In addition to being gentler on your hair, taking out your braids or extensions will allow you to thoroughly cleanse your hair when you wash it. In the week leading up to your appointment, avoid wearing your hair in styles that will pull or tug on your scalp. Instead, opt for styles like loose ponytails, braids, or buns. [2] X Research source
If there are any tangles in your hair, your hair will be more likely to break when you wash it. Also, you might not be able to shampoo your hair as thoroughly if it’s tangled.
If there’s any buildup on your scalp, it could keep the relaxer from penetrating your hair evenly, making it less effective.
You can find protein treatments wherever beauty products are sold. However, if you don’t have one on hand, try making your own hair mask out of protein-rich ingredients like egg yolk, yogurt, sour cream, or avocado. [6] X Research source
If your protein treatment was also a deep conditioner, or if you used conditioning ingredients like avocado, you can skip this step.
It’s okay to style your hair as you normally would, but avoid using any products on your hair throughout the week, including dry shampoo.
You don’t have to skip working out completely, but try to stick to activities where you won’t sweat as much, like doing yoga, going for a walk, or cycling.
Similarly, if your scalp itches, try to pat it or rub it, rather than scratching. If your stylist has to detangle your hair at your appointment, it will put extra stress on your scalp, which could make it more likely to burn.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to spread petroleum jelly on your scalp, as well.
If you have fine or wavy hair, try using a mild relaxer that contains ammonium thioglycolate. Let your stylist know about your preference at the start of the appointment. For instance, you might say, “I know super-strength will get my hair straighter, but I really don’t want to use such a harsh chemical on my hair. Is it okay if we use a normal strength, instead?” Keep in mind that just because a relaxer is labeled as “lye-free,” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gentler for your hair. No-lye relaxers contain calcium hydroxide, and although they’re designed to be less irritating on your scalp, they can dry out your hair more than relaxers that contain sodium hydroxide, or lye. [14] X Research source
In most cases, your stylist will still be able to apply relaxer to the new growth at your roots. However, in some cases, like if your hair is very damaged from bleach, they may recommend waiting until your natural hair grows out more. Because it can be very difficult to only apply relaxer to your new growth, it’s especially important to have touch-ups performed by a licensed professional.
If the texture difference in your hair becomes obvious, try wearing a cute headwrap or turban to stretch the time between salon visits!
Try to only wash your hair 1-2 times a week to keep it from drying out.
In addition, use a deep conditioner once a week. If you don’t have a separate conditioner, apply your regular conditioner after you wash your hair, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before you rinse it out.
If you do plan to heat style your hair, spray it generously with a heat protectant product. This can help minimize the damage to your hair.
