How to Prep Your Hair for Relaxing
- Jan. 19, 2023
- Hair
Hair relaxing is something that has been on the trend for a while now. This has mostly been adopted by my girls with curly or coily hair as relaxers help to permanently straighten hair strands. Relaxers also help you freely enjoy a straighter hairstyle without having to worry about it reverting to its natural state when in contact with water. These chemicals however, might be harsh and can cause damage to your hair by drying it out. Therefore, it is important for you to prepare thoroughly at least a week in advance before getting your hair relaxed.
In this article, we take you through a few helpful things to note before getting your hair relaxed. Here they are:
- Remove extensions and braids
At least a week before you get your hair relaxed, make sure you remove all your hair extensions including weaves and braids. This will help give your scalp a much needed break and allow it to breathe before your hair relaxing appointment. It will also prevent irritation and damage to the scalp.
- Frequently detangle your hair
Detangling your hair regularly on the week leading to your hair appointment will help you prevent scalp irritations. It will also help in evenly applying and coating your hair with the relaxer. However, be gentle as you’re detangling since putting unnecessary stress on your scalp might lead to sensitivity and burning.
- Use protein treatment
Most chemicals put into your hair usually break down the natural proteins causing your hair to feel stringy and dull. Protein masks help to improve the elasticity of hair strands therefore making them stronger and allowing them to withstand chemical treatment. Do this at least a week before your hair appointment to prep your hair and reduce breakage.
- Avoid chemical dyes
Avoid any form of chemical hair dyes at least two weeks before relaxing your hair. This is because the chemical dyes will dry out your scalp and might cause irritation. And relaxing the hair while it’s already dry and irritated can lead to further damage.
- Moisturize your hair
The most important step while prepping for your hair relaxing is moisturizing. This helps prevent your hair from becoming excessively dry since the relaxer will also dry it out. Regularly applying hair food will help restore essential oils, strengthen your hair and also prevent future damage.
- Wash with a clarifying shampoo
Once you’ve detangled your hair, ensure you thoroughly wash it from root to tip with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any sweat, dirt, oil and buildup of products that might be in your scalp. This is because product buildup on your scalp could prevent the relaxer form penetrating your hair evenly therefore making it less effective.
- Avoid strenuous activities
After washing your hair squeaky clean with the clarifying shampoo, the last thing you want is more buildup from sweat. Therefore, try to avoid vigorously working out especially during the week leading to your appointment. Sweating might cause buildup on your scalp which can lead to itching and irritation therefore, making it more sensitive to the relaxer.
- Avoid washing immediately before relaxing
It is advisable to avoid washing your hair or scratching your scalp at least a week before your hair relaxation appointment. The wash with the clarifying shampoo will be enough until your hair relaxation appointment. This is to help your natural hair oils, sebum, to build back up and protect your scalp from the chemicals in the relaxer. The relaxer might cause pain if your scalp is itchy or irritated which will make the whole process uncomfortable. Also avoid using products that might dry out your hair during this period.
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