How to Relax Hair

Posted on July 29th, 2009 by Carmelia

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Want to get that kink out of your hair? You don’t have to go to a beauty parlor for that. Here’s how to relax your hair on your own. Read on for more.

It’s not recommended to relax your hair if your hair has been bleached. Unless the bleached part has cut off or grown out, avoid relaxing your hair in the meantime.
If you have serious kink in your hair, go for sodium hydroxide. Otherwise, you can go with ammonium thioglycolate. Never use the two at the same time. Never mix them either.
Before you start, use a high-alkaline shampoo for your hair. Stripping the hair of its natural oils will make it easier for it to absorb the relaxing agents you will apply later on.
Section your hair off in four parts: The two sides, the crown to the back, and the front portion.
Start applying the relaxing agent while your hair is still wet. Use a color brush or comb and start from half an inch from the scalp, if you’re using sodium hydroxide. If you’re using ammonium thioglycolate, start a quarter inch from the scalp.
Apply the relaxer from roots to tips. Work in 1/8 inch sections for each smooth stroke.
Once you’re done applying the relaxer to your hair, apply it to the roots. Do not let the relaxer go where the roots meet the scalp, as the relaxing agent can cause scalp burns and temporary hair loss.
Let the relaxer set for around 15 minutes. Check its progress by running a wide-toothed comb through your hair. See how much of the curl comes back after combing.
Rinse sodium hydroxide out with cool water for five minutes. If you’re using ammonium thioglycolate, you don’t have to rinse it out.
If you used sodium hydroxide, shampoo twice to make sure it has been rinsed out.
Apply conditioner in your hair after, but don’t rinse it out. This will help soften the hair and help your hair get used to the chemicals you just applied in it.