Although for the last decade natural hair has made a phenomenal comeback, relaxed hair has been holding onto its spot on the pedestal. Many among us relax our hair for convenience; styling takes less time, resulting in us being quicker out the door. 

We may feel we have found a hack to life, but reality will have you thinking otherwise…

Relaxed hair is often seen as being weaker and more fragile than natural hair, but if properly cared for, it can be just as healthy, if not healthier than its un-relaxed counterpart. 

Here are some tips on how to keep your relaxed tresses healthy in between appointments:

1) Limit heat styling.

Too much heat can damage the hair shaft, causing breakage and split ends. If you must use heat, be sure to use a heat-protectant product beforehand and try not to exceed 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, give your hair a break from the heat every few weeks to allow it time to recover.

2) Keep your scalp clean.

A build-up of sweat and products can lead to scalp irritation which can cause dandruff, an itchy scalp, and even hair loss. Be sure to wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo designed for relaxed hair and rinse thoroughly. Consider using a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any build-up. 

We recommend Nguvu Ghana Black Soap.

3) Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Relaxed afro hair tends to be dryer than other types of hair due to the chemicals used in the relaxing process as well as frequent heat styling. Be sure to use a deep conditioner at least once a week and a leave-in conditioner daily. Choose products that are specifically designed for relaxed afro hair and look for ones that contain natural oils such as olive oil or jojoba oil. These will help replenish the natural oils that have been stripped from your hair.

We recommend Sealing Oil from Mane Bliss.

4) Get regular trims.

While it may seem counterintuitive, getting regular trims will actually help keep your afro healthy by getting rid of any damaged or Split ends before they have a chance to travel up the length of your strands and cause further damage. aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks, or whenever you see split ends starting to form.

Book your next trim with us.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your relaxed afro looking healthy and gorgeous in between salon visits! Heat styling can be damaging, so limit it when possible and always use a heat-protectant product beforehand. In addition, be sure to keep your scalp clean by washing regularly with a mild shampoo designed for relaxed afro hair. And don't forget about moisture! Relaxed afros tend to be dryer than other types of hair, so it's important to use deep conditioners weekly and leave-in conditioners daily. Finally, get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends from causing further damage up the length of your strands. 

Follow these tips and you'll have healthy, beautiful relaxed afro all year round!