How do You Take Care of Relaxed Hair so it Grows?

8 Tips to Help You Care For Your Relaxed Hair

When you use a relaxer for your hair, you achieve a permanently straightened state for your hair, this is what is referred to as “relaxed hair”.

Many of us who have chosen to use relaxers on our hair do so because we feel our straightened hair would be easier to manage.

‘Yes my relaxed hair is now easier to manipulate but I need to know the right way to maintain my hair and prevent breakages.’

Honestly, these guidelines have been very helpful and will prevent you  from just using every hair treatment in the salon on your hair.

1. Avoid excessive combing and brushing. This can eventually weaken your hair shaft over time and lead to breakage. So yep your hair is now easy to comb but don’t overdo it.

2. Don’t relax your hair more often than necessary. Inspite of the fact that I have very thick hair I stay off retouching my hair for the most part of the year. Experts recommend three times a year.

3. Make conditioning your hair a priority.

Some conditioners work around the hair shaft detangling it while others go deep into the hair (deep conditioning).

Deep conditioners work with heat because heat makes the

hair shaft swell giving room for the conditioner to penetrate and repair the hair.

4. Moisture makes your hair supple and therefore prevents hair breakages.  Drink enough water and get a good moisturizer. Remember…moisture is not oil.

5. Natural oils like coconut oil and jojoba are great for locking in moisture.

6. Avoid brushes and use wide-toothed combs. There’s really no need to use a brush on your hair except you want split ends.

7. Minimize the use of direct heat on your hair.

I’ve had a situation where after relaxing my hair I put in rollers, went under the dryer and used a flat iron (straightener)… Totally unnecessary! So stay off excessive heat to control hair loss.

8. Maintain a healthy diet.

Your hair has the ability to grow at least sic inches every year so make sure your body is well nourished to accomplish this feat!

Your questions and comments are welcome.

Photo: Pasi Koetle making a statement in her Ankara off shoulder crop top