In order to get a straighter, sleeker look, hair relaxer is used on hair that is naturally curly or wavy.Caution should be used when relaxing hair because of the chemicals used.Prepare your hair, apply a relaxer, remove it, and then use a haircare routine.
Step 1: If you have a sensitive scalp, you should get a no-lye relaxer.
There are two main types of relaxers.The no-lye is less painful and irritating than the other two, so it should be used by people with sensitive scalps.No-lye relaxers can dry out the hair.If you don't have sensitive scalps, you should use a relaxer.
Step 2: Normal to thick, coarse hair can be relaxed with a strength relaxer.
Different relaxers have different strengths.The strength of the relaxer depends on the thickness and texture of your hair.A strength relaxer should work for most.If your hair is damaged, you should get a relaxer with mild strength.If you have thick, coarse hair, you can use a strength relaxer.Proper use of relaxers can cause breakage, so make sure to apply it as directed.
Step 3: The relaxer directions can be read.
Make sure you understand the directions on your relaxer kit.Relaxing your hair can be dangerous.Carefully reading the instructions and warnings will ensure your own safety.
Step 4: Before relaxing your hair, don't wash it or scratch it.
If your hair is already irritated, applying relaxer will be painful.It is best to not wash your hair or scratch your head for at least a week leading up to application.If you scratch your head, the relaxer will make you sleepy.
Step 5: Wear gloves and a cape.
Chemicals that can harm your skin and possibly damage your clothes are what you will be working with.Before handling the relaxer, you should get a hairdresser's cape and plastic gloves.
Step 6: In case of spills, get out a couple of towels.
If you have spills, keep a towel or two on hand.It is best to clean spills up immediately if you are dealing with chemicals.
Step 7: The base cream should be applied to the hair.
If you want to protect your skin from relaxer, apply a base cream directly to the scalp.Put the base on your hair in multiple places.The base should be applied to your hair and ears as well.It is also a good base option.
Step 8: Divide your hair into sections.
Divide your hair by using a comb.Attach the sections with plastic hair clips or rubber bands.Don't use hair ties or clips that have metal.
Step 9: The product can be put in a bowl.
There are chemicals that need to be mixed with hair relaxer to complete the process.Put your gloves on and mix the product in a plastic bowl.
Step 10: The relaxer should be applied to the new growth.
A small section of hair that is no more than 12 inch (1.3 cm) thick can be obtained by using your comb or the opposite end of your brush.Carefully coat your new growth with the relaxer.Continue until you apply it to every section.If you have never applied relaxer before, you will ruin your hair.You should only apply it to your roots if you have.Don't get the relaxer on your head.The relaxer should not be applied to the parts of your hair that are not new.You may cause damage by over-processing the hair.
Step 11: Apply relaxer to your nape.
You want to make sure you don't over-process the relaxer along the hairline because people will see it first.Wait to apply relaxer to the nape of your neck because the hair here tends to process more quickly.Over-processing can result in broken things.
Step 12: Use the back of a comb to smooth the growth.
Go back over the hair that you applied relaxer to.To smooth out the hair, use the back of a comb.Don't comb the hair.
Step 13: The timer should be set for 10 or 15 minutes.
Different relaxers need different amounts of time, so they need to be left on.The box tells you to set a timer.Follow the instructions.It is more attractive to take the relaxer off when you are supposed to because your hair will have some body.It can damage your hair if you leave it on too long.
Step 14: For at least 7 minutes, wash your hair.
When the time is over, rinse the relaxer with hot water.It is important to get as much product out of your hair as possible.Don't rinse for less than 5 minutes.
Step 15: Make sure your hair is in good condition.
After rinsing, massage a regular conditioner into your wet hair and then rinse it out.The pH level of your hair will return to normal.It is important to wash the hair while it is open.When the cuticle is open, the conditioner will work more effectively.
Step 16: You should wash your hair.
You can stop the chemical process by washing your hair.This will remove the relaxer from your hair.
Step 17: You should wash and style your hair.
If you don't want to use a hair dryer, spray a heat protectant on your hair and blow it dry.You can finish styling your hair as you please.Straighten the look with a flat iron.
Step 18: Every 10 weeks, relax your roots.
If you want to keep the relaxed look, you need to apply the relaxer every 10 weeks.Make sure you only apply relaxer to your new growth when you do this.You will damage your hair.
Step 19: Take care of your hair.
Relaxers tend to dry out hair.Take care of your hair with leave-in conditioners and deep-penetrating light oils.You can deep condition your hair with a mask.
Step 20: Use a sulfate-free cleanser.
Sulfate strips your hair of its natural oils, which dries it out.If you want to keep your hair moist, make sure to use a sulfate-free cleanser.
Step 21: It's a good idea to get your hair trimmed every few months.
When you relax your hair, the ends become porous and fragile, which can cause you to get split ends.If you notice that your ends are starting to look tired, then you should get your hair trimmed at least every 6 weeks.
Step 22: Don't use heat styling tools.
Flat irons and curling irons can weaken your hair, making it more prone to break and become damaged.Limit your use of heat styling tools as much as possible.