Relaxing your hair is a significant chemical process that permanently alters its structure. While it can provide sleek, straight strands, it’s crucial to prepare your hair properly to minimize damage and maximize the health and longevity of your relaxed style. This comprehensive guide outlines everything you should do in the week leading up to your relaxer appointment to ensure the best possible results.
Understanding the Relaxing Process and Its Impact
Before diving into the preparation steps, it’s essential to grasp what relaxers do to your hair. Relaxers work by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair’s cortex, the layer responsible for its curl pattern. This process weakens the hair, making it more susceptible to breakage, dryness, and damage if not handled correctly. Therefore, pre-relaxer preparation is not merely a suggestion, but a necessity for maintaining healthy, relaxed hair.
Week-Long Hair Care Routine for Optimal Relaxer Results
The week leading up to your relaxer should be dedicated to strengthening, moisturizing, and protecting your hair. This involves implementing a strategic regimen that addresses potential weaknesses and fortifies your strands against the chemical treatment.
Focus on Deep Conditioning and Hydration
Hydration is key to healthy relaxed hair. A week before your relaxer, amp up your deep conditioning routine.
Consider incorporating deep conditioning treatments 2-3 times during this week. Opt for deep conditioners that are rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and honey. These ingredients penetrate the hair shaft, replenishing moisture and improving elasticity.
Apply the deep conditioner to clean, damp hair. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and apply gentle heat using a hooded dryer or steamer for 20-30 minutes. The heat helps to lift the hair cuticle, allowing the conditioner to penetrate deeper. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticle.
Protein treatments are also beneficial, but should be used sparingly and with caution. Overuse of protein can lead to brittle hair. Use a light protein treatment 7 days before your relaxer application.
Gentle Cleansing and Clarifying
Avoid harsh shampoos in the days leading up to your relaxer. Harsh sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable.
Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash (conditioner-only washing). Focus on cleansing your scalp without over-manipulating your hair. A clean scalp is crucial for optimal relaxer application and to prevent product buildup from interfering with the chemical process.
If you have significant product buildup, consider a clarifying shampoo a week before your relaxer. However, use it sparingly and follow with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish any lost moisture. Clarifying shampoos can be drying, so it’s important to counteract their effects with intense hydration.
Scalp Care and Protection
A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. The relaxer chemicals can irritate or burn the scalp if it isn’t properly prepared.
Start moisturizing your scalp a few days before your relaxer appointment. Use a lightweight oil, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or a specialized scalp oil, to gently massage your scalp. This helps to hydrate the scalp and create a protective barrier against the relaxer chemicals.
Avoid scratching or irritating your scalp in the week leading up to your relaxer. Any cuts or abrasions can make your scalp more susceptible to burning.
Handle Your Hair with Utmost Care
Minimize manipulation of your hair during this pre-relaxer week. Excessive combing, brushing, or styling can weaken your hair and increase the risk of breakage.
Avoid tight hairstyles that put tension on your scalp and hair. Opt for loose braids, buns, or simply wearing your hair down.
Be gentle when detangling your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to carefully remove any knots or tangles. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots.
The Importance of a Strand Test
If you’re using a new relaxer or have made significant changes to your hair care routine, performing a strand test is highly recommended. This allows you to assess how your hair will react to the relaxer before applying it to your entire head.
To perform a strand test, take a small section of hair from the back of your head and apply the relaxer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Monitor the processing time carefully and rinse thoroughly. Evaluate the results to determine if the relaxer is suitable for your hair and to adjust the processing time if necessary.
Diet and Hydration from Within
Healthy hair starts from within. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Focus on foods that are high in protein, iron, and biotin, as these nutrients are essential for hair growth and strength. Consider taking a hair, skin, and nails supplement to further boost your nutrient intake.
Things to Avoid Before Your Relaxer
Certain practices can compromise the health of your hair and scalp, making them more vulnerable to damage during the relaxing process. Avoid the following in the week leading up to your relaxer:
- Harsh chemical treatments: Avoid coloring, perming, or other chemical treatments that can further weaken your hair.
- Excessive heat styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons. Heat can dry out and damage your hair, making it more susceptible to breakage.
- Tight hairstyles: Avoid tight braids, ponytails, or weaves that can put tension on your scalp and hair.
- Scratching your scalp: Refrain from scratching your scalp, as this can cause irritation and make it more prone to burning during the relaxer process.
- Oily scalp treatments immediately before: Although scalp oiling is great in the week leading up to a relaxer, don’t over oil immediately before, as this can create a barrier to the relaxer application.
- Overlapping Relaxers: Make sure to relax only the new growth. Overlapping can cause severe damage and breakage.
Day Before Relaxer: Last Minute Preparations
The day before your relaxer appointment, focus on gentle care and minimal manipulation.
Gently detangle your hair and apply a light coating of oil to your scalp. This will help to protect your scalp from the relaxer chemicals.
Do not wash your hair on the day of your relaxer. Natural oils act as a barrier, protecting the scalp from irritation.
Prepare your workstation or gather your supplies if you are relaxing at home. This includes the relaxer kit, neutralizing shampoo, deep conditioner, gloves, applicator brush, timer, and petroleum jelly to protect your hairline and ears.
Get a good night’s sleep to ensure you’re relaxed and refreshed for the relaxer process.
Choosing the Right Relaxer Product
Selecting the appropriate relaxer product is crucial for achieving the desired results and minimizing damage. There are different types of relaxers available, each with varying strengths and formulations.
Lye relaxers, also known as sodium hydroxide relaxers, are the strongest type of relaxer and provide the most effective straightening. However, they can also be the most damaging if not used correctly.
No-lye relaxers, which contain calcium hydroxide as the active ingredient, are generally considered milder than lye relaxers. However, they can still be damaging if overused or not properly rinsed out.
Consider your hair type, texture, and previous relaxer experiences when choosing a relaxer product. If you’re unsure which relaxer is right for you, consult with a professional stylist.
The Importance of Following Instructions
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying a relaxer. The instructions provide essential information about the processing time, application techniques, and safety precautions.
Do not exceed the recommended processing time, as this can lead to over-processing and damage. Set a timer and monitor the progress of the relaxer carefully.
Rinse the relaxer out thoroughly with cool water until all traces of the product are removed. Use a neutralizing shampoo to stop the relaxing process and restore your hair’s pH balance.
Post-Relaxer Care: Maintaining Healthy Relaxed Hair
The journey to healthy relaxed hair doesn’t end with the relaxer application. Proper post-relaxer care is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your relaxed style.
Continue to deep condition your hair regularly to replenish moisture and improve elasticity. Use protein treatments sparingly to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage.
Avoid heat styling as much as possible. When you do use heat, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft.
Wrap your hair in a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent breakage.
By following these pre-relaxer preparation steps and implementing a consistent post-relaxer care routine, you can minimize damage and enjoy healthy, beautiful relaxed hair. Remember, patience and consistency are key to achieving optimal results. This proactive approach to hair care ensures the relaxing process will leave your hair smoother, straighter, and healthier.
What types of deep conditioning treatments are best to use a week before relaxing?
Protein treatments and moisturizing treatments are both essential, but a week before relaxing, prioritize moisturizing. Protein treatments strengthen the hair but can sometimes make it feel stiff, which is not ideal before a chemical process. A moisturizing deep conditioner will replenish lost moisture, improve elasticity, and leave your hair softer and more pliable, making it less prone to breakage during the relaxer application. Look for ingredients like honey, aloe vera, shea butter, or glycerin.
This moisturizing boost will help protect your hair from the harsh chemicals in the relaxer. Focusing on hydration allows the hair to absorb the relaxer more evenly, which is critical for achieving a consistent, healthy result. Incorporating steam during your deep conditioning treatment can further enhance moisture penetration and amplify the benefits.
How often should I moisturize my hair in the week leading up to the relaxer application?
Moisturizing your hair daily is crucial during the week leading up to your relaxer appointment. Relaxers can be very drying, so replenishing moisture as often as possible prepares your hair for the chemical process. Aim for daily light moisturizing sessions to prevent dryness and maintain hair elasticity.
Use a water-based moisturizer or a light leave-in conditioner after washing your hair. Pay attention to the ends of your hair, as they are the oldest and most prone to dryness. Sealing in the moisture with a light oil or hair butter can also help prevent moisture loss throughout the day.
Should I trim my hair before or after relaxing?
Trimming your hair is generally recommended after relaxing. Relaxing can sometimes reveal split ends that were previously hidden, making it easier to achieve a precise and even trim. Trimming before relaxing might lead to uneven results depending on how the relaxer affects your hair.
Post-relaxer trimming also allows you to remove any damage incurred during the relaxing process. This ensures that you’re starting with the healthiest base possible for your relaxed hair. A quick trim after your relaxer will leave your hair looking polished and feeling healthier.
What steps should I take to protect my scalp before relaxing?
Protecting your scalp is crucial to minimize irritation and burns during the relaxing process. Avoid scratching your scalp in the days leading up to your relaxer. A healthy, intact scalp is less likely to be sensitive to the chemicals in the relaxer. Consider applying a base, such as petroleum jelly, to your scalp the night before or the morning of your relaxer application.
The base acts as a barrier between your scalp and the relaxer, reducing the risk of chemical burns and irritation. Ensure the base is applied evenly across your entire scalp, particularly along the hairline and around the ears, where the skin is most sensitive. Avoid washing your hair immediately before relaxing, as natural oils provide a protective layer.
Are there any specific ingredients I should avoid in hair products a week before relaxing?
Avoid products containing heavy oils, silicones, and buildup-prone ingredients in the week before relaxing. Heavy oils and silicones can create a barrier on the hair shaft, potentially preventing the relaxer from penetrating evenly. This can lead to inconsistent results and under-processed sections.
Focus on using lightweight, water-based products that provide moisture without weighing the hair down. Clarifying shampoos should also be avoided immediately before relaxing, as they can strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to damage. Opt for gentle cleansing and moisturizing during this period.
Should I perform a protein treatment a week before relaxing?
While protein treatments are essential for hair health, it’s generally advisable to do one at least two weeks before relaxing. Protein treatments can temporarily make the hair stronger, but excessive protein buildup can lead to stiffness and breakage, especially when combined with the harsh chemicals of a relaxer.
If you’ve recently done a protein treatment, consider focusing on moisturizing treatments in the week leading up to your relaxer. This will help balance the protein and prevent your hair from becoming too brittle. Prioritize moisture and elasticity to ensure your hair is supple and prepared for the relaxer.
What if I experience any scalp irritation or sores before my relaxer appointment?
If you experience any scalp irritation, sores, or open wounds before your relaxer appointment, it is strongly advised to postpone the relaxing process. Applying chemicals to a compromised scalp can lead to severe burns, infections, and permanent damage. Your scalp must be healthy for a safe and effective relaxer application.
Prioritize healing your scalp before considering any chemical treatments. Consult with a dermatologist or trichologist to determine the cause of the irritation and receive appropriate treatment. Once your scalp is fully healed, you can reschedule your relaxer appointment.