How Often Should You Wash Relaxed Hair?

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Your relaxed hair looks gorgeous, but how do you wash it? With the right routine, your relaxed style can look great from day one to touch-up. Your hair doesn't need much washing, but it does thirst for moisture. Fortunately, we’ve answered all the hottest questions about how to wash your relaxed hair.

Question 1 of 5:

How long after a relaxer can I wash my hair?

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    Don't shampoo your hair right away because it'll dry out your hair more, leaving it brittle. [1] The chemicals in a relaxer break down your hair to change its texture, which leaves your hair really dry and prone to damage. [2] Shampooing your hair too early will strip more of the moisture away. [3]
    • This is really a personal choice. If your scalp doesn’t feel dirty, go ahead and delay washing your hair a few extra days. [4] It's okay to go as long as 10 days before shampooing your scalp. [5]
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Question 2 of 5:

How many times a week should you wash relaxed hair?

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    Designate one day a week for shampooing your hair. [6] Pick a shampoo that’s formulated for relaxed hair that doesn't contain any alcohol. [7] Rinse it out completely so the shampoo doesn’t dry out your hair. [8]
    • For example, you might wash your hair every Saturday.
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    Use a conditioner that’s formulated for relaxed hair. Alternatively, do a deep conditioning treatment or oil treatment after shampooing your hair to add back moisture. [9]
    • Follow the directions on your deep conditioner or oil treatment so it works like it’s designed.
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    Don’t use a brush on wet hair because it’ll cause damage. Start by spraying your hair with a leave-in product. Then, carefully pick out tangles or knots with a wide-tooth comb, working from your ends up to your roots. [10]
    • Pick a leave-in conditioner that’s labeled for use on relaxed hair for best results. Follow the directions on your product to apply it.
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Question 3 of 5:

How do you take care of relaxed hair every day?

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    Choose a brush that’s designed for textured or relaxed hair. Gently brush your hair, starting at the ends, to smooth it out. Don’t brush your hair unless it’s tangled because overbrushing can cause split ends and breakage. [11]
    • For instance, you might brush your hair in the morning to style it.
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    Fold the hair scarf into a triangle, then place the folded edge along the nape of your neck at your hairline. Pull the sides of the scarf forward and tie a big knot at the top of your forehead. Tug the tip of the triangle forward so that the scarf is tight, then wrap the sides around the back of your head and knot them at the nape of your neck. Tuck the tip of the triangle up into the wrapped scarf to complete the wrap. [12]
    • Don’t wrap your hair too tightly. Just secure it well enough to keep it in place while you workout.
    • If you put your hair in a ponytail, it's okay to use a sweatband to wick away sweat and keep your edges in place. [13]
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    Wrap your hair just like you would for working out. Position your scarf or bonnet so that it’s not rubbing against your hairline, which can lead to hair loss. Then, carefully wrap and secure it. Make sure your scarf feels comfortable. If it doesn’t, re-wrap it before going to bed. [14]
    • You can also sleep in a silk bonnet if that’s more comfortable to you. However, a scarf helps keep your hair straighter.
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Question 4 of 5:

How do you keep relaxed hair healthy?

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    [15] Coat your hair with deep conditioner or oil from the ends to near your scalp. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer set to low heat if you can. Allow the treatment to sit for 30 to 45 minutes, then rinse it out. [16]
    • It’s okay to use oil treatments weekly if you prefer. Since relaxed hair is drier, you might want to add more moisture.
    • Keep the product off of your scalp because it can cause oiliness.
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    Don’t use heat unless it’s really necessary because your hair is more susceptible to damage after a relaxer. [17] Additionally, choose tools that have ceramic plates because they’re less damaging to hair. If you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant to your hair before you style it. This will help protect your locks and may even make your hair look shinier. [18]
    • Since your hair is relaxed, it should look soft and smooth without the use of heat styling tools.
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    Make regular appointments with your stylist to trim your ends. [19] This keeps your hair looking soft and smooth because your ends won’t be damaged.
    • You might think getting trims would prevent your hair from growing long, but it actually helps you get more length. If you don’t trim split ends, your hair will keep splitting up the shaft, causing more breakage. [20]
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Question 5 of 5:

How often should relaxed hair be touched up?

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    Frequency of touch-ups depends on your hair type and growth speed. Talk to your stylist to find out when they recommend a touch-up. Then, schedule your appointments in advance. [21]
    • You’ll need more touch-ups if your hair grows quickly, it’s very textured, or you sweat a lot. Follow their advice to help your hair look its best. [22]
    • If you relax your hair at home, apply the relaxer to only your new growth. Don’t put relaxer on already treated hair because it’ll cause damage.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I wash my relaxed hair everyday?
    Mindy Nguyen
    Holistic Cosmetologist
    Mindy Nguyen is a Holistic Cosmetologist and the Owner and Founder of Mai Blossom Organic Salon, an organic hair salon in San Diego, California. With more than 35 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in combining Eastern philosophies with Western science to provide organic hair coloring and holistic hair styling.
    Mindy Nguyen
    Holistic Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    That's not a great idea. You definitely don't want to over-wash relaxed hair or else you might dry it out.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • Wait a week or 2 after getting your hair relaxed to put your hair in a protective style. You need to apply moisture treatments to your hair a few times before you style it. [23]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://blackhairinformation.com/by-type/relaxed-hair/just-relaxed-now-what/
      2. ↑ Mindy Nguyen. Holistic Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 8 October 2021.
      3. ↑ https://hairstylist101.com/how-to-take-care-of-relaxed-hair-and-make-it-grow/
      4. ↑ Mindy Nguyen. Holistic Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 8 October 2021.
      5. ↑ https://blackhairinformation.com/by-type/relaxed-hair/just-relaxed-now-what/
      6. ↑ https://blackhairinformation.com/by-type/relaxed-hair/just-relaxed-now-what/
      7. ↑ https://hairstylist101.com/how-to-take-care-of-relaxed-hair-and-make-it-grow/
      8. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/everything-to-know-about-keeping-relaxed-hair-healthy-summer/
      9. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/everything-to-know-about-keeping-relaxed-hair-healthy-summer/
      1. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/relaxed/top-tools-every-girl-relaxed-hair-should-own/
      2. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/relaxed/top-tools-every-girl-relaxed-hair-should-own/#167829
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=93&v=Hn-c5H0PQmU&feature=youtu.be
      4. ↑ https://www.ellecanada.com/beauty/hair/how-to-keep-black-hair-healthy-while-working-out
      5. ↑ https://www.bet.com/style/beauty/2017/12/13/sleeping-beauties--who-s-team-bonnet-vs--team-scarf.html
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/hair-care/african-american
      7. ↑ https://blackhairinformation.com/by-type/relaxed-hair/just-relaxed-now-what/
      8. ↑ https://beautywaymag.com/how-long-after-a-relaxer-can-i-color-my-hair/
      9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/hair-care/african-american
      10. ↑ https://hairstylist101.com/how-to-take-care-of-relaxed-hair-and-make-it-grow/
      11. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/everything-to-know-about-keeping-relaxed-hair-healthy-summer/
      12. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/hair-care/african-american
      13. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/everything-to-know-about-keeping-relaxed-hair-healthy-summer/
      14. ↑ https://www.essence.com/hair/everything-to-know-about-keeping-relaxed-hair-healthy-summer/
      15. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/hair-care/african-american

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      • Blessing Adjei

        Nov 17, 2021

        "I now know you shouldn't get a protective style immediately after a relaxer and it has helped me."
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