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Determined to DIY? Step away from that box until you’ve read our essential tips…
DO remember TLC! Get your hair in top condition prior to relaxing by using a moisturising mask once a week and drinking plenty of water. Avoid irritating your scalp by scratching and using harsh chemical hair products as well.
DON’T be swayed by bargain deals! With countless relaxing kits available, narrow down your search by fi rst assessing the condition of your hair and scalp, remembering not to be seduced by cheap deals if they aren’t right for your hair type.
DO your groundwork! Always do a strand test and read instructions from beginning to end BEFORE you start the relaxing process. Don’t rush in, even if you are a seasoned relaxer, as steps and times vary between brands and formulations.
“Don’t
scratch your scalp to stop your SKIN reacting to the relaxer”
DON’T over-stress your strands! Never use a relaxer if you think your scalp might be irritated or after bleaching, henna or any hair colour. Wait at least three weeks and if in doubt, contact the manufacturer.
BEST ON THE BLOCK!
DO fi nish a winner! Never be tempted to leave a relaxer on for longer than directed. This won’t give you better results – it will give you one seriously sore head! Use a neutralising shampoo to ensure the relaxing process is stopped, too.
Prepare For Straight-Off The next step is to book in for a pre-treatment consultation – and if you are advised that your
hair is too damaged or not a good candidate for relaxing, listen! “In general, Lye relaxers are used for normal hair and scalps, whereas if you have a sensitive scalp you’ll be given a ‘no Lye’ relaxer, which is free from sodium hydroxide and much gentler,” says Gemma. Preparation is also key. “Hair must not be washed for three to seven days before the relaxer goes on, to allow the scalp to build up a natural oil barrier to protect from chemical damage,” says Gemma. “Also, try to avoid combing or scratching your scalp as this may cause the skin to fl are up, and possibly react badly to the relaxer.” It is also important to always have a strand test done at least 48 hours before your fi rst treatment and whenever you change your salon. “Don’t be tempted to skip this stage, as it ensures you have no reaction to any of the products and checks that your hair and scalp are strong enough to take the relaxer,” says Jamie.
Happy Ever After Once your hair is gorgeously straight and shiny you’ll want to keep it that way, so the correct aftercare is essential. “Relaxed hair is prone to dryness, so in-salon intensive treatments, at least once a fortnight, will prolong a relaxer as it softens the regrowth,” says Jamie. Ask your stylist for their recommendations, then keep up the good work by investing in a protein- packed deep conditioner, like KeraCare Restorative Masque. Switching to a gentle shampoo designed for chemically-treated hair and applying a leave-in conditioner will also prevent your hair from becoming frazzled. Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo and Ojon Dry Recovery Hydrating Smoothing Cream have never let us down. Finally, now that your hair has been chemically treated, remember that it will be feeling pretty delicate – and should be treated so! Prolong your hair’s honeymoon period by keeping heat stylers to a minimum and laying off harsh styling products which can leave your locks lacklustre. Seriously wedded to your dryer? Pick up a good heat protection spray to keep your hair from becoming parched. Dove Heat Defence Heat Activated Protect & Shine Mist is kind on the purse-strings and does the job as well as many of the pricier products we’ve tried. AH
24 afro hair
RELAXING AT HOME!
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil No-Lye Relaxer System, £5.10
Motions Silkening Shine Relaxer System, £5.69
Creme of Nature
Argan Oil Relaxer, £4.59
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