Taking care of relaxed hair involves a lot of effort and time, most people feel once your hair is relaxed then it can’t be healthy or grow to a long length. Relaxed hair can be very fun and manageable as long as you take care of it and take certain precautions.
Here are some ways to take care of your relaxed hair as well as grow it.
Don’t relax too often: Do not relax your hair every time new growth appears, since relaxing too often causes major damage to the hair and scalp. Relax your hair every 8 to 16 weeks depending on your hair’s needs.
Wash and condition your hair once or twice a week: Try to use mild and gentle shampoo and a very moisturizing conditioner designed for chemically-treated hair. If you have sensitive skin, consider using shampoos that do not contain Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Chemically-treated hair must always be treated with a leave-in conditioner after every wash.
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. Consistently applying straightening chemicals to previously processed hair will eventually lead to damage, breakage and possible permanent hair loss.
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.
Use right products: Invest in a good leave in conditioner and moisturize it on daily basis, find product that will nurture your ends and deep condition every week.
Deep Conditioning: Deep conditioning is great because it allows you to restore all the moisture and nutrients that have been lost. It also gives your hair that extra tender loving care it needs, deep conditioning your hair keeps your it’s cuticle layer flat and properly sealed which keeps your hair looking smooth and shiny. Deep conditioning also locks moisture inside your hair strands, shields the hair from damage and repairs whatever damage it has already sustained.
Castor Oil Scalp Massages: Scalp massages are awesome, scalp massages with castor oil are even better. It stimulates the blood circulation in that area which in turn leads to hair growth. When the scalp is tight from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded the massages do the direct opposite allowing circulation and hair growth. Using castor oil on your scalp is beneficial because it lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos. It also strengthens the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.
Style carefully: Knowing how to care for relaxed hair also involves adequate styling as well, avoid metal and plastic brushes and combs as they can break weakened strands and cause the dry ends to frizz and electrify.
Protective Styling: The best way to grow out your hair is to make sure your ends are protected at all time. Your ends are the oldest and weakest part of your hair, and having them exposed is definitely leading them to breakage. Protective styles are your best friend, buns and up-dos are a go-to protective styles. Braids and weaves are also great protective styles as long as they are done well. However, make sure you don’t keep your braids/weave in for more than 3 months at a time.
Protect your hair: In order to make sure your healthy relaxed hair stays exactly that way protect it at night by either wearing a silk or satin sleeping cap or opting for the same material pillow case. Stay away from rubber bands they will rip your sensitive strands causing split ends.
Drink plenty of water daily: Get enough of rest, eat well, alleviate stress, and exercise regularly (at least 2-3 days per week) to produce the healthiest hair possible. Take a multi-vitamin, Biotin, Omega-3 Oil, and other supplements as needed.
