Relaxed hair, by its definition, undergoes
controlled damage
in order to straighten it, but maintaining this hair in a healthy
fashion is possible with several simple steps. If you're not currently
following
most of these tips, your hair may not be as healthy as it can
be. All hair should be pampered, but relaxed manes require even more
special treatment due to their processed nature. See if these seven tips
for maintaining healthy relaxed hair can't help you get your straight
tresses into the best shape possible.
1. See a Professional for Chemical Applications
This
is typically where you'll spend the most money in maintaining relaxed
hair, but it's worth investing in a trusted stylist for touch-ups and/or
colouring. They're licensed for a reason. Too many women (
and children
and men) are walking around today with damaged hair that's the result of home treatments.
Find
a stylist you trust. This may not be easy; you may have to try several
salons and get recommendations before you find someone you're happy
with. Once you find a professional and build a good relationship with
her, she should be able to advise you whether a lye or no-lye relaxer is
best for you, which cuts will most flatter you and how to care for your
hair on a daily basis.
2. Choose Low or No-Heat Styling
Flat
iron and curling irons are very convenient, but daily use will
eventually lead to dryness and damage. 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:
Wet sets, wrapping, satin-covered rollers, curl formers, Flexi-rods, buns, braids, updos
3. Wrap and Protect at Night
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 extra protection in the form of a silky hair cover or
pillowcase. When you mold your hair to the shape of your head, you
preserve body and volume in a low-maintenance fashion that requires
absolutely no heat. You 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.
4. Condition Regularly
Relaxers
strip away some of the hair's natural oils during the process of
straightening; replacing moisture is essential to keeping hair in good
shape. Instead of greasy, petrolatum-laden products which don't actually
moisturise the hair but only coat it, rely on good-quality conditioners
and moisturisers to maintain proper moisture levels in your tresses.
Follow each shampoo with a rinse-out conditioner and deep condition two
to four times per month, depending on your hair's needs.
5. Trim as Needed
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 and it's better to get rid of split and dry ends sooner rather
than later. 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.
6. Wear Protective Hairstyles
Why
protective styles such as chignons, updos and braids? Because these
hairdos keep your hair's ends up and out of sight, which allows them to
retain moisture, and that in turn leads to more hair retention. Even if
your goal is not to grow hair down your back, well-moisturized ends are
still important, as they fit into an overall healthy head of 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?
source:yannme.com
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