Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 5: Choosing a relaxer
• Part 2 of 5: Getting your hair ready
• Part 3 of 5: Applying the relaxer
• Part 4 of 5: Rinsing out the relaxer
• Part 5 of 5: Taking care of relaxed hair
• Warnings
• Necessities

Hair relaxer, also known as a straightener, is applied to hair that is naturally curly or wavy to make it steeper and sleeker. However, this must be done with caution because of the chemicals in the relaxer. To properly relax your hair, choose a relaxer, prepare your hair, apply the relaxer, rinse the relaxer, and adjust your hair care routine.

To step

Part 1 of 5: Choosing a relaxer

1. Buy a lye-free relaxer if you have sensitive skin. There are two types of relaxers: relaxer with lye and relaxer without lye. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, but if you have a sensitive scalp, it is best to use a relaxer without lye because it hurts less and irritates your scalp less.
   • However, a relaxer without lye often dries out the hair. This is one reason to consider using a lye relaxer if you don't have a sensitive scalp.
2. Choose a regular strength relaxer if you have normal to thick and coarse hair. The strength differs per relaxer. Choose a strength based on the thickness and texture of your hair. A normal strength relaxer works fine for most people.
   • Opt for a mild relaxer if you have fine hair, dyed or damaged hair.
   • If you have thick, coarse hair, you can use an extra strong relaxer. Make sure you apply the product as described in the directions on the package. If you don't use the relaxer properly, it can cause hair to break down.
3. Read the directions on the relaxer package. Read the directions on the relaxer package thoroughly and make sure you understand everything. Using relaxer is relatively easy, but it can also be dangerous. Keep yourself safe by reading the directions and warnings on the packaging carefully.

Part 2 of 5: Getting your hair ready

1. Don't shampoo your hair or scratch your scalp before using relaxer. Applying relaxer hurts if your scalp is already irritated. Therefore, it is best not to wash your hair or scratch your scalp for at least a week before using relaxer.
   • If you do accidentally scratch your scalp, the relaxer will likely make your scalp tingle.
2. Put on gloves and a cape. You work with dangerous chemicals that can damage your skin and also your clothes. Buy a hairdressing cape and plastic gloves and put them on before using relaxer to avoid damage.
3. Get some towels in case you spill. Have a towel or two handy in case you spill. The chemicals you work with can stain clothes, furniture and other things when they come into contact with them, so it's best to wipe up spilled relaxer immediately.
4. Apply a protective cream base to your scalp and along your hairline. Relaxer can irritate your skin, so it's a good idea to apply a cream to your scalp to protect it. Separate your hair in several places and apply the protective base to your scalp. Don't forget to apply the cream along your hairline and around your ears as well.
   • Vaseline is also a suitable means to protect your scalp.
5. Divide the hair into four to six sections. Use a comb to divide your hair into four to six sections that are the same size. Secure the sections with plastic hair clips or rubber bands.Do not use hair ties or hair clips that are made entirely or partially of metal.

Part 3 of 5: Applying the relaxer

1. Mix the solution in a plastic bowl. Hair relaxer is usually sold in the form of a cream or paste and must be mixed with chemicals so that the relaxer can do its job properly. Put on your plastic gloves and mix the product in a plastic bowl according to the directions on the package.
2. Apply the relaxer in small amounts to the new hair growth. Use your comb or the other end of your applicator brush to grab a small section of hair about half an inch thick. Gently cover the new hair growth with the relaxer using the applicator brush. Repeat the process until you have covered all sections.
   • If you've never used relaxer, apply the relaxer to all of your hair. Only apply the relaxer to your roots if you have used it before.
   • Avoid getting any relaxer on your scalp.
   • Only apply the relaxer to the new hair growth. Failure to do this will over-treat the hair and could damage it.
3. Apply the relaxer last at the bottom of your neck and along your hairline. Your hairline is the place that people see first when they look at you, so you want to be extra sure that you aren't applying too much more relaxed there. Also wait to apply relaxer at the bottom of your neck, because the hair there will get straight faster. Over-treated hair can break off and look ugly.
4. Smooth out the new hair growth with the back of a comb. After applying the relaxer, smooth out all the hair that you applied relaxer to. Smooth the hair with the back of a comb to make sure it gets straight.
   • Do not comb the hair.
5. Set a clock for 10-15 minutes. Most relaxers need to be absorbed for 10-15 minutes, but the time varies with each relaxer. Set a clock according to the time stated on the packaging. Stick to the exact time stated on the packaging.
   • Some people leave the relaxer in the hair longer to get very straight hair. However, your hair will usually look better if you stick to the exact time stated on the package, because then your hair will have some volume. Your hair can also be damaged if you leave the relaxer in for too long.

Part 4 of 5: Rinsing out the relaxer

1. Rinse your hair for five to seven minutes. When the time is up, rinse the relaxer out of your hair with hot water for several minutes. To protect your hair, it is important to rinse as much relaxer from your hair as possible. Don't rinse your hair for less than five minutes.
2. Use conditioner. After rinsing, massage a regular moisturizing conditioner into your wet hair and then rinse immediately. This helps to normalize the pH of your hair. It is important to do this before using shampoo because the hair cuticles are open. The conditioner hydrates your hair a lot more when the hair cuticles are open.
3. Wash your hair with a neutralizing shampoo. Finally, wash your hair with a neutralizing shampoo to stop the chemical process. This way you ensure that the relaxer is completely removed from your hair.
4. Rinse your hair and style as usual. Rinse the neutralizing shampoo thoroughly from your hair, then spray it with heat protectant and blow dry if desired. You can then style your hair however you want. Treat your hair with a flat iron to make it really straight and straight.

Part 5 of 5: Taking care of relaxed hair

1. Treat your roots every eight to ten weeks with relaxer. If you want to keep your hair straight, you will need to apply the relaxer every eight to ten weeks. Make sure that you only apply relaxer to your new hair growth with each treatment, otherwise your hair will be damaged.
2. Keep moisturizing your hair. Relaxers slightly dry out the hair. Hydrate your hair daily with a leave-in conditioner and a light oil that penetrates deep into the hair to keep hair silky and smooth.
   • Use a moisturizing mask or protein treatment weekly to thoroughly moisturize your hair.
3. Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Shampoos with sulfates remove all natural oils from the hair, so that your hair dries out. Make sure to wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo so that the moisture in your hair is retained as much as possible.
4. Get your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks. When you use relaxer, your ends often become porous and fragile, which means split ends more quickly. To keep your hair healthy, get it trimmed every six to eight weeks or whenever you notice that your ends look frayed.
5. Use as few warm tools as possible to style your hair. Warm tools such as flat irons and curling irons can weaken your hair so that it breaks and damages more quickly. So try to use as few warm aids as possible.

Warnings

• Never apply relaxer to bleached hair. When the relaxer comes into contact with the bleaching agent in the hair, a chemical reaction can occur that burns the hair and makes it fall out.

Necessities

• Plastic pointed comb
• Plastic gloves
• Hair relaxer
• Applicator brush
• Neutralizing shampoo
• Moisturizing conditioner
• Protective cream
• Towels
• Cape
• Plastic hair clips or rubber bands
• Bellflower
• Deep conditioner
• Sulphate-free shampoo