How long can I go without relaxing my hair?

Author: Duncan Kessler  |  Last update: Saturday, October 25, 2025

How often should I relax my hair? A good rule of thumb is to relax your hair every two to three months. This allows for enough new growth for a safe relaxer treatment. If you relax your hair too quickly between relaxers, you will risk over-processing your hair which will cause breakage.

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 frequently should I relax my hair?

A good rule of thumb is to relax your hair every two to three months. This allows for enough new growth for a safe relaxer treatment. If you relax your hair too quickly between relaxers, you will risk over-processing your hair which will cause breakage.

What happens if a relaxer is left in hair?

When the relaxer is left on too long, it will start burning. If the relaxer isn't properly rinsed out with neutralizing shampoo, it will damage your hair and scalp. That's a nightmare overall,but it's going to be even more painful due to your condition.

Can relaxed hair go back naturally?

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.

The Truth About Transitioning From Relaxed to Natural Hair

How long does it take to completely grow out a relaxer?

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.

How damaging is relaxing your hair?

Because hair relaxers contain lye, they can damage your hair and scalp if used incorrectly, and even cause hair loss.

Will my hair grow back after relaxer damage?

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.

How long does it take for a hair relaxer to wear off?

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. If not, hair will go back to its naturally curly state.

Is it better to relax your hair or keep it natural?

Hair and scalp health – When it comes to health between relaxed hair vs. natural hair health, natural wins. If not used properly, relaxing chemicals (even lye-free formulas) can easily create scalp sores, burns, and inflammation. And even when used correctly, relaxers carry the risk of hair breakage and dry texture.

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.

What are the disadvantages of relaxing your hair?

Potential Side Effects of Hair Relaxers
  • Lung damage.
  • Reproductive disorders.
  • Uterine fibroids.
  • Baldness.
  • Early onset menstrual cycles and breast development.
  • Burns, wherever the chemicals touch.
  • Lesions.
  • Scalp irritations.

How to transition from relaxer to natural hair?

As you transition, consider this: "If your goal is to wear your hair [in its natural texture] after transitioning from a relaxer, then the less heat you use on it the better. But if you must use heat, hooded dryers, [blow-dryers], and any hot tool must be on low setting," explains Wilson.

Can your hair still grow when relaxed?

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.

Does hair grow faster with a relaxer or natural?

While it's a myth that relaxers make hair grow faster, the truth is they can actually hinder hair growth in several ways: Making hair weaker and more prone to breakage: The chemicals in relaxers weaken your hair's natural structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and split ends.

Does chebe oil really grow hair?

Conclusion. Chebe Oil is an effective remedy for promoting hair growth and strengthening hair follicles specifically for afro-textured hair. It can be used once per week as part of a regular hair care routine to help keep your hair hydrated, moisturized and nourished.

What does damaged relaxed hair look like?

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.

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 much does it cost to relax your hair?

How much are popular types of permanent hair straightening? Relaxers can cost between $38 and $150 while Japanese hair straightening can cost between $123 and $425, according to our internal appointment data. There are other types and many names stylists use.

How long do relaxer burns take to heal?

The amount of damage to the skin depends on how strong the chemical was, how much of it was on the skin, and how long it was there. Chemical burns, even minor ones, can be very painful. A minor burn may heal within a few days. But a more serious burn may take weeks or even months to heal completely.

Is there a natural way to relax hair?

Natural Alternatives for Relaxing Hair

If you prefer a more organic approach, there are natural alternatives to chemical relaxers, such as coconut cream, olive oil, and milk. These natural ingredients can help moisturize and nourish your hair, reducing frizz and leaving it soft and manageable.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

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