This year, I hit the 22-year mark of relaxing my hair. What made me realize this milestone was not being able to get touch-ups because of the pandemic. The first 14 weeks were manageable however weeks 15-23 were rough. I had tried so many trends and techniques over the years to help keep my hair healthy. These are the top 5 things you need to know if you want to have amazing relaxed hair.

1) Go to a professional

Yes, you can technically do it yourself. However, you should not. When applying a relaxer you need to see unprocessed, especially when you are doing a touch-up. And it’s hard to see the back of your head. I have had a head full of relaxed hair for 20 years because I never did a “kitchen relaxer”. I strongly suggest against it.

2) Don’t relax your hair every 6 weeks

Stretching your relaxer will help your hair grow thicker and longer. What often leads to breakage is “overlapping” relaxer on hair that has already been processed. If you wait 10 to 12 weeks for your touch-up, there will be a clear line of demarcation which will help reduce overlap.

3) Have a care routine

Relaxed hair is especially susceptible to damage from heat and manipulation. So it is very important that you take the following steps to take care of your hair:

Deep condition your hair every 2 weeks
Trim your ends every time you get a touch up
Don’t use heat tools over at 375 degrees
Keep your hair moisturized
Sleep on a satin pillowcase and wear a satin bonnet to bed

4) Wearing protective styles will help your hair grow

U-part wigs have been a crucial part of my hair care journey. I am able to achieve the look of a weave and take care of my hair every day. Box braids have helped me to achieve significant hair growth during the summer. Protective hairstyles can help your hair grow if take them down carefully.

5) Don’t put any other permanent chemical treatments on your hair

I have been down the road of coloring my relaxed hair and it was a bad decision. My hair was not the same. I lost all the volume, my hair was thinner, and my hair was more damaged. Plus, I had to keep up with two separate chemical schedules. You have to relax your hair then wait two weeks then color your roots.

A better alternative is to wear colored hair extensions. Whether it’s wigs, braids, clip-ins, or phony ponies, you can add fun color without damaging your real hair. If you must color your real hair consider avoiding blonde or colors that would heavily process your hair.