Experts share how to maintain relaxed hair.
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Relaxed hair can look sleek and sophisticated, but it’s not effortless.
In its own way, it’s just as high maintenance as natural hair.
Grace Kerry/Getty Images
Because chemical straightening is a harsh process, nourishing your tresses is essential to maintaining hair health.
A relaxed hair regime doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, but it should be consistent.
We asked Everett and hair expert Diane Cole Stevens for their advice on how to keep relaxed hair healthy.
Meet the Experts
Keep reading for an expert-approved hair care regimen for relaxed hair.
Use a Moisturizing Shampoo
How often should you wash relaxed hair?
At least once a week.
Choose a high-quality moisturizing shampoo like Kinky Curly Come Clean, and use it at least once a week.
Avoid piling hair on top of your head or aggressively rubbing shampoo into your ends.
Focus the product on the hair shaft, avoiding the scalp.
Use a wide-tooth comb to work the conditioner through and fully saturate your hair.
Leave in for a few minutes, then rinse out.
Opt for Rich, Creamy Conditioners
Wondering how to wash and deep condition relaxed hair?
We’ve got you covered.
The healthier the hair shaft, the more it is able to receive and maintain moisture."
And how often should youdeep condition?
It depends on how dry your hair is.
Apply Heat
Committing to a weekly deep condition is a great first step to maintaining healthy hair.
However, adding heat or steam will take that conditioning treatment up a notch.
Invest in asteamer cap, which provides gentle heat to help absorb all of your hair products.
(An occasional mild reconstructor keeps your hair strong, but it’s not required.)
These range from two-minute reconstructors you apply after a shampoo to spray formulas that you add before styling.
You may also need a serious treatment if you’re experiencing extreme breakage.
Add Moisture Daily
Relaxed hairbenefits from a daily program of hair oil or leave-in conditioner.
Stick to Your Routine
Consistent hair care is one of the keys to healthy tresses.
It might be helpful to keep ahairjournal until the routine becomes second nature to you.
You often need tomaketime for hair care; taking proactive steps helps to prevent problems down the line.
Try scheduling hair care into your calendar.
Not only will it keep the moisture in your hair, but it will also keep your style intact.
Good hair days are ahead.
