Stocksy
Relaxed hair, by its definition, undergoescontrolleddamage to straighten it.
Keep reading for five expert tips to keep relaxed hair looking and feeling its best.
Meet the Experts
Can Relaxed Hair Still Be Healthy?
Stocksy
Relaxed hair can be healthy if you adjust your routine to account for the damage done during the process.
“Only get relaxers from a licensed and experienced professional,” Hardges advises.
This is just another reason why relaxers should be left to professionals.
Even if your goal is not togrow hairdown your back, well-moisturized ends are still important.
When choosing aprotective style, Sturdivant-Drew recommends looking for a low-tension option like two-strand twists or braided ponytails.
This preserves body and volume in a low-maintenance fashion requiring no heat.
Trim as Needed
“Trim every eight to 10 weeks,” says Sturdivant-Drew.
If not properly cared for, the ends of hair may become excessively dry.
The length of time that relaxed hair lasts will vary from person to person.
“It depends on the hair jot down.
I have coarse hair, so for me, it lasts about eight to 10 weeks.
If you have finer hair, it will last a few months,” says Sturdivant-Drew.
There are a few disadvantages of relaxing your hair.
Namely, “[Relaxers] compromise the integrity of the hair tremendously,” says Hardges.
“The results are permanent.
The maintenance is costly and requires a strict schedule for best results.
Not to mention, relaxers have been connected to fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, and certain cancers.”
Llanos AAM, McDonald JA, Teteh DK, Bethea TN.
Chemical relaxers and hair-straightening products: potential targets for hormone-related cancer prevention and control.J Natl Cancer Inst.
2022;114(12):1567-1569.
