I don’t know about you, but my very first relaxer was done in my kitchen by my mother, who is not a licensed cosmetologist.
I do think that going to a salon and letting a professional relax your hair is the best option, however, if you need a touch-up but don’t have the funds to pay a stylist, you can safely relax your hair at home by following these tips:
1. Have All Supplies Available
Most relaxer home kits tell you which supplies you’ll need, and much of what you need comes right in the box. Take a good look at your supply list and have everything within reach. The time to have an old towel on hand to wipe up any spills is not after the spill happens.
2. Strand Test
This is especially important if this is your first time relaxing your hair or using a new brand of relaxer. It’s even possible to suddenly develop an allergy to a product you’ve used for years, so take the extra few moments and do a strand test before applying a relaxer all over your head.
3. Protect Your Scalp and Skin
Some women burn from a lye relaxer application, but don’t suffer any ill effects from a no-lye product. It’s still a good idea to protect your scalp, hairline, ears and neck from the chemicals. Some box kits contain a petroleum jelly* protectant, while others don’t. If you have a jar of Vaseline* handy, dab it on the listed areas, including your scalp parts, to minimize irritation.
4. Small Sections
For the best results, work in small, 1/2-inch to one-inch sections of hair. Big chunks won’t relax evenly, leaving you with a less-than-desirable outcome. Using the tail end of a rattail comb* to separate small partings (be careful not to scratch your scalp doing this) will net you better results.
5. Rinse
Once your processing time is up, you must rinse as much of the relaxer out before using a neutralizing shampoo.
Don’t worry about the water bill because you need to rinse as thoroughly as possible. This will take a minimum of several minutes. The more you rinse away before shampooing, the less chemicals you have to neutralize.
Comment below if you still relax at home and if so what tips did I miss?
Don’t relax my own hair anymore kept messing it up
Agreed
More stuff on ok? like = agree
Hello you didnt add the mirror. Very Very handy if you are going to do the relaxing all by yourself. I have found out that when am free my friends, stylists or relatives aren’t just available. How will you do it? wait? I process on my own. It will also take alot of practice and patience. however, in additon to all the items you need as listed in your article I think you may need to ‘gym’ your arms!!
Bye, from Sarah
No
Absolutely not…so archaic
Not
In thinking about it next year. I’ve been natural 5 years and my hair refuse to grow.
Use a keratin treatment to change your curl patterns. Please don’t relax. It’s much milder
I’ve never heard of this. I’ll research this. It wouldn’t hurt to try.
Everyones hair grows. It means u have not yet found how to retain your length. There is plenty of vids on that that could help u
I was natural 4 years and it was extremely difficult I just went back to relaxing.
I wear a short cut and because of my curly hair I get a perm to get the look I want and keep my sides straight
Left the creamy hair crack over 5 years ago and never looked back
Yup I do my hair is healthy I have all my edges and my hair is past my bra strap in the back
Yes
Yes, I do.
Team relaxed, long, and healthy 100%
Sure Do… I stretch…..
I relax. My hair is still healthy and strong. I use box relaxers that I do myself.