One of the biggest questions that I get asked constantly is about my hair. No, it’s not natural and neither is it in a protective style; it’s chemically relaxed. I know what you’re thinking, how are you grown and you still get your hair chemically relaxed? The reason being, purely lifestyle and preference.
As I got older, and I transitioned through school, it really just became harder to do my hair. It was long, curly and non- cooperative. So I really gave up and essentially took the way that was not only good for me at the time, but for the long haul. I was in sports and I was becoming an adult, so I felt as though experimentation was the key at this point. The first time I had a relaxer, I was 16, armed with one hundred dollars and the idea that I was going to leave with straight hair; pressed out hair at that. I didn’t know that three hours later I would have long silky hair that would have to be maintained every six weeks. I also did not know that this experience would be the foundation for understanding the style and maintenance for keeping up with relaxed hair. Thus this brings me to my next topic.
How do you maintain and style relaxed hair?
With all honesty, the same way that you would take care of any other type of hairstyle; with just pure love and proper maintenance. To make it easier, I created an essential list to being successful in the art of chemical processing
- See a Professional for Chemical Applications: Nobody knows your texture like your stylist. Even though box perms are cheap and enticing, that is also the easiest way to become bald-headed. Good work is not cheap, so therefore breaking the bank to reach your hair goals will become the norm and necessary.
- Avoid Over-processing: For starters, you shouldn’t be perming your own hair, but if worse comes to worse, just make sure that you do not re-relax the hair. That is committing hair suicide and at that point, your asking for all the hair that you worked so hard to have, to be burned off.
- Choose Low or No-Heat Styling: When I get relaxers, I always stick to roller sets and wrap sets. Natural heat will always be your best friend. Too much heat can permanently damage the hair.
- Wrap and Protect at Night: Scarfs not only protect the hair from breakage, but it also preserves the hairstyle and keeps your hair soft. I wear scarfs after I grease my hair so that my hair does not get dry. Scarfs and wrapping your hair are essential.
- Trim as Needed: In order for plants to grow, they need to be watered and trimmed. So does your hair also. When hair is not maintained by trimming, it does not grow. Breakage will occur, which will lead to uneven hair. I personally trim my own hair for maintenance purposes, but to also ensure that I am properly taking care of my investment.
I still till this day do not regret my decision to become relaxed. I think what a person does with their hair is a personal choice and there should be no pressure surrounding it. The real key to hair is understanding what works for you at the end of the day and nobody else, because the truth is, nobody will love your hair like you do.
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