I read these tips in the latest Essence Magazine and I wanted to share with everyone...sidenote Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith don't relax their hair,they get it pressed:
*Begin with the right formula. If you over or under process your hair, you can expect brittle strands that snap easily.
*Call on a friend.Relaxing requires quick and through application. Since you can't see every angle of your head, you'll need assistance to achieve a uniform finish.
*Protect the scalp, hairline, ears and nape. Apply a base to protect the skin and alleviate the burning irritation that relaxers can cause. Be sure to distribut the base evenly. Using too much can actually slow down the relaxing process.Instead, dab it on lightly with your fingers or use a pointed-nozzle squirt bottle for precise application.
*Prevent overlap. You can avoid overprocessing by applying a moisturizing conditioner to the relaxed sections of the hair. This acts like a barrier in case the chemicals come in contact with already processed hair..Apply a generous amount of the conditioner and the let it sit on the hair for 45 minutes before relaxing.
*Relax the most resistant hair first, which is usually at the back of the head or at the crown.
*Leave the comb alone. Most stylists agree that at-home users tend to pull the hair too much when applying relaxer with a comb, causing it to lose elasticity and making it easier to break. User your fingers instead or a tongue depressor to distribute the relaxer.
*Rinse properly. You should thoroughly rinse the hair at least three times or the relaxe that remains will continue to break down the hair and cause major damage.
*Begin with the right formula. If you over or under process your hair, you can expect brittle strands that snap easily.
*Call on a friend.Relaxing requires quick and through application. Since you can't see every angle of your head, you'll need assistance to achieve a uniform finish.
*Protect the scalp, hairline, ears and nape. Apply a base to protect the skin and alleviate the burning irritation that relaxers can cause. Be sure to distribut the base evenly. Using too much can actually slow down the relaxing process.Instead, dab it on lightly with your fingers or use a pointed-nozzle squirt bottle for precise application.
*Prevent overlap. You can avoid overprocessing by applying a moisturizing conditioner to the relaxed sections of the hair. This acts like a barrier in case the chemicals come in contact with already processed hair..Apply a generous amount of the conditioner and the let it sit on the hair for 45 minutes before relaxing.
*Relax the most resistant hair first, which is usually at the back of the head or at the crown.
*Leave the comb alone. Most stylists agree that at-home users tend to pull the hair too much when applying relaxer with a comb, causing it to lose elasticity and making it easier to break. User your fingers instead or a tongue depressor to distribute the relaxer.
*Rinse properly. You should thoroughly rinse the hair at least three times or the relaxe that remains will continue to break down the hair and cause major damage.
