Relaxed Hair Can Be Healthy Too

As of late, it seems as if relaxed hair for black women is getting a terrible reputation in favor of natural locks. As more and more black women make the transition from relaxed hair to the natural state, I have found that the “poor” condition of relaxed hair is repeatedly used as a selling point for pro-natural hairstyles. While there is some truth to hair damage caused by relaxing the hair, the same can be said for braided, colored and natural hairstyles. Poor hair condition is a result of not caring for the hair properly and this is not solely limited to relaxers. I happen to wear a relaxed hair style, and I also happen to have extremely healthy hair.

Caring for relaxed hair doesn’t have to be a terribly complicated matter. My hair regimen is pretty basic and has helped me to consistently yield fabulous results.

1. Avoid over-processing your hair- If you don’t know if you’re hair has been over-processed I would suggest a consultation with your hairstylist. From what I have observed over-processed hair is generally extremely limp and may even be brittle. This can lead to significant breakage and damage. To avoid over processing your hair, I would suggest touch ups at 6-8 week intervals; or longer if your hair can accommodate the longer time frame. Also be sure that you are using a quality relaxer, with the proper strength for your hair type. I personally bounce between Mizani and Affirm hair relaxers. Additionally try to “touch-up” the new growth of hair only as opposed to touching up the already relaxed length.

2. Moisturize- It is extremely important that you maintain moisture to your relaxed hair since our hair is already naturally prone to dryness and chemicals only intensify this. My solution to combat this problem is a weekly deep conditioner, as well as a daily moisturizer. I swear by the Matrix Biolage hair care line. Specifically the Hydrotherapie Aqua-Immersion Hair Cream Masque and the Hydrotherapie Conditioning Balm. These products are essential for me because they maintain the hairs natural moisture as well as strengthen. For daily moisture I like to spray my scalp with Olive Oil spray on an as needed basis.

3. Trimming- This is extremely important. I know a lot of black women don’t like to trim their hair regularly for fear of taking away from the length. Trust me when I say that trimming your hair no less than 6-8 weeks will yield nothing but fabulous results for you. True initial trimming may appear to take away from the length in the beginning but consider how healthy your hair will look and actually become as a result of regular trimmings. I suggest having your stylist trim you hair as opposed to doing it in your bathroom sink to ensure that your hair will grow evenly.

Of course there are tons more tips and advice to give to help ensure that your relaxed hair is a healthy as possible, but I think these three are the most essential and provide the necessary basis to keep your relaxed hair healthy. Relaxed hair can be just as healthy as our hair in its most natural state.