It is no doubt that natural hair has taken over the hair style space, both home and abroad. The internet is heavily laden with various hairstyle inspirations, tips and tricks, hair products to maintain the natural hair. At least, three, in every group of ten ladies are rocking their natural hair. Every lady knows a friend or a friend-of-a-friend who has natural hair. Natural hair is beautiful, but not for everyone.

Many of us still have relaxed hair, and we need to take good care of it. So, ladies (and gentlemen), let’s take the spotlight away from the ”naturalistas” for a moment shall we?

Before natural hair became a thing, a lot of us women rocked our relaxed hair, and wore it beautifully. If you belong to the relaxed hair team, please keep reading, as you will discover ways to maintain your relaxed hair and help it grow.

1- RELAXING YOUR HAIR
Knowing when and how to apply relaxer to your hair is very important. Choosing a product that works with your hair is also of utmost importance. Relaxer application should not be done frequently.

An interval of three to four months before every application is ideal, or when you have tangible undergrowth. This is because the hair is given time to grow. Regular application of relaxer will cause the hair to lose texture, and will begin to break.

There are a few things you can do to your hair before you apply relaxer:

1. Apply moisturizer around your edges and to your scalp before you apply the relaxer. Moisturizers like shea butter or regular hair cream works just fine. It prevents the scalp from getting burnt by the relaxer.

 
2. Do not apply relaxer to clean hair. If your hair has been washed, do not apply relaxer, as it will cause your scalp to get burnt.

 
3. Give your hair an interval of, at least, 24 hours after taking off or undoing your previous hairdo, before applying a relaxer. This will also help prevent your hair from getting burnt, and will help your hair relax properly.

 
4. Use no-lye hair relaxers.

        2- STEAM YOUR HAIR

A really good way to keep your relaxed hair healthy and radiantly beautiful is to steam it (i.e deep conditioning). There are various products you can get off the shelf to steam your hair. Be sure to buy the one that contains shea butter.

However, there is a simple D-I-Y deep conditioner you can make in your  kitchen, using eggs, honey, olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter.

To prepare this mixture, beat 1 egg (or 2 if you have full hair) in a bowl, add 1 tsp of coconut oil, 1 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of melted shea butter and a tsp of olive oil.

Mix ingredients well and apply sparingly to your hair, from root to end. Cover hair with a plastic cap and leave on for 30 minutes, or if you have a hand-drier, set it to medium heat and use over the plastic cap. Rinse hair properly and dry.

Steaming prevents hair breakage and improves hair texture, amongst many other benefits. It is important to note that steaming is best done two weeks after applying relaxer to hair.

       FEED YOUR HAIR
Just like the skin and stomach, the hair also requires proper feeding to keep it healthy. Treat your hair from time to time, using hair treatments like Castor oil, Coconut treatment, Tea tree oil, Placenty me, Lota body, Shea butter, etc.

Whether natural or relaxed, your hair is your crowning glory. Give it the attention that it needs.

It is also important to note that too much heat can damage your relaxed hair. Stay away from hot irons (hair straighteners) and curlers as much as you possibly can. If you must use an iron, apply heat protective serum or shea butter, before using it.

Also, take good care of your edges. Keep it moisturized, whether you have a braid or a wig on. There’s no doubt that these tips will be useful to you, and we love feedback.

Do drop your comments and/or questions in the comment section below. We are waiting to hear from you.

Have a rejuvenating weekend!