If you’re like me and have been itching to relax your hair without the hectic process of going to the salon, this article is for you. I know going to the salon is the easier and safer way but hear me out, relaxing your hair at home will save you the costs and time that come with going to the salon. But this does not equal to you risking your scalp and your hair’s health. If you feel like this is too much for you to do alone, it is better to book an appointment and get a professional to do your hair for you. As you get into this journey you need to keep in mind that relaxed hair requires extra time and money compared to normal hair. This is because your relaxed hair will need regular touchups to take care of the new growth. Other than that, you will be good to go.

 If you’ve read our previous articles, you already know how to prep your hair for relaxing. If you haven’t yet, kindly do. This is so that you can get know the prepping routine and avoid causing damage to your hair during this whole process. In this article, we’re taking you through a step-by-step guide on how to relax your hair at home. Otherwise, this process is quite easy because it just involves choosing a relaxer, prepping your hair, applying the relaxer and then removing the relaxer. So let’s get right into it;

Step 1:  Gather your materials

The first step in such an intense process definitely to gather your materials and have them all in one place. Most of the supplies should be readily available at home but you might need to add a few from the local stores. For the relaxer, if it’s your first time, you might have check with your stylist so they can advise on the type of relaxer as well as the specific brand that would work best for your hair type.

The items include;

• Neutralizing shampoo
• Conditioner
• Towels
• Protective cream
• Hair color brush
• Rubber gloves
• Mixing bowl
• Wide-tooth and rattail comb
• Shower cape

Step 2: Do a strand test

Before applying any chemicals on either your skin or your hair, it is very important to do a patch or a strand test respectively. This is to ensure that you’re free from any reactions such as allergic reactions and prevent serious damage. To do a strand test, you need to apply your relaxer to a small section of your hair at least one day before full application. During this time, be sure to frequently check your hair for any sign of irregular reaction.

Step 3: Protect your skin and

Relaxers as you already know are made of several chemicals that can cause damage to both your skin and clothes. Therefore, ensure you try and keep the relaxer away from your face and clothes. One way to do this is by wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands. This will also help you handle the relaxer without having to worry about making a mess. Another way is by using Vaseline or any protective cream and applying it on your hairline, your scalp and around your ears. This will minimize direct contact between the relaxer and your skin.

Step 4: Apply the relaxer

First of all, you will need to mix up the relaxer in a mixing bowl before applying it to your hair. It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions so you mix the chemicals correctly and avoid damaging your hair. Next, divide your hair in sections and ensure you detangle your hair first before application. Then in small sections, use the brush to apply the relaxer to your hair while avoiding your scalp. Finally, use the tail of a rattail comb to smooth the relaxer into each section of your hair.

Once you’re done with the application, ensure you check the time written by the manufacturer in the instructions and set your timer accordingly. Exceeding the set timer might damage your hair by over-processing it.

Step 5: Rinse, wash and condition your hair

Once the timer goes off, rinse your hair to remove the relaxer. Do this with warm water and ensure you rinse out most if not all of the relaxer out. Next, apply conditioner to your hair and cover each section of your hair to help reset the pH of your hair. Afterwards, rinse the conditioner off right away. Finally, use a neutralizing shampoo to halt any chemical that might be remaining in your hair. These three steps should help remove the relaxer completely from your hair.

After washing your hair you can dry it and style it as desired. But be careful not to use too much heat or over-styling as your hair will be sensitive due to damage by the relaxer.