Q&A for How to Take Care of Relaxed African Hair

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  • Question
    How long do you have to wait to wash your hair after a relaxer?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should wait at least a few days for best results. However, waiting a week is ideal.
  • Question
    How long do you have to wait between relaxers?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Eight weeks is standard for a retouch. You do not want to reapply a relaxer to an area that has already been relaxed; it is very likely to cause breakage.
  • Question
    What does it mean for your hair to be relaxed?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Relaxed hair has been chemically straightened. The chemicals break the bonds in the hair, relaxing the curl pattern.
  • Question
    How long does a relaxer last in your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Relaxers are permanent. In eight weeks, you will have about an inch of regrowth and probably want a touch-up.
  • Question
    What do I use to keep relaxed, grey hair its natural color and not yellow?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    You need to use a purple shampoo because purple cancels out yellow. There are shampoos available for removing yellow from grey hair, specifically for after a relaxer has been applied, but any purple shampoo will work. Check online and your local beauty supply stores.
  • Question
    Is soap fine to wash relaxed hair?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    No, do not use regular soap, such as hand soap or body wash, to shampoo your hair. It is best to use a shampoo for your hair, which is inexpensive and can be purchased at your local beauty supply store.
  • Question
    Are there any specific healthy foods I should eat that will benefit my relaxed hair?
    Karley Snyder
    Community Answer
    Yes! Eat a healthy diet with lots of biotin, protein, zinc, and vitamin A, C, and D. These vitamins help your hair grow strong and healthy. Salmon is rich in vitamin D and protein, eggs contain biotin and omega-3, and avocados have a high concentration of essential fatty acids. In addition, eat sunflowers, almonds, yellow peppers, and sweet potatoes. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, and almonds have a high biotin and protein content. Yellow peppers are rich in vitamin C, and sweet potatoes help retain vitamin A. Include these foods in your meals as often as you can.
  • Question
    How can I stop my hair from breaking?
    Community Answer
    Your hair is most likely very dry. The way to solve this is to moisture your hair twice a day and wear a hair net to bed. Also, use deep-conditioning treatments alongside your normal conditioner. Don't wash your hair too often - no more than once a week until the dryness issue is resolved.
  • Question
    How much hair loss is too much? My hair falls out every time I comb it. How do I know if I'm losing a normal amount of hair?
    Community Answer
    On average, everybody sheds about 100 hair strands a day, but if you're combing and you see big clumps, then that's probably not a good sign. My advice to you is to only detangle after you put a moisturizer in your hair, and when your hair is wet, detangle with conditioner in it and start from the ends to the roots. Keep your hair moisturized 24/7 so it won't shed and break so much. Start finger detangling.
  • Question
    I have not relaxed my hair in almost a year. I would like to do a mild, but I don't want my hair to get super straight as my hair is thin. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Texlaxing would be great. It is leaving the relaxer on for a shorter time, so it won't be bone straight but will have texture.
  • Question
    Is castor oil good for relaxed hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It's very good, especially if you want full thick hair. You can use it as oil treatment.
  • Question
    How do I moisturize the ends of relaxed hair?
    Community Answer
    Use a water-based moisturizer first, then use a natural oil like coconut, grapeseed, and avocado oil, and seal with a crème. Do not use so much that it weighs your hair down but this process moisturizes, helps hair lock to moisturizer, and keeps the moisture in.
  • Question
    Can I alternate between co-washing and shampoo and conditioner?
    Community Answer
    Yes, alternating will ensure that your hair does not get too used to any chemical formula.
  • Question
    Will gel cause hair loss?
    Community Answer
    Some gel products can dry out hair, so if it's left on the hair too long, it depletes moisture. Once moisture is lost, hair can begin breaking and shedding, resulting in hair loss. Gel itself won't cause hair loss but be careful not to overuse it.
  • Question
    Is it okay to relax my hair if I co-washed it a week ago?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it should be fine. Co-washing a week ago should not have any effect on how well the relaxer takes.
  • Question
    After I relaxed my hair with S Curl, I realized there was one part that didn't get done properly. Can I reapply product to the missed parts?
    aDeja Nelson
    Community Answer
    No. It can damage the hair further by over-processing the parts around it.
  • Question
    Is there any natural home remedy i can use?
    Community Answer
    After hair washing, in place of a drugstore conditioner, use Hellman's Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip dressing for a deep conditioning. Just apply generously to wet hair and cover with a plastic cap. Sit under a dryer for 20 to 45 minutes or for up to a couple of hours without a dryer. If hair is really damaged, you can leave it in overnight for ultimate conditioning. Rinse and style as usual.
  • Question
    What is a good hair relaxer that I can use?
    Community Answer
    I recommend Dark & Lovely. It relaxes faster than all the other relaxers, and it doesn't burn.
  • Question
    It is safe to do a clay mask and a protein treatment on the same day?
    Karley Snyder
    Community Answer
    Yes. For best results, use the clay mask before you use a protein treatment. The clay mask will strip your hair to create curls, and the protein treatment will replenish your hair of lost nutrients.
  • Question
    How can I prevent split ends on relaxed hair?
    Community Answer
    Trim your hair often. Also, don't make too many changes to your hairstyle. The more changes and treatments you make, the more damaged your hair becomes.
  • Question
    How do I keep curls in my hair?
    Community Answer
    Get a perm for curls. A perm is for permanent curls and relaxer will give you permanent straight hair.
  • Question
    Is shea butter good for relaxed hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, along with Jamaican Castor oil and coconut oil. They are especially good for dry hair.
  • Question
    Can I safely relax my hair and then set it with rollers?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    Can I use rice water to make my hair grow?
    Community Answer
    Yes, rinsing or washing your hair with rice water will improve manageability and prevent any future damage. Besides, the amino acids in the rice water strengthen the hair roots, add volume and make hair silky smooth.
  • Question
    Is this rice water really working on hair growth?
    Community Answer
    Yes it does. Rice water has so many nutrients that are good for your hair.
  • Question
    What can I do if my relaxed hair only lasted a week?
    Karley Snyder
    Community Answer
    If your relaxer did not last a while, you should deep condition your hair. Apply a deep conditioning cream, and let it sit on your hair for 30-45 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly with water afterwards. In addition, you can get a protein treatment to revitalize your hair. Even though the relaxer didn't work well, you should still wait about 8 weeks before you relax your hair again to prevent further damage.
  • Question
    Is olive oil safe for relaxed hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is. It's a natural oil that's used to moisturize the hair and prevent damage and breakage.
  • Question
    How can I get my relaxed hair to have body?
    Community Answer
    Wrap and set your hair with a wrapping lotion. Alternatively, roller set it. When you go to sleep at night, wrap it dry and tie it down with a silk scarf. This should help give your hair some body!
  • Question
    Can African hair stay healthy without braiding for a year?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you take care of it. It's also good because it's not pulling on your scalp as much and it's always good to let your hair breathe.
  • Question
    Can I use protein on new growth while stretching my relaxer?
    Community Answer
    Your new growth is the healthiest and strongest part of your hair. By using protein too often on the new growth you risk causing protein overload, resulting in dry brittle hair. Instead, use moisture on the new growth and keep the protein focused on the relaxed ends. Tip: Do the protein test mentioned from root to tip the week before your relaxer.
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