronger.
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| Mizani Thermosmooth Treatment |
2. Conditioning and deep conditioning.
This should be done on a weekly basis try to use shampoos that do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Sulfate these ingredients tend to make the hair dry. Opt for a sulphate free shampoo such as Millcreek Shampoo which will not strip out your hairs natural oils. Before washing saturate your hair with natural oils such as coconut oil, Jamaican Castor Oil or Amla oil leave in the hair before washing with shampoo and conditioner.
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| Millcreek Shampoo |
- 3. Co-wash with conditioner. If you feel the hair is too dry ditch the shampoo and co-wash with conditioner only, this will make the hair moist. Balance your conditioners according to the protein and moisture needs of your hair.
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- 4. Limit heat use. Try to avoid using too much heat: use little heat as possible on relaxed hair. When using a blow dryer put the setting on low or medium. The best way to dry the hair is to air dry with a hooded dryer where the heat is not direct. Try roller setting or wrapping the hair instead which gives the hair more body than applying heat.
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| Hair with roller set applied. |
- 5. Moisturise. For relaxed hair use moisturisers that are water based such as S-Curl activator or a really good leave in conditioner.
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| S-Curl activator. |
- 6. Choice of Comb. Use wide tooth combs for relaxed hair instead of thin ones and hard brush bristles.
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| Wide tooth comb |
- 7. Satin. Sleep with a satin scarf on your head or a satin or silk pillowcase to keep the moisture locked into your hair.
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| Silk pillowcase |
8. Stay hydrated. Last but not least, drink plenty of water daily. Also add vitamins to regimen such as Biotin, MSM, Omega 3 Oil or multivitamin for hair growth.
By Mellisa Asamoah
