To properly relax your hair, choose a relaxer, prepare your hair, apply the relaxer, remove the relaxer, and then adopt a haircare routine. An option to restore curls would be to get a curly perm—like the '80s body wave—but I would not recommend it as it will cause major breakage on relaxed strands. Observe the hair for signs of breakage every week. You can let it sit on your hair for 3-5 minutes, then wash it out. This process will take a lot of time, with the length of time varying from person to person. After shampooing the hair, follow up with a leave-in conditioner treatment for your hair type. Once the relaxer wears off, normally after six weeks, a “touch-up” is needed. She has an expertise in natural hair and Black women's issues. Read our, How to Style Hair While Transitioning to Natural Hair, Leigh Hardges is a stylist and natural hair expert at. Do not use metal or hard plastic barrettes, bobby pins or clips. Wrap a hot towel and then wash off after 30 minutes. The challenge is that many methods require you to use chemicals or heat. Ask the cosmetologist to recommend products specific to relaxed hair. Best Transitioning Hairstyles for Black Hair, How Keratin Treatments Work with Black Hair, The 20 Best Long Haircuts for Every Type of Texture, The Reverse Transitioner: Natural Back to Relaxed, 20 Low-Maintenance Haircuts for Every Texture, Crochet Braids: Everything You Need to Know, How 3 YouTubers Inspired a Generation of Women to Embrace Their Natural Hair, Byrdie uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Lye Relaxers vs. No-lye Relaxers Another component of relaxers is whether or not it has the presence of lye. Her experience includes news copy, online articles, technical manuals as well as printed business advertisements. Be certain that you apply it correctly over the entire length of hair loss. It makes the hair soft and loosen the curls naturally. It is important to understand that each method is different, and it is necessary that you choose your hair … However, relaxed hair will grow out over time without having to cut it. Comb the hair gently with a wide-tooth comb to avoid breaking it at the point where … My goal was to get my hair 100% natural but I struggled to figure out how to achieve it. It will remove the yellowed tinge in your silver hair. I thought nothing of my hair as I went through life. Which one you choose is entirely up to you. By using Byrdie, you accept our. It works as a great natural hair relaxer which smoothens curls naturally. But you would still need to slowly trim the relaxed hair off.". "There really is no such thing as stripping relaxer from hair because once texture has been removed, you can’t put it back," says Branch. You may want to cut off all of your relaxed hair to get a fresh start, or you can trim your hair once a month until you remove all of the relaxed hair. Apply warm (but not hot) oil to your hair strands. Wash your hair with water and let it dry naturally. Braiding relaxed hair will only cause excessive breakage because the hair is already fragile. How to remove perm from hair at home with raw papaya It’s packed with minerals and vitamins as well as an enzyme called papain. Del Sandeen is a contributing writer with over 20 years of experience in editorial. Choose a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Below, we separate the myths from the facts and share advice for your smoothest transition back to natural hair. "[Relaxer is] a permanent straightening system," explains Hardges. A hot oil treatment is also important and you should … This is a method of deep conditioning your hair and you should perform it at least twice monthly. Wear a silk scarf over the head at night. Sarah Scott has been writing for a variety of publications since 1994. Here are a few things you should know. Condition and Treat your Hair. Are Texturizers a Good Way to Transition to Natural Hair? "The best way to prevent this from occurring is to keep the hair curly and minimize manipulation of the hair as much as possible. How to use: Top natural hair relaxer recipes for oily hair 1. If you continue to straighten the hair, the tension and heat applied will eventually cause the hair to snap at the transition point," says Hardges. Apply the cocoa butter directly on your hair. If you want straighter hair for whatever reason (maybe you always flat-iron your hair anyways or you want to get your hair wet without stressing about your natural texture), a hair relaxer … Is it actually possible to take a perm out of your hair without a big chop? A perm can produce curls, waves or straight hair, which can last for at least 4 to 6 weeks. "Any such process would significantly damage hair further. My last relaxer was in November 2009 but I unsuccessfully tried transitioning several times since 2004. Hair relaxer, otherwise known as hair straightener, is used on hair that is naturally curly or wavy in order to attain a straighter, sleeker look. A few braids at night, loosened in the morning adds waves." Several stories commonly revolve around relaxer removal. Ask a Hairstylist: Can Heat Styling Damage Your Natural Curl Pattern? Hair usually grows an average of half an inch per month, so in six months, with proper care, you should see around three inches of growth. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Moisturized hair is a must all of the time, but especially during a transition from relaxed to natural hair. It is then rinsed and the bonds are reformed with a neutralizing agent. Hair that has been treated with a chemical relaxer is permanently changed. How to Fix Over-Processed Hair and Hair Breakage. But donning natural hair is more complicated than it sounds. “Using Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Curls ($16) or Pillow Soft Curls ($22) on wet hair and scrunching in while diffusing can encourage as much curl as possible on relaxed hair. Experimenting with henna as a natural hair relaxer is part of the quest for natural ways of relaxing hair.Hair relaxers are lotions used by curly people that chemically disrupt the elliptical shape of curly hair and reconstructs the hair in a different shape. In fact, the only surefire way to remove a relaxer is to cut off the processed hair, which is commonly referred to as “the big chop.” If you’re not comfortable with the idea of cutting your hair off, allow enough time to regrow your strands first. We asked our two natural hair experts, Leigh Hardges and Miko Branch, to guide you on your journey to growing out your relaxer. It greatly nourishes your hair, and it is also possible to utilize it like a normal hair relaxer. My mother relaxed my hair for the first time when I was about seven or eight. Apply a hair detangler while the hair is still wet. It is possible to get your naturally curly hair into a smooth, straight style. During that time, the new growth will push the perm to the ends of the hair. Apply this on your hair and wrap a towel around it for an hour or so. Before you can style your straight hair, you should first know how to get the look. Apply a hot oil treatment to the hair once a week. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Change your hair care routine if you see any breakage. Handling natural hair can be stressful if you don’t know how to take care of it without damaging it even more. A relaxer is a permanent straightening system that breaks down hair bonds using sodium hydroxide., We know that a relaxer is used to straighten curly to natural hair types, but what is it exactly? There is no right way or wrong way to start your journey. I was a young girl growing up in Houston, TX where Just For Me kiddie perms were the norm. If you're ready for a haircut, Branch says a short cropped haircut can double as a styling method and "look" while speeding up the process of removing relaxed hair as it’s cut off. Using protective styles such as sew-ins, twisting, rollers or a rod set will be optimal during the transition period. Aloe Vera. But the relaxed hair will grow out until there is enough new hair growth to create a natural hairstyle. If your new growth looks strange … Apply a thermal protection product to the hair before applying heat. but you won't want to confuse this kind of perm with the one that curls straight hair. You get to discover your natural hair slowly, and it’s one of the most exciting things you can do for yourself. From Relaxer to All-Natural Hair. Caution should be used when relaxing hair, because of the chemicals that are used. As previously mentioned, the chemicals used during a relaxing treatment break down the bonds in your hair in order to change the texture. 17 Hair Products That Let Your Curls Live Their Best Life, 10 FAQs About Transitioning to Natural Hair, Transitioning to Natural Hair Won't Be Hard If You Use These Products. Consult a cosmetologist who supports natural hair growth and your desire not to lose your length during the transition period. There are several ways to make hair straight from extensions to natural, and we are going to go through each one. To add texture back to your hair or take the steps to embrace your natural hair texture, you can start with double strand twists or a curly rod set. Aloe Vera has also been shown to remove impurities from hair, leaving it squeaky clean. How to use olive oil to get rid of a perm: Warm ½ cup of olive oil in a pan over low heat. And also, how can I tell my natural hair coming from the roots, to my permed hair? If you want to go from relaxed to natural hair, keep your hair hydrated and healthy by using a conditioner on a daily basis, but only shampoo 1-3 times a week. Hair relaxers break down the natural keratin proteins made in our hair, which are held together by disulfide bonds. Relaxers are commonly referred to as perms; some women use … What this means is no shortcut will be able to bring your natural hair back to life. Each method has its own pros and cons that you will have to weigh out to determine which one is the best fit for you. You can straighten you hair, however, without heat and still get quality results -- and you can do it at home. Scott majored in English at California State University in Sacramento. A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv. There may be times when a person may want to remove the perm from their hair and return it to its natural texture. [/QUOTE] The thickness of your hair doesn't matter when growing out a relaxer. How Often Should Black Women Relax Their Hair? Gavazzoni Dias MF. In between times, use a good emollient shampoo. Look at the areas around the hairline and in the middle of the head. Don’t forget to seek tips, advice, and words of encouragement from other naturals or people in your life that you trust. Relaxer Myths. Comb the hair gently with a wide-tooth comb to avoid breaking it at the point where the relaxed hair meets the naturally textured hair. Apply a hair detangler while the hair is still wet. Instead, a relaxer — or perm — is a chemical solution that's applied to extremely curly, coiled hair to make it lay straight. Remove the warm oil out of the heat and begin to apply it on your hair. Int J Trichology. Here, you will find several useful tips on how to soften natural hair and make it healthier without using a relaxer. This enzyme helps break down your hair follicles as well as slow down your hair re-growth rate. Make sure that you apply a thick layer of it. Use a moisturizing shampoo that is designed to repair damaged hair. Is There a Way to Remove a Relaxer From My Hair? Perms are a popular, trendy way of styling the hair, which involves chemical or thermal treatment. 4. Some people swear by washing detergent, vinegar... Relaxers Are Permanent. Wait for 1-2 hours and then wash your hair off with a gentle shampoo. In addition, use a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Alternatively, put a silk pillowcase on the pillow. Whether you've had relaxed hair for decades or you recently received a chemical straightening treatment, the time might come when you want to switch back to natural. Double condition your hair after a good wash using both a rinse off conditioner and a leave-in conditioner. Relaxed hair has a tendency to break off if you don't care for the new growth gently and properly. ", The only answer to this question is, no. If you were wishing to wake up with new hair, this might not be the answer you want to hear, but it’s not as interminable as you might think. Washing relaxer out of hair is important for maintaining health, and many special shampoos turn colors to show when relaxer is still present in hair. This helps to restore moisture naturally to the hair. Massage your scalp for 20 to 30 minutes. Oct 12, 2013 - It is possible to get your naturally curly hair into a smooth, straight style. ... and perms can mean the same thing. The average rate of growth for hair is 1/2 inch per month. Reapplying relaxers regularly is what causes damage overtime. Relaxers are a temporary fix. Share ← Older Post Newer Post → Latest Posts. Aloe gel is great for oily and curly hair, as it removes excess oil, makes hair luscious, silky and smooth. The challenge is that many methods require you to use chemicals or heat. A good quality cocoa butter can easily be bought from the supermarket and be used for hair relaxing purpose. First take a warm towel and gently wrap it around your hair. As you transition, consider this: "If your goal is to wear your hair [in its natural texture] after transitioning from a relaxer, then the less heat you use on it the better. That sought-after thickness and body in the hair gives you more styling options and signifies overall hair … Falling For NaturAll: Valentine's Day Hairstyle Guide February 10, 2021. Cocoa butter is very good at moisturizing the hair naturally. It’s all about what is going to make you feel comfortable. To add texture back to your hair or take the steps to embrace your natural hair texture, you can start with double strand twists or a curly rod set if you're not quite ready for the big chop where Branch says the hair is typically cut closely to where natural hair has begun to grow back. If the hair is strong and healthy enough, use a blow dryer or a flat iron to straighten it while growing out relaxed hair. "The hairs bonds are broken using sodium hydroxide, while the hair is physically straightened. You can stop relaxing your hair, which will only effect the new growth, and will most likely have to address the remaining relaxed ends in some way, whether it be to add more texture via styling methods or cutting the relaxed ends off.”. You can wash with a mild shampoo to … If you decide to use a purple shampoo, it’s best to limit it to once per week, so it won’t build up. "The point where the relaxed hair and naturally curly hair meets becomes very weak. While the curls will loosen, the hair might break up, and the scalp risks of getting burnt if it comes into contact with the relaxer. Having thick hair is a common desire among relaxed haired ladies. Secure the hair with soft hair bands. Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner that are formulated for damaged hair. A hair relaxer is a chemical process that has the purpose of permanently straightening your hair, completely removing your hair’s natural curl pattern. Comb the hair gently with a wide-tooth comb to avoid breaking it at the point where the relaxed hair meets the naturally textured hair. She has worked as a teacher and tutor and enjoys teaching others. Branch also recommends investing a styler made for curly hair and a diffuser. This is why many people fail to go through the process of getting rid of relaxed hair without cutting. 2015;7(1):2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450, 10 Ways to Make a Transition to Natural Hair Easier. The pro of transitioning is that you can “ease into” having natural hair; the con is you will probably have many frustrating days and nights as you try and make the adjustment from one texture of hair to another (especially if you discover that, like most curly girls, your natural head of hair has more than one texture to it anyway). Both can damage the hair and, with continued use, can even cause hair loss. 07/23/2015 04:30 pm ET Updated Dec 06, 2017 My hair journey began like that of many black women. Some other tips that can help reduce the wave: 1. A touch-up is when a relaxer is applied to the roots of the hair because the natural curl pattern starts to grow in. In order to go from relaxed to natural hair, you have two options: Transitioning or The Big Chop. Both can damage the hair and, with continued use, can even cause hair loss. In fact, the only surefire way to remove a relaxer is to cut off the processed hair, which is commonly referred to as “the big chop.” If you’re not comfortable with the idea of cutting your hair off, allow enough time to regrow your strands first. So you can estimate 2 - 3 years of no relaxer to have your natural curls back to the length of your hair right now.