Can your hair still grow when relaxed?

Author: Dr. Casandra Russel  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Hair is an integral part of our identity and for those who opt for relaxed hairstyles, ensuring healthy growth is paramount. Proper relaxed hair care not only maintains the smoothness of the locks but can also promote its growth.

Can relaxed hair still grow?

Relaxers are permanent, so whatever parts of your hair that have been in contact with a relaxer will never grow back naturally. Therefore, at some point in time your hair must be cut off to above the demarcation line. If you're not willing to go for the big chop, the next step is to do regular trims of your hair.

Does relaxing your hair stop it from growing?

No, using a hair relaxer on a shaved head will not make the new hair that grows out straight. Hair relaxers work by chemically altering the structure of existing hair to make it straighter, but they do not affect the hair follicles or the texture of new hair that grows in.

Does relaxer affect hair growth?

Over time of using a relaxer can have profound negative effects. The hair becomes dull, brittle, frizzy, and will have many split ends, preventing the hair to maintain a certain length, therefore affecting the growth.

Can you grow out a relaxer?

Unfortunately, a relaxer permanently alters the texture of your hair. The only way to get rid of it is to either grow it out and gradually cut off the relaxed ends (or grow it to a certain point and cut all of the relaxed ends) or just shave your hair off and start over.

THE REAL REASON YOUR HAIR WONT GROW Do THIS to grow healthy relaxed hair fast

Does your hair go back to normal after a relaxer?

Yes, as long as you do not continue to process your hair with any chemical treatments. According to Medical News Today, hair grows at the equivalent of 0.2 to 0.7 inches per month. As a result, your natural hair texture will eventually come back after a relaxer. This hair is sometimes called “new growth.”

What happens if I stop relaxing my hair?

Once you fully transition, you will find your natural curls may become drier much faster than your straight relaxed hair. Even though your relaxed ends will eventually go, it is still important to keep your strands from top to bottom moisturised. After all, your hair is still on your head.

How often should hair be relaxed?

Since chemical processing is known to have long-term effects, you're probably wondering if hair relaxers are permanent. The simple answer is no. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, curly hair relaxers should be repeated every two to three months to keep strands straight, and only to new growth.

What can I use instead of a relaxer?

Some of the non-toxic and safer alternatives that you can use to straighten your hair include:
  • Blow-drying. Rather than using a hair relaxer, blow-drying your hair might prove helpful. ...
  • Heat styling. ...
  • Keratin treatments. ...
  • Oil treatment. ...
  • Silicone cream.

How to regrow hair after relaxer damage?

How to Repair Hair After Relaxer Damage
  1. Wash with a Nourishing Shampoo. ...
  2. Apply a Sumptuous Conditioner. ...
  3. Repair with a Leave-In Treatment. ...
  4. Moisturize and Seal Dry Relaxed Hair. ...
  5. Detangle with a Wide-Tooth Comb. ...
  6. Avoid Blow-Drying Soaking Wet Hair. ...
  7. Use the Gentlest Hair Color Products. ...
  8. Sleep with Silk Pillowcases and Hair Wraps.

Which grows faster, natural or relaxed hair?

Growth rate – It's a common rumor that either natural or relaxed hair grows faster. The truth? Neither does (if your hair is healthy). Your hair growth rate completely depends on your genetics and hair care habits, which apply to both styles.

Can anxiety stop hair growth?

Yes, stress and hair loss can be related. Three types of hair loss can be associated with high stress levels: Telogen effluvium. In telogen effluvium (TEL-o-jun uh-FLOO-vee-um), significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase.

What are the disadvantages of relaxing your hair?

The scalp burns and unpleasant smells of lye-based hair relaxers, along with growing evidence of cancer risks, have led stylists and cosmetics companies to search for safer alternatives.

Is relaxed hair permanent?

A relaxer is a permanent chemical hair treatment. The only way to remove a relaxer is to grow the hair out or cut the relaxed length. So keep this in mind before you take the plunge.

How to make hair grow quicker?

9 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER
  1. Trim your hair. ...
  2. Eat protein-rich foods. ...
  3. Take a hair-boosting supplement. ...
  4. Use a hair growth serum. ...
  5. Use a weekly hair mask. ...
  6. Take care after washing your hair. ...
  7. Always use heat protection. ...
  8. Protect your hair from the elements.

Can relaxed hair go back to natural without cutting?

If maintaining length is your preference, know that it is possible to transition to natural hair without doing a big chop. But whether you decide to cut or not, mentally prepare for it to take some time for your natural curls to come in and shape up.

How can I relax my natural hair without a relaxer?

Chemical-Free Hair Relaxers
  1. Heat: Flat irons pass hair between two heated plates to straighten it.
  2. Keratin: Chemical-free keratin is a long-lasting, professional treatment.
  3. Oil: People typically apply warmed oil to their hair and let it sit under a towel before washing it out.

How do you keep your hair healthy with a relaxer?

Relaxed Hair Health Tips for All Year Round
  1. Protein Treatments. During the relaxing process, protein bonds in the hair shaft get broken down. ...
  2. Deep Conditioning. Once a month, good. ...
  3. Only Relax When Needed. ...
  4. Moisturize. ...
  5. Go for protective styling. ...
  6. Work out on wash day. ...
  7. Use dry shampoo. ...
  8. Wear a swim cap.

What is better than a relaxer?

Texturisers can make your hair much more manageable and easier to maintain without eliminating all your curls. Additionally, you will experience less shrinkage and more styling versatility with a looser curl pattern. In short: less frizz, less time styling, faster drying, and more styling options.

Why is my relaxed hair puffy?

Frequent conditioning is key for relaxed hair so it's possible that the fuzziness is due to a lack of moisture in the hair. Plus, don't forget about protein. Hair that needs strengthening from protein tends to frizz because the hair cuticles don't lie flat, but have lifted scales due to chemical and/or heat abuse.

What not to do after a relaxer?

  1. 10 Relaxed Hair Mistakes To Avoid. in hair relaxed hair care. ...
  2. Not relaxer stretching. ...
  3. Relaxer stretching for too long. ...
  4. Using too much protein. ...
  5. Trying too many hair products at once. ...
  6. Using too much direct heat. ...
  7. Having a long and/or complicated regimen. ...
  8. Doing too much with wet hair.

What is the best at home hair relaxer?

8 best hair relaxers to use at home
  • Just For Me No-Lye Conditioning Creme Relaxer Kit. ...
  • ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer Extra Strength. ...
  • Soft Sheen Carson Care Optimum Care No-Lye Relaxer. ...
  • Avlon Affirm Hair Relaxer. ...
  • TBC No Base Creme Hair Relaxer. ...
  • Luster's ShortLooks Color Relaxer.

Will my hair grow if I relax it?

Hair relaxers are chemical treatments that work by breaking down the protein bonds in your hair, making it straighter and more manageable. They can transform even the tightest curls into smooth, straight locks. This process, while effective for achieving a certain look, does not directly influence hair growth.

How long does it take to grow out relaxed hair?

Many women cut off all their processed hair in one fell swoop to avoid dealing with two-texture hair. After the BC, some keep their TWA; others grow their hair out. NO? If you want to keep your length, it will take six months to several years to grow out your processed hair, depending on how long it is.

Is relaxed hair reversible?

Unlike natural hair that can bounce back into its curl pattern after a style, relaxed hair is permanently straightened, making it more prone to damage. Understanding how to nurture and protect your relaxed hair is key to keeping it healthy, strong, and beautiful.

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