7 Things You Should Do Before Relaxing Your Hair

“Your hair is your best accessory.” – Kristy Fidanza

Have you experienced hair shedding, damage or breakage every time after you relax your hair?

Here is a checklist for people who have recently relaxed their hair and people who have been relaxing their hair for years.

1. Get Hair Porosity Test Done

Porous hair absorbs moisture faster. Which means it also absorbs the color and chemicals quickly, thus causing damage to your hair.

To check if your hair is porous, take a bowl of water and put few strands of your hair in it. Healthy hair will float while porous hair will sink.

If your hair sinks, apply conditioner that is rich in moisture and proteins. Wait for a week and test again. DO NOT RELAX YOUR HAIR WHEN IT IS POROUS.

2. Do Not Disturb Your Scalp

Scratching, rubbing or hitting your head too hard just before a relaxer should be strictly avoided. If you feel itchy, instead of scratching apply a little coconut oil mixed with peppermint on the spot that is irritated.

It is recommended to wash the hair at least four days before getting a relaxer. When washing the hair before you should use a clarifying shampoo, which many hair care lines carry such as:

Phyto

Kevin Murphy

Moroccan Oil

3. Keep Your Scalp Sweat-Free

Do not do any activities including rigorous physical exercise to avoid the sweat settling on your scalp. Otherwise, the sweat will cause scalp irritation urging you to scratch.

4. Say “NO” To Curly Hairstyles A Week Before

A week before you visit your hairdresser, make sure that your hair is straight, easy to comb and knot-free. Never go for a relaxing with broken or damaged hair.

Healthy hair alone should be relaxed.

5. Go for Loose Styles

Completely avoid tight ponytails, braids or buns for a week before you relax. Do not use any hair accessories including pins and hair clips that that may disturb your hair or scalp.

Stay away from your favorite hats or ties for up to a week before processing your hair.

6. Side-step Alcohols and Gels

Not all, but some hair products contain alcohols that should be strictly avoided a week before relaxing your hair. DO NOT USE GELS OR OTHER PRODUCTS THAT MAY CLUMP YOUR HAIR.

These products not only makes combing difficult but also causes hair dryness.

Clarify

Go for an apple cider vinegar rinse to clarify your hair two weeks beforehand. Apple cider vinegar is a good conditioner and cleaning agent. It’s also an effective germ killer.

You can try castor oil or jojoba if apple cider vinegar doesn’t work for you.

For appointments, services and other information visit Studio Booth, a leading Hair Salon in Shadyside, Pittsburgh.

Website: www.studio-booth.com

Source: http://blackhair101.com/hair-care/7-things-to-do-before-you-relax-your-hair