Hair relaxers have long been a beauty staple, but what exactly does relaxing hair mean? Simply put, relaxing hair involves using the same chemicals used for perms. refers to hair that has been chemically straightened. These products work by breaking down the natural bonds within the hair, combing it straight, and allowing the new texture to settle in.
“When you apply a sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide relaxer, it breaks down disulfide bonds. Disulfide bonds are chemical bonds that hold hair’s protein structure and contribute to hair’s natural properties,” says the Beverly Hills-based company. explains stylist Jennifer Thomas. Once broken, it cannot be repaired and the hair becomes permanently straight. ”
Advantages and disadvantages of relaxed hair
Relaxed hair is easier to manage and style, especially hair that is naturally curly or has a coiled texture. Daily maintenance requires significantly less time and effort, and once styled, styles tend to hold longer. “Another big benefit is that relaxed hair doesn’t revert back to its natural texture even when exposed to humid or rainy weather,” says Todd Edwards, Master Stylist at Purple Door Salon. This makes it a popular choice for those looking for a stylish, low-maintenance look.
However, Edwards points out that relaxed hair comes with potential drawbacks, especially if it’s not properly cared for. “Relaxed hair is more prone to breakage and dryness if relaxer is not applied enough or if maintenance is neglected.” To maintain the health of relaxed hair, regular deep conditioning, protein Treatment and quarterly trimming are essential. Additionally, the line between relaxed and natural hair is especially fragile, so it’s important to keep retouching to treat new growth. “It’s important to continue these treatments to keep relaxed hair strong and healthy,” explains the stylist.
How to care for relaxed hair
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Relaxed hair is more delicate and requires special care to prevent damage and maintain vitality. Below, our experts share some important steps to keep relaxed hair healthy and bouncy while preventing common problems associated with relaxed hair.
deep conditioning
Moisture plays an important role in maintaining healthy and relaxed hair. Regular use of leave-in conditioners and nourishing oils is essential to keeping your hair moisturized, soft, and manageable. “Deep conditioning treatments are also important to moisturize and hydrate, restore elasticity and prevent dryness and breakage,” says Edwards. These treatments can significantly improve the overall condition of your hair and make it less susceptible to damage.
In addition to moisturizing, incorporating a protein treatment into your routine every few weeks is beneficial to strengthen your hair. These treatments help replenish lost keratin, which is essential for maintaining hair structure and elasticity. However, too much protein can make your hair dry and stiff, so it’s important to balance protein and moisture to avoid brittleness.
regular trim
To effectively manage and prevent split ends, aim for regular trims every 8 to 12 weeks. This not only eliminates damaged hair ends but also promotes healthy growth.
heat protectant
It’s equally important to treat relaxed hair properly, as factors like heat styling and rough handling can lead to increased damage. To protect your hair from potential damage, always use a high-quality heat protectant when styling.
Prevent overprocessing
To maintain relaxed hair, it’s important to have relaxer touch-ups every 8 to 12 weeks. This will help prevent overlap and breakage that can occur if you apply the relaxer too often or incorrectly. As Thomas points out, “If not done properly, over time, the ends of your hair can become overly straight and stiff compared to the midsection and tips of your hair.” Root area. ” Therefore, it is important that stylists carefully manage the treatment of the ends to maintain a healthy balance throughout the hair.
How often to moisturize relaxed hair
When caring for your hair at home, it’s important to adjust your routine depending on the condition of your hair. “If your hair feels dry or brittle, you may need to moisturize more often,” Edwards says, adding that you should typically moisturize every two to three days. Recommended. Maintaining proper moisture balance is also important to keep relaxed hair soft and manageable. Light, water-based leave-in conditioners and creams are effective at hydrating your hair without weighing it down.
Edwards emphasizes the importance of locking in moisture with light oils and serums to stay hydrated throughout the day. “I love using lightweight moisturizing products like coconut soufflé,” he shares. “When clients visit the salon, we always recommend deep conditioning or steam treatments for maximum hydration.”
How to transition from relaxed hair to natural hair
With the right approach, the transition from relaxed to natural hair can go smoothly. One effective method is to put your hair in a chic updo or ponytail, which can help hide differences in texture, says Thomas. Alternatively, she suggests blow-drying or pressing the new growth to achieve a smooth, even look that blends in with the relaxed area. Braids are also a great option.
Another approach is the big chop, where you gradually cut off the relaxed ends of your natural hair as it grows. Edwards emphasizes that this method allows for a fresh start while maintaining a stylish look during the transition period.
