Healthy Hair Tips for Women Who Use Hair Relaxer or Hair Straightener Products

Tip 1 for Hair Relaxer/Hair Straightener Hair Health:Wash your hair as infrequently as possible to minimize breakage and maintain natural oils. For women of color, or those with dryness-prone coarse or curly hair, skipping a day or two between washes can help hair retain its moisture. Determining how often to wash your hair takes trial and error—you may wash less frequently if your hair doesn’t get oily quickly, or more to combat product buildup.

Some women can wash their hair several times a week, while others can wait two weeks. Curly or African American hair tends to be more porous, fragile and dry than straight hair, so avoid products with sulfates. Try co-washing your hair, or washing it only with conditioner to help maintain moisture. To avoid breakage, comb your curls with a wide-tooth comb in the shower. If you use hair relaxer or hair straightener products, treat your hair to deep conditioning treatments at least once a month.

Tip 2 for Hair Relaxer/Hair Straightener Hair Health:

Use heat tools as infrequently as possible. This doesn’t apply to everyone, but as a general rule, use curlers, blow dryers or hair straightener products a maximum of once a week. Even if you use heat protectors, hair straightener tools put unnecessary stress on your hair. Use a high quality heat protector to keep your hair moisturized—avoid products with oils, as these can literally fry on hot surfaces. Tourmaline or titanium hair straighener tools will add natural shine by smoothing the hair cuticles. When styling after using a hair relaxer or hair straightener, steer clear of gels with alcohol, which can be very drying and damaging.

Tip 3 for Hair Relaxer/Hair Straightener Hair Health:

Trim your ends every six to eight weeks. Most women, especially those who use hair relaxer or hair straightener products, can benefit from regular trimming to avoid stringy, ragged-looking ends. Everyday stresses, plus hair relaxer or hair straightener use can cause split ends. Reduce these stresses by avoiding rubber or metal hair bands, wrapping your hair in a silk scarf at night, and always using heat protectors before blow drying or using hair straightener tools. Women who want long hair may avoid trimming, but split ends can result in breakage and loss of length overall. You can even trim your ends at home to avoid a trip to the salon.

Christen Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Fresh Look Hair. If you’re looking for a safe hair relaxer, natural hair texturize or hair straightener, try Fresh Look Hair’s BodipHier system. You’ll enjoy manageable and straighten hair while maintaining healthy shine, texture and body. Visit Freshlookhair.com to find out more!