But a poorly done relaxer can cause damage that can be challenging to repair.
Unfortunately, some of the warning signs that a relaxer is damaging your hair are commonly accepted.
Meet the Experts
Can Your Hair Be Healthy With a Relaxer?
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Along with avoiding excess damage, care for your hair with products that will repair and hydrate.
Don’t think that the pain only happens when a relaxer is left on too long.
Before applying a perm to your hair, Alexander’s advice is to avoid itching and touching your scalp.
The proper prep before arelaxeris to do absolutely nothing," he says.
She says this is due to our scalp’s pH.
“[The scalp] is somewhere between 4.5 and 5.5,” says McField.
Some have burning sensations, and it doesnt affect them at all."
In some cases, the sores may ooze fluids and/or crust over.
Any break in the skin may be cause for concern.
Follicle Inflammation
“Your scalp works very similarly to your skin,” McField.
The same process occurs with your scalp.
However, it’s more of the follicle that can potentially become scarred.
A relaxer burn will immediately cause inflammation to the scalp.
As a result, you more than likely will lose hair in that area."
McField sayshairloss can be temporary or permanent.
Still, relaxer damage and over-processing can contribute to hair thinning over time if maintained incorrectly.
“This is the best way to preserve maximum fullness,” she says.
This way you’ll have more body and volume, and lessen the chance of damage.
Alexander says that uneven lengths or fullness are key indicators of breakage.
Identifying breakage isn’t always easy, since humans shed hair every day.
Byrdie Tip
Avoid heat styling if you relax your hair.
It may increase your chance of breakage.
Dryness
Relaxers are designed to break the disulfide bonds in the hair.
McField recommends her version of a dynamic moisture duo.
For added conditioner, Design Essentials Almond Butter Express Instant Moisturizing Conditioner is a perfect hydrating product."
“Sitting under a heated hooded dryer for 30 minutes really makes a humongous difference.”
Receiving the treatment from an unqualified, unexperienced hairstylist can also potentially lead to damage.
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