If you have thick curly hair, you may be looking for ways to relax it and make it more manageable. Relaxing your hair can help make it easier to style and maintain, but it's important to do it safely and correctly. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to relax your thick curly hair.
Table of Contents
- Section 1: What is hair relaxing?
- Section 2: How to relax thick curly hair
- Section 3: Tips for maintaining relaxed hair
- Section 4: FAQs about hair relaxing
- Section 5: Hair care for relaxed hair
Section 1: What is hair relaxing?
Hair relaxing is a process that uses chemicals to break down the natural curl pattern in hair, making it easier to straighten and style. There are two types of hair relaxers: lye and no-lye. Lye relaxers are more harsh and can cause scalp irritation, while no-lye relaxers are gentler but may not provide as long-lasting results.
Section 2: How to relax thick curly hair
Step 1: Prep your hair
Before you begin the relaxing process, make sure your hair is clean and free of any styling products. You may want to deep condition your hair a few days before relaxing to help protect it from damage.
Step 2: Apply the relaxer
Follow the instructions on the relaxer kit carefully, and be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Apply the relaxer to your hair in sections, starting at the back and working your way forward. Be careful not to apply the relaxer to your scalp, as this can cause irritation.
Step 3: Rinse and neutralize
After the recommended time has passed, rinse the relaxer out of your hair thoroughly with warm water. Then, apply the neutralizing shampoo that comes with the kit to stop the chemical process. Rinse your hair again with warm water.
Step 4: Condition your hair
After relaxing your hair, it's important to condition it well to help repair any damage and keep it healthy. Use a deep conditioner and leave it on for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
Section 3: Tips for maintaining relaxed hair
Once you've relaxed your hair, there are a few things you can do to help maintain it and keep it healthy.
- Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
- Avoid using heat styling tools too often, as this can cause damage.
- Protect your hair from the sun and chlorine by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner.
Section 4: FAQs about hair relaxing
Q: How often should I relax my hair?
A: It's best to wait at least 8 weeks between relaxers to give your hair time to recover and avoid over-processing.
Q: Can I relax my hair at home?
A: Yes, you can relax your hair at home, but it's important to follow the instructions carefully and take necessary precautions to avoid damage or injury.
Q: Will relaxing my hair make it permanently straight?
A: No, relaxing your hair will only break down the natural curl pattern. Your hair will still have some texture, but it will be easier to straighten and manage.
Section 5: Hair care for relaxed hair
Whether you've relaxed your hair at home or at a salon, it's important to take good care of it to keep it healthy and looking its best.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair gently.
- Avoid using tight hair ties or clips that can cause breakage.
- Protect your hair from heat styling tools by using a heat protectant spray.
- Trim your ends regularly to prevent split ends.
With these tips and techniques, you can relax your thick curly hair safely and effectively, and enjoy a more manageable, stylish look. Just remember to take care of your hair and give it the attention it needs to stay healthy and beautiful.
