Q&A for How to Apply a Hair Relaxer

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  • Question
    What should I do if I just want to grow my hair naturally?
    Ndeye Anta Niang
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Expert Answer
    Keep your hair clean and wash it regularly. Deep condition your hair every once a week or so and use a detangler to keep your hair from knotting up. Protect your hair when you go to bed if you have braids by wrapping it up in a ponytail or scarf. Other than that, just take it easy with the heat and don't overdo it with the product!
  • Question
    How long should you leave a relaxer 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
    This depends on your hair texture. Coarse hair can take a slightly longer processing time, but you should never leave it on for longer than 15 minutes and this time starts when you begin the application.
  • Question
    How often are you supposed to relax 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
    You should never overlap a relaxer, that is, don't apply it to previously relaxed hair. You should touch up the roots every 8-12 weeks.
  • Question
    What is the best hair relaxer cream to use at home?
    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
    Motions, Miziani, and Dark & Lovely are all great relaxers that you can use at home.
  • Question
    Can I color my hair right after relaxing it?
    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
    Yes, you can you can relax and color your hair in the same day. However, you should avoid using a permanent color on top of a relaxer.
  • Question
    Does this work on frizzy hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this will work on frizzy hair.
  • Question
    How soon after can I use a permanent hair dye?
    Community Answer
    Wait at least a few weeks after coloring, because permanent hair dye tends to strip your hair, which makes its dry and brittle.
  • Question
    Can I use a leftover relaxer if it's two days old?
    Community Answer
    No. You should dispose of any leftover product after each use. If the first attempt didn't fully straighten the hair, wait 2 to 6 weeks to try again, focusing on those problem areas.
  • Question
    Can hair relaxers affect my baby when I am pregnant?
    Community Answer
    Talk to your doctor before using any type of chemical relaxer because certain formulas may affect your baby.
  • Question
    Can I blow dry my hair after relaxing it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you will need to rinse the relaxer out completely first. Once you have it rinsed out, you can blow dry your hair.
  • Question
    Do I have to dry my hair?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't. It depends on your styling preferences. If you are doing a rollers, you wouldn't blow-dry because you'd want the curls to come out bouncy and nice.
  • Question
    Can my hair be relaxed after coloring?
    Community Answer
    It would be better to color your hair 2 to 4 weeks after relaxing it. The chemicals in the relaxer may strip the color in your hair, and you may have to recolor it.
  • Question
    How can I get salon results at home?
    Community Answer
    You probably won't ever be able to get full salon results as those people are professionals who work with hair day in and day out, but you can do your best by ensuring you have all of the proper materials and following any relevant steps exactly. If hair relaxers begin to irritate your scalp, rinse it immediately and apply a neutralizing shampoo to restore your hair.
  • Question
    Can I leave it in for 1 hour?
    Community Answer
    No, your hair will break/fall out. Read the instructions carefully for home relaxers or go to a reputable salon
  • Question
    My hair is all white. If I use a relaxer, will it change my hair color?
    Community Answer
    No, using a relaxer will not affect your hair color.
  • Question
    What do I do to my relaxer after washing it?
    Community Answer
    Blow dry it and coat it with essential oil like coconut oil, castor oil or jojoba oil. Make sure the blow dryer is on medium.
  • Question
    How long should the relaxer be in my hair?
    Community Answer
    Each product comes with a chart that shows the time needed for your type of hair.
  • Question
    How long will it take for my hair to get back to normal after I relax it?
    Community Answer
    It never goes completely back to normal. You'll have to wait for new growth and cut off the relaxed ends.
  • Question
    Is it okay to comb the relaxer through my hair instead of using my fingers?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you should only use a wide-toothed comb.
  • Question
    Is it okay to apply hair treatment chemicals immediately after relaxing my hair?
    Community Answer
    No, this is not recommended as it can cause your hair to become extremely dry.
  • Question
    What if relaxer does not work all the way the first time I apply it to my natural hair?
    Community Answer
    Wait 2-6 weeks before relaxing it again, you need to give it some time to breathe.
  • Question
    After I use a hair relaxer, how long do I have to wait to dye my hair?
    Community Answer
    You should wait at least a week after applying a relaxer to dye your hair.
  • Question
    What happens if I iron my hair after washing off the hair relaxer?
    Community Answer
    I've tried this, and as far as I'm concerned, nothing bad happens. If your hair starts to get kinky again a little while after relaxing it, or if you missed some spots, you can flat iron it to correct that. Just make sure to wash the relaxer out completely.
  • Question
    I have short, straight, erect hair. Will a relaxer make my hair flowy and droopy?
    Community Answer
    No, use oils instead. Doing this will only make it worse with your straightened hair.
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