In recent times, it is normal to find more and more articles which are focused on natural hair and less on relaxed hair. Being an advocate of good hair, I am of the opinion that no matter the path you choose to follow, what really matters is how well you take care of your hair.
Everyone wants longer hair irrespective of the fact that their hair is relaxed or natural and the secret to having long relaxed hair is knowledge. It’s all about knowing how to care for your relaxed hair by yourself and understanding your strands. With relaxed hair, the hair has been chemically processed and will require a different level of care than natural hair, and one thing is for sure if you want your hair to grow, it cannot be business as usual for your new hair.
5 secrets to having longer relaxed hair…
1. Low manipulation
Drop that comb/brush! Yes, I know your hair feels silky smooth and all but excess combing or brushing can weaken the hair shaft over time and cause shedding and breakage. The less time one spends combing their relaxed hair the better it will look.
2. Frequency of relaxing
How often do you relax your hair? When I had relaxed hair, I used to relax my hair every 2 months or as soon as I feel undergrowth. Little did I know that I was doing more harm than good. Preferably, relax your hair just 3 times per year and if you can stretch it to 2 times a year, all the better for you.
3. Switching relaxers
Read your labels! You don’t have to be a chemistry major to realise that some compounds don’t mix well with others. If you must switch relaxers, make sure that the base chemicals are the same.
4. Conditioners
All hair needs conditioning. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. However, not all conditioners were created equal, some have ingredients to coat the hair shaft and others were designed to go deep into the hair shaft. Deep conditioners need heat to swell the hair shaft so that it can enter the hair and repair any nicks or scratches on the hair surface from within. On the other hand, regular conditioners coat the hair so that it is easy to handle and comb. They both serve a very important function in hair growth and retention and should never be overlooked. It is better for you to condition your hair than to shampoo it.
5. Moisture
I cannot preach the gospel of moisture enough. Many persons are unaware of the power of moisture for hair retention. Moisturised hair does not break as easily as dry or brittle hair. A good moisture balance is needed to retain hair growth. A very good source of moisture for both inside and outside our bodies is water. If you are not drinking enough water your hair will get dry and brittle. Similarly, if you do not apply enough moisture to your hair it will get dry and break. Remember, moisture is not oil!
Photo credits: Pixabay, Google images, IG | Hairducation
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