How often is it safe to relax hair?

Author: Jorge D'Amore  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

The AAD shares that in the case of hair relaxing, touch-ups should only be done every two to three months, and that relaxer should never be applied to hair that has already been relaxed. You also want to make sure that you're using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that won't strip your hair of moisture.

How long should you wait to relax your hair again?

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.

Can I relax my hair every 6 weeks?

Relaxing your hair every 6 weeks is one reason why your relaxed hair may be damaged. If you want your relaxed hair to be healthy, stretch to 16 weeks, or until you see two inches of new growth.

How often should relaxed hair be trimmed?

Trim an inch of relaxed hair every six to eight weeks. Month 6: With two to three inches of new growth, you can now see your natural curl pattern.

Can you relax your hair and keep it healthy?

Can Relaxed Hair Still Be Healthy? Relaxed hair can be healthy if you adjust your routine to account for the damage done during the process.

How Long To Relaxer Stretch | How Often Should Relaxed Hair Be Touched Up?

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.

Do relaxers thin your hair?

In most cases, relaxers aren't the major cause of hair loss. Instead, the things you do to your hair before applying the relaxer cause hair damage. For example, scratching or double processing your hair using dye and relaxers can lead to hair loss and scalp damage.

How often can you relax your hair without damaging it?

The AAD shares that in the case of hair relaxing, touch-ups should only be done every two to three months, and that relaxer should never be applied to hair that has already been relaxed. You also want to make sure that you're using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that won't strip your hair of moisture.

Does relaxed hair grow out?

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.

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 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.

How long does it take for relaxer to grow out of your hair?

Some people grow their hair out to a certain length, while other cut the relaxer off sooner. On average most people transition for 6 months to 2 years.

How to relax hair without damaging it?

Before going through the relaxer process, here are a few things to do:
  1. Do not agitate the scalp. ...
  2. Base the scalp.
  3. Only Apply Hair Relaxer To New Growth. ...
  4. Follow Timing Instructions. ...
  5. Use Neutralizing Shampoo.
  6. Wait at least 6 to 8 weeks before relaxing again. ...
  7. Maintain a good hair routine.

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.

Does relaxed hair go back to normal?

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 are the cons of relaxing your hair?

While hair relaxing can result in smooth, straight hair, over-processing or incorrect application can lead to hair damage. Breakage, split ends, and dryness are potential consequences that need to be carefully considered. Maintenance Requirements: Relaxed hair requires diligent maintenance.

What does Coca-Cola do to relaxed hair?

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.

How to stop breakage in relaxed hair?

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.

What happens if you don't use neutralizing shampoo after relaxer?

In conclusion, using a neutralizing shampoo after undergoing chemical treatments is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your hair. Failing to do so may lead to damage, color changes, poor retention of the chemical treatment, dryness and breakage, and scalp irritation.

Can you over relax your hair?

Leaving relaxer on way too long, longer than the recommended time on your relaxer kits, is considered over-processing. Going past the suggested time frame can make your hair overly straight, harm your scalp and make you prone to breakage.

How many times a year should I relax my hair?

You want to stay away from over-processing and not giving your hair enough time to rebuild. This only leads to weak and unhealthy hair. It's recommend to at least wait 8 to 12 weeks for your next relaxer treatment. In my opinion if you really want to boost the health of your hair, then retouch after 3 months.

Which relaxer does not damage hair?

The ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Hair Relaxer system infuses hair with moisturizing olive oil and natural herbs to help to protect the hair from damage during processing. The result is smoother, softer, stronger hair with impeccable Add Shine.

Can you have healthy hair with a relaxer?

Those who say they've experienced healthy relaxed hair, such as influencer Brianna Rashay, recommend getting hair chemically straightened by a professional, “stretching” their retouch days, regularly trimming, alternating between protective styles, having a consistent wash day, and deep moisture regime.

Previous article
How to tell if a hair follicle is scarred?
Next article
Can I use glycolic acid on my pubic area?