HOW I PREPARE MY HAIR FOR A RELAXER TOUCH-UP

Relaxer I'll be using this weekend :)

I must say that I feel grateful for the confidence I have gained since the beginning of last year in how I touch up my relaxers, which enables me to write on the subject today. Self-relaxing was one matter that terrified me at the beginning of my hair journey, fearing that I would lose all of my hair if I’ve ever dared do it myself. Fast forward to 2017, now it’s a different story! I still get a little nervous, but I just shake it off and process to prepare my hair for the process.

One may have a negative experience if the hair is not prepared correctly for this chemical treatment. It’s basically about modifying the structure of the hair to make it appear straighter. In order to reduce the risk of damage, it is encouraged to replenish the hair with protein, since protein bonds will be broken down during the relaxer touch-up.

I make it a point to relax my hair every 10 to 14 weeks, to minimize unnecessary breakage. To prepare my hair for this process, I follow these steps and use the following products one week prior to my relaxer touch-up:

• I do a pre-shampoo treatment with a conditioner that contains some silk ingredient or aloe vera juice/extract (Tresemmé Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner was great!), mixed with my oil mix, in order to help with detangling my new growth.

• I then clarify (removing all product buildup) with ORS Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo. I shampoo twice or 3 times, depending on how my hair feels.

• I deep condition with a protein deep conditioner. Currently, Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Fortifying Mask mixed with olive oil is doing the job.

• After I rinse out the deep conditioner, I remove the excess water with a t-shirt and detangle after applying the Infusium 23 Moisture Replenisher Leave-In Treatment and Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum. Best combination ever to detangle my wet hair, and they leave my hair feeling divine after it dries. 

• I set my wet hair on rollers in order to stretch it. I would air dry a little bit before completely drying my hair with a blow dryer.

• I moisturize and seal the very ends of my hair as needed during the week, leaving my new growth undisturbed.

• I keep detangling to a minimal; if I have to, I detangle with my fingers first before I use a comb.

Products I use to moisturize & seal

During the week leading up to relaxer day, I don’t oil my scalp at all. Nonetheless, some people prefer to oil their scalp in order to avoid using Vaseline or any form of petroleum jelly on their scalp on relaxer day.  I do make an effort to not touch my scalp at all 4 days before relaxer day to avoid burning my scalp.

That’s all I do to prepare my hair for the chemical process. Now I can’t wait to have access to my scalp again!