A more direct question...my other one was probably way too confusing. Do you do anything special to your hair before relaxing or more importantly after you relax? I just put it the leave-in conditioner that comes in the box...What are the best products to use on your hair after relaxing it? Please for the love of god don't say Pink products.
What do you do before/after relaxing your hair? Well I straighten my hair on occasion and I condition it VERY well before and intensively weekly afterwards. I also don't wash it for about three days before I get it straightened. The last day I wash, I make sure to use a REALLY good protein shampoo and conditioner.
AFTERWARDS: Conditioned, Dried %26amp; Set
It is advisable to use a good conditioner to restore some of the natural oils that have been removed by the chemicals. The conditioner is applied after the neutralizer is rinsed out and after the hair is first towel dried. After the conditioner is applied, the hair can be set in rollers and gently dried or styled and air dried.
Post Relaxing Treatment
Once hair has been relaxed it will require special ongoing treatment to protect the hair and maintain the effects of the straightening. If the newly relaxed hair is not treated with special care it can become brittle and stiff and "see through". Relaxed hair is more porous and tends to hold on to dulling residue. Therefore it is very important to rinse out shampoo and other hair products thoroughly.
Relaxed hair will also break more easily. Use a good detangling/ leave in conditioning product like Phytologie #7 (or the slightly heavier Phyto 9) and a wide pick with smooth teeth to detangle wet hair. Work from the bottom of your hair up towards the roots. Take your time and be very gentle.
Regular deep conditioning is a must on hair that is chemically relaxed. Plan on doing a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week and more if your hair needs it. You can use a high quality deep conditioning treatment like PhytoKarite deep conditioning intensive treatment mask, Phytologie's Phytocitrus Mask, Huile D' Ales, Aveda's Curessence or Deep Penetrating Hair Revitalizer, Aveda's Beautifying Oil or whip up a special hot oil treatment at home (see Hot Oil Treatment below).
Newly relaxed hair tends to become a lot drier. Use a moisturizing shampoo designed for chemically treated hair like Phytologie's Phytocitrus Shampoo for chemically processed hair, Phytojojoba or Phytonectar Shampoo which was specifically created for chemically straightened or relaxed hair.
If you prefer an all natural chemical free shampoo designed to help chemically treated hair check out Paul Pender's Walnut Oil Shampoo and Burt's Bees Avocado Butter Treatment.
Use a good rinse out or leave-in conditioner as well. Chemically treated hair requires more careful and delicate treatment. If your hair does not respond well to the extra deep conditioning treatments you may want to do some moisture reconstructing treatments.
The only sure way to restore the appearance of chemically processed hair is through the application of good conditioning products. Chemical processing can erode the hair and damage the cuticle.
Conditioners will smooth the damaged outer surface of the hair by coating the hair and by putting back oils and proteins that chemical processing strips off.
When possible, limit the use of hot blow dryers and hot styling tools. If you must use a blow dryer, use on the coolest heat and apply a good protective leave in conditioner first.
Hot Oil Treatment
Heat enough sesame, almond or olive oil to saturate your hair in a saucepan or in the microwave. Make sure it is just warm to the touch and not too hot. Dab the warm olive oil on the roots of your hair with a cotton ball. Wrap the hair in a plastic shower cap, cover with a hot towel and wait for at least 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse. For extra conditioning, towel dry the hair and then apply a good leave in conditioner.
Note: Sesame and almond oil is much lighter than olive. Also, olive oil should not be used on colored hair since it may accelerate hair color fading). I love this treatment!!
When possible, leave the hot oil on the hair for longer periods of time. Overnight is a great option (although somewhat messy).
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip086....
What do you do before/after relaxing your hair? You dont do anything special before or after relaxing your hair except after you get it relaxed dont get your hair wet.
What do you do before/after relaxing your hair? don't permanently color your hair or agitate the scalp, for any type of hair that has been chemically treated especially if it's more ethnic in texture would be a good moisturizer either in a shampoo or a product you apply daily. Lack of moisture will cause damage and breakage to the hair. They have products especially for men that aren't greasy or leave a nasty build up in the hair. Oh yea, get a do-rag to wrap the hair.
