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.
Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for damaged or chemically treated hair. Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or coconut oil. Incorporate deep conditioning masks into your routine once a week. These treatments penetrate the hair shaft and provide intense moisture.
Unfortunately, relaxer can't be removed from your hair once you've had it applied, so the only option is to wait for your hair to grow out or cut off your relaxed hair.
Rod sets, twist outs, braid outs, flat twists, buns, braids/extensions (not too tight), straw sets, etc. should become your go-to styles. See my posts on styling transitioning hair. Here was one of my favorite styles to wear after YouTube taught me how to flat twist…
Whether you decide to do a big chop or gradually grow out a relaxer, it's going to take at least three to four months to start to see real change. For some, it may be a full year before you're completely chemical-free.
For most people, perm curls fall out within three to six months, reverting to your normal hair texture.
It may take a little extra time, but you can transition from relaxed or treated hair without cutting it all off. To transition to beautiful, healthy natural hair, start by eliminating all chemical treatments and heat styling, and utilize protective styles while you let your hair grow out.
If the chemical burn caused by your hair relaxer was severe, it may also leave scars across the scalp. In this instance, the burnt areas are unlikely to fully regrow hair and may result in areas of permanent baldness where the follicles have been destroyed.
The benefits
Apple cider vinegar is good to use on relaxed hair because of the B and C vitamins and potassium it has. Plus, it has anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties which can be helpful for the scalp.
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.
Is your client's relaxed hair showing the danger signs of damage? You'll know them when you see them: dryness, split ends, excess frizz and, worst of all, breakage.
Apparently, Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, a very low pH. So when you apply it to your hair, the cuticle tightens, which makes your strands look smoother and your curls look more defined. Others say the sugar adds build-up to your hair, making it look fuller.
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.
Deep conditioning treatments: Deep conditioning treatments can help to restore moisture to the hair, which is often lost when using relaxers. Look for treatments that contain ingredients such as shea butter, Peppermint Oil, or argan oil, which are known for their hydrating properties.
In fact, the only surefire way to remove a relaxer is to cut off the processed hair, which is commonly referred to as “the big chop.” If you're not comfortable with the idea of cutting your hair off, allow enough time to regrow your strands first.
Because hair relaxers contain lye, they can damage your hair and scalp if used incorrectly, and even cause hair loss.
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.”
If you want to undo the results of a perm, or relax a perm, wash your hair with Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair, and to help relax your curls. Apply a deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment, cover your curls with a shower cap, and leave on for several hours.
If you are unhappy with your perm service, go back to your stylist and discuss the alternatives. If it is too curly, your stylist can relax it. If it is not curly enough, wait at least a week to redo it.
Hair perming involves breaking the cysteine bonds in your hair using this thioglycolic acid. The cysteine bond is what gives your hair its structure. It therefore needs to be undone in order to achieve the new shape. “If the product is left on for too long it can cause these bonds to break permanently.