Smooth, sleek, and easy to manage hair is everyone's favorite. For decades, relaxed straight hair has been a sought after hair treatment – transforming frizzy, unruly hair into smooth, beautiful locks. This chemical process will straighten the hair and makes them easy to manage and easy to style.
Relaxed hair is look good, but it need to care and attention properly. In this guide, we detailed everything you need to know about relaxed straight hair: the process, the aftercare, and the styling tricks. So whether you want your hair to be relaxed or you just need maintenance tips, you have landed in the right place!
Get ready to discover the secret of good, straight hair. Let's dive in!
What Is Relaxed Straight Hair?
Chemically altered hair, which removes curl, wave, or frizz, to leave hair smooth and straight and more manageable, is considered to be relaxed straight hair. The chemical relaxer cuts down on the natural hair structure to make it smooth and easy to style. People with curly or wavy hair often opt for this treatment as they want a long lasting straight look.
If the hair is relaxed it needs proper maintenance to stay healthy and shiny as it doesn't grow naturally straight. Most commonly for people with frizzy or difficult to deal with hair, relaxation is done.
It is a convenient solution to those who have the desire to save on styling time and have your hair looking polished. With regular care, relaxed hair will be strong, smooth and breakage free.
With relaxed hair, it becomes flat after washing and that is pretty good, but simply means it takes no time styling. Because of this, it's perfect for a daily user with a busy schedule who just needs a consistently smooth look.
But because the treatment changes the hair's structure, it's important to care for it properly to avoid damage and keeping it looking smooth and shiny in the long run.
How Is Hair Relaxing Done?
The process of turning hair straight is done through hair relaxing which is the breaking of natural structure of hair to make it straight. It's a treatment of applying a kind of hair relaxer, a cream or lotion that makes the hair soft and straight.
However, this process should be done carefully to avoid damaging the hair or scalp. Done correctly, it can turn frizzy hair into slick straight, manageable hair that will stay straight weeks.
A protective base cream is applied around the scalp to reduce irritation, and the procedure usually begins. After that, the relaxer is applied evenly to parts of the hair from the roots.
The relaxer is processed for the recommended time, the relaxer is then easily rinsed out and a neutralizing shampoo is used to stop the chemical process.
This last step guarantees the hair is properly balanced and will not be further damaged. Afterward, it may be applied to a deep-conditioning treatment for more moisture.
There are two main types of hair relaxers: lye relaxers, which work faster but can also be harsh on the scalp, and no-lye relaxers, which are milder, but can leave the scalp feeling dry.
If it’s your first time, it’s best to have a professional hairstylist perform the treatment, as over processing or damage is a possibility. There are home relaxing kits to buy, but there’s extra caution required to get salon results at home.
Pros and Cons of Relaxed Straight Hair
Pros:
- Smoother, More Manageable Hair
Smooth frizz free hair is relaxed hair and it is much easier to manage. Curls and waves are removed and hair becomes more crisp and predictable, and less prone to tangling. This means that you spend less time on your daily styling time and you get to have sleek, always ready to go hair.
- Reduces Frizz and Flyaways
Perhaps the biggest benefit of relaxed straight hair is how smooth it seems to be, even in humid climates. At the same time as taming frizz, the treatment keeps hair looking polished and well maintained all day long.
- Long-Lasting Results
Relaxed hair stays straight and smooth for weeks if properly cared for. In this case, touch ups every 6-8 weeks will suffice for managing new hair growth. That long-lasting effect makes it a convenient treatment option for people who lead busy lives.
- Versatile Styling Options
Cons:
- Requires Regular Maintenance
Healthy, shiny hair should not be relaxed without constant care. It includes regular trims, regular moisturizing treatments to keep the hair healthy and life, and regular trips to your favorite salon for touch ups. Failure to maintain your hair can result into dryness, breakage and unbalanced texture.
- Potential for Hair Damage
Chemicals are something that can relax you but they can also damage you if you don't know what you're doing. Too much over processing, too many touch ups or improper aftercare can weaken your hair and cause breakage or split ends.
- Specialized Hair Products Needed
Frequently, relaxed hair needs sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioners, and protective hair serums. These products add more to our hair care routine, but they help keep the hair smooth and wet.
How to Care for Relaxed Straight Hair?
1. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner
Relaxed hair needs sulfate free products that clean without stripping it of natural oils. It prevents hair dryness and hydrates the hair well.
2. Deep Condition Weekly
Whatever hair texture, you need extra moisture if your hair is relaxed. To nourish the hair and prevent breakage use a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Masks with strengthening ingredients like keratin or protein are a good option, too.
3. Apply Heat Protectant Before Styling
If you have heat styling tools such as flat irons or curling wands — always start with a heat protectant spray. It acts as a shield on the surface and acts as a hindrance to the heat damage and allows hair to be shiny and smooth.
4. Avoid Frequent Washing
Too often, washing your hair can damage it by drying it out. Wash hair a maximum of 2-3 times a week to maintain the natural oils.
