Don’t Do This Before Relaxing Hair

Relaxing your hair can be a tedious process, especially when you can’t make it to the salon to get it professionally done. If you want a straighter hairstyle, a relaxer gives you that option without worrying that your hair will revert to its natural texture if you get caught out in the rain or want to go for a swim. Getting your relaxer done in a salon, in the hands of a professional you trust, is the best way to go about this process, but it can also be done at home. The key to keeping your hair healthy throughout the process is making sure you follow the directions on your relaxer’s box, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend!

Hair care expert and celebrity stylist Kim Kimble weighs-in on the proper procedures to follow when relaxing your hair.

Check out our tips for making your at-home relaxing session go as smoothly as possible.

Skip the Shampoo
Before opening your relaxer kit and mixing your chemicals, ask yourself when the last time you shampooed your hair was. Kimble says, “Washing your hair before getting a relaxer can cause scalp irritation. You also should not have a lot of product in your hair before getting a relaxer.”

Cleansing or even wetting your hair and scalp before you relax might lead to burning once you apply the chemicals, because your scalp hasn’t had enough time to “rest” since your last shampoo. No matter what your regular cleansing routine is, do not shampoo your hair for at least one week before applying relaxer.

Never Skip Neutralizer

There’s a reason you buy relaxers in a box: everything you need should be included. More important than the conditioner or mixing stick is the neutralizing shampoo. You cannot use your regular shampoo to stop the relaxing process. If you do, expect to see breakage and hair fall in the coming days and weeks. A neutralizer stops the relaxer from continuing to work on your hair and essentially eating through it. One of the issues some people face is that a small bottle of neutralizing shampoo isn’t enough for their long and/or thick hair. If you routinely relax at home, do yourself a favor and purchase a separate bottle of this product at your local beauty supply.