Somebody with fine strands may need minutes to get a texlaxed effect and just 5 minutes more would relax it bone straight. Figuring out the timing helps you know how much work time you really have with the chemical in you hair.
This in turn will help you make the decision to perhaps apply the chemical in sections, rinsing and neutralizing each section thoroughly before applying it to the next section. Going objectively by reviews or subjectively by word of mouth from other relaxed people, narrow down the brand you wish to try.
You will notice that the relaxer will include a timing chart in the instructions. Pick the lowest time listed for your strand test. There will be time to correct this later if the time is not enough. Separate a very small section of hair in an inconspicuous area. You may want to avoid the nape area because many of us have softer, finer strands with a looser texture at the nape.
Apply a small amount of the relaxer and process for the recommended time using the timing chart on the instructions. You can reduce the time by a third or more if you are looking to texlax instead of relaxing bone straight. Rinse and neutralize the section of hair and assess the results. Are you happy with the texture and degree of curl reduction or straightening? If you are not satisfied, then reapply the relaxer for a few more minutes according to the timing chart provided in the relaxer box.
If you have already used the highest timing for this particular strength of relaxer, then you have to repeat the strand test on a new piece of hair with the next strength up. If you are happy with the results then test a individual strand of the processed hair by gently stretching it.
If it breaks easily, the hair is over-processed and you have to reduce your timing. If it is satisfactory then you can go ahead and relax the rest of your hair. Congratulations, you now know the strength of formula and timing that your hair needs for that particular brand. Now stick with that brand and strength for all your subsequent touch ups. Keep the little processed strand of hair in a braid or twist so that you can remember to avoid getting relaxer on it again.
Pick a brand and stick with it. If you ever need to change the brand in the future, or you notice that your regular brand has changed its formula then you will have to go through the process of performing a strand test all over again.
Lye relaxers will usually give you straighter hair, but they also have the capacity to do more damage. Sodium hydroxide is the chemical used in lye relaxers while no lye relaxers use calcium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide.
If not used with adequate protection, Lye can cause chemical burns on the scalp. But, when used correctly, it can leave the hair straight, moisturized and soft.
No lye relaxers are typically milder than lye formulas, as they have a lower pH balance but the are also prone to leaving calcium deposits on the hair shaft which make it more difficult for moisture to penetrate. If you have sensitive skin, then a no-lye formula is for you, otherwise you can give a lye product a try to see if you hair does well with it.
The following relaxers are the highest rated relaxers on the market and are available in both Lye and No lye formulas. Deb is a newbie to the world of healthy hair care. As she embarked on her healthy hair journey, she chronicles her progress through her personal blog.
Although she has relaxed hair, her articles are targeted towards all women striving for a more healthy, prettiful self. Visit her blog here at Prettiful Me. Did you know that Prose has formulas for chemically treated hair, too? Get started with your consultation here. A storyteller by nature, her work frames urban life, fashion, and beauty around specific histories and cultures.
In addition to writing, Amber also styles and conceptualizes fashion shoots. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My relaxed hair dry out so fast and gets frizzy.
I take multiple meds, blood thinners, thyroid meds, station, fluid pills, gerd, Zoloft and klonipin. Thank you for you amazing intel. I for one have battled dry, brittle, proned to damage hair for years. Upon recently applying a relaxer at home myself.
I had a few oils on hand but decided to use Argan oil. Your information is totally spot on and very detailed. I had to look to make sure you were black LOL. Keep up with all the latest hair trends, tips, expert advice and stories from At Length.
Amber Alston. October 25, Share on facebook. Share on twitter. Share on pinterest. What is a relaxer? Schedule a weekly wash Relaxed hair should be washed at least once a week, especially during warmer months when sun, chlorine and saltwater can negatively impact chemically treated locs. Use an oil Relaxers straighten the hair but weaken the hair shaft. Heat tools are fine for occasional use, but try to get into the habit of low or no-heat styling when you can.
Examples of styling techniques that don't require a lot of heat include:. Protective hairdos keep your hair's ends up and out of sight, which allows them to retain moisture, which in turn leads to healthier hair.
This isn't to say that your mane always needs to be up and out of sight; after all, if you have long, healthy, straightened locks, part of enjoying them is showing them off, right? Try any of these hairstyles that don't need to have ends "bumped" or curled:.
Not only does wrapping your hair at night save you time in the morning, but it also protects your delicate tresses while sleeping, especially if you add in extra protection in the form of a silk hair cover or pillowcase. Wrap your hair into a doobie with a brush or comb, molding your hair to the shape of your head. This preserves body and volume in a low-maintenance fashion that requires absolutely no heat.
You also won't need to "bump" your ends with a curling or flat iron, so this heatless setting method is gentle on the most delicate part of your mane. Instead of using greasy, petrolatum-laden products which don't actually moisturize the hair but only coat it, rely on good-quality conditioners and moisturizers to maintain proper moisture levels for your hair follicle.
Follow each shampoo with a rinse-out conditioner and deep condition two to four times per month, depending on your hair's needs. The ends of your hair can become excessively dry if not cared for properly. They're the oldest and most fragile parts of your hair and they need to be treated with extreme care. However, they're not going to last forever, so it's better to get rid of split and dry ends sooner rather than later.
The longer you keep them, the more your split ends will travel—all the way up to the hair follicle. If you routinely pamper your hair and observe other good practices, you'll need to trim less often than someone who flat irons daily or never deep conditions.
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