What Is Relaxed Hair?
Relaxed hair refers to naturally curly or coily hair that has undergone a chemical treatment to alter its texture and straighten the strands. This process, known as a relaxer, involves the application of a cream or lotion containing strong alkaline agents, such as sodium hydroxide (lye) or calcium hydroxide (no-lye). These chemicals break down the hair’s natural protein structure, disrupting the bonds responsible for the curl pattern and reshaping the hair into a straighter form.
The relaxer treatment is a popular choice among individuals with tightly coiled or kinky hair, as it can make the hair more manageable and easier to style. However, it’s important to note that relaxed hair requires special care and attention to maintain its health and prevent excessive dryness, breakage, and damage.
Why Does It Need Special Care?
Relaxed hair is more fragile and prone to dryness and damage compared to natural, untreated hair. This is because the chemical process used to relax the hair strips away the natural oils and weakens the hair’s protective cuticle layer. As a result, relaxed hair is more susceptible to the following issues:
- Moisture Loss: The relaxer process can leave the hair strands dehydrated and lacking in essential moisture, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage.
- Protein Depletion: The chemicals used in relaxers can also deplete the hair’s natural protein structure, making it more vulnerable to damage and breakage.
- Cuticle Damage: The relaxer can roughen and lift the hair’s cuticle layer, causing the strands to become more porous and prone to tangling, frizz, and split ends.
- Scalp Irritation: Some individuals may experience scalp irritation, dryness, or even chemical burns if the relaxer is not applied correctly or left on for too long.
To combat these issues and maintain the health and integrity of relaxed hair, it’s crucial to use the right shampoos, conditioners, and hair care products specifically formulated for chemically treated hair.
How Do You Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner for Relaxed Hair?
Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for relaxed hair can be a daunting task, given the wide range of products available on the market. However, there are a few key factors to consider when selecting the best products for your relaxed tresses:
- Moisture-Replenishing Ingredients: Look for shampoos and conditioners that contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil. These ingredients help replenish the moisture lost during the relaxer process and keep the hair hydrated.
- Protein-Enriched Formulas: Relaxed hair can benefit from protein-enriched products, as the relaxer process can deplete the hair’s natural protein structure. Look for ingredients like keratin, silk amino acids, or hydrolyzed proteins to help strengthen and rebuild the hair.
- Sulfate-Free Formulas: Sulfates are harsh cleansing agents that can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause further dryness and damage. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, which are gentler on relaxed hair.
- pH-Balanced Products: Relaxed hair thrives in a slightly acidic environment, as it helps to smooth the cuticle and lock in moisture. Look for products that are pH-balanced or have a pH range between 4.5 and 6.5.
- Silicone-Free Formulas: While silicones can provide temporary smoothness and shine, they can also build up on the hair and weigh it down over time. Consider using silicone-free products or alternating between silicone-based and silicone-free formulas.
- Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Steer clear of shampoos and conditioners containing harsh ingredients like alcohol, parabens, or synthetic fragrances, as these can further dry out and irritate relaxed hair.
What Are the Best Shampoos for Relaxed Hair?
When it comes to shampoos for relaxed hair, there are several options that stand out for their ability to cleanse gently while providing essential moisture and nourishment. Here are some of the best shampoos for relaxed hair:
- Mizani Thermasmooth Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is specifically formulated for chemically treated hair. It contains moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, as well as heat-protecting properties to help minimize damage from styling tools.
- Design Essentials Moisture Shampoo: Enriched with natural oils and botanicals, this shampoo gently cleanses while replenishing moisture and protecting the hair’s cuticle layer.
- Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo: Featuring a blend of keratin and black rice, this shampoo helps strengthen and repair damaged hair while providing essential hydration.
- Redken All Soft Shampoo: Designed for dry, brittle hair, this shampoo contains argan oil and a moisture-rich complex to nourish and soften relaxed strands.
- Creme of Nature Moisture & Shine Shampoo: This affordable drugstore option is sulfate-free and infused with argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to hydrate and add shine to relaxed hair.
- Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Shampoo: While formulated for curly hair, this shampoo is also suitable for relaxed hair, as it gently cleanses and provides intense moisture with ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter.
When using these shampoos, it’s important to follow up with a compatible conditioner to ensure optimal moisture and nourishment for your relaxed hair.
What Are the Best Conditioners for Relaxed Hair?
Just as important as choosing the right shampoo, selecting the best conditioner for relaxed hair is crucial for maintaining its health and manageability. Here are some of the top conditioners recommended for relaxed hair:
- Mizani Thermasmooth Conditioner: Designed to complement the Thermasmooth Shampoo, this conditioner contains coconut oil and shea butter to deeply moisturize and protect relaxed hair from heat damage.
- Design Essentials Moisture Conditioner: Enriched with natural oils and botanicals, this conditioner helps replenish moisture and strengthen relaxed strands, leaving them soft and manageable.
- Nexxus Keraphix Conditioner: Featuring a blend of keratin and black rice, this conditioner helps repair and rebuild damaged hair while providing essential hydration.
- Redken All Soft Conditioner: Formulated with argan oil and a moisture-rich complex, this conditioner deeply nourishes and softens dry, brittle relaxed hair.
- Creme of Nature Moisture & Shine Conditioner: This affordable drugstore option is infused with argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to hydrate and add shine to relaxed hair.
- Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner: While designed for curly hair, this conditioner is also suitable for relaxed hair, as it provides intense moisture with ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter.
- Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer: This protein-enriched conditioner helps rebuild and strengthen relaxed hair, while also providing essential moisture and nourishment.
When using these conditioners, it’s recommended to leave them on for several minutes (or even overnight for deep conditioning) to allow the nourishing ingredients to fully penetrate and hydrate the hair strands.
Should You Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners?
Yes, it is highly recommended to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners for relaxed hair.
Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are harsh cleansing agents commonly found in many traditional shampoos. While they are effective at removing dirt, oil, and product buildup, they can also strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
Relaxed hair is already in a compromised state due to the chemical treatment it has undergone, making it more susceptible to dryness and damage. Using sulfate-containing shampoos can further exacerbate these issues by stripping away the hair’s protective oils and causing the cuticle layer to become rough and raised.
Sulfate-free shampoos, on the other hand, are formulated with gentler cleansing agents that effectively remove impurities without stripping the hair of its natural oils and moisture. These shampoos are typically enriched with nourishing ingredients like plant-based oils, butters, and proteins, which help to replenish the moisture lost during the relaxer process and keep the hair hydrated and healthy.
Similarly, sulfate-free conditioners are designed to deeply nourish and moisturize the hair without the harsh effects of sulfates. They often contain ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and silicones that help to smooth the cuticle layer and lock in moisture, preventing further dryness and damage.
How Can You Keep Relaxed Hair Hydrated?
Keeping relaxed hair hydrated is crucial for maintaining its health, strength, and manageability. Here are some effective strategies to help keep your relaxed tresses moisturized:
- Deep Conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential for replenishing moisture and nourishing relaxed hair. Aim to deep condition at least once a week, using a moisture-rich hair mask or conditioner. You can also try hot oil treatments or steaming to help the conditioning products penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.
- Leave-In Conditioners: After shampooing and conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream to damp hair. These products help to seal in moisture and protect the hair from environmental factors that can cause dryness.
- Water-Based Moisturizers: Incorporate water-based moisturizers, such as glycerin-based sprays or creams, into your daily routine. These products help to hydrate the hair from the inside out and can be used on damp or dry hair.
- Protective Styling: Opt for protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or buns, which minimize manipulation and exposure to environmental factors that can cause dryness. These styles also help to retain moisture and prevent breakage.
- Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can cause moisture loss and damage to relaxed hair. When using heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant product and keep the temperature as low as possible.
- Trim Regularly: Split ends and damaged ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing further breakage and dryness. Regular trims (every 8-12 weeks) can help to remove these damaged ends and promote healthy hair growth.
- Adjust Your Diet: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, can contribute to overall hair health and hydration. Ensure you’re consuming enough water and foods that support hair growth and moisture retention.
Using these strategies in your hair care routine can help maintain the moisture levels in your relaxed hair, preventing dryness, breakage, and other common issues associated with chemically treated hair.
What Are the Best Protein Treatments for Relaxed Hair?
Protein treatments are essential for maintaining the strength and integrity of relaxed hair, as the relaxer process can deplete the hair’s natural protein structure. Here are some of the best protein treatments recommended for relaxed hair:
- Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment: This two-step treatment is a cult favorite among those with relaxed hair. The first step is a concentrated protein treatment that helps to rebuild and strengthen the hair, while the second step is a moisture-rich conditioner that balances the protein and prevents over-protein-ization.
- Nexxus Keraphix Gel Treatment: Featuring a blend of keratin and black rice, this intensive protein treatment helps to repair and rebuild damaged hair, leaving it stronger and more resilient.
- Mizani Fibraylic Protein Treatment: Designed specifically for chemically treated hair, this protein treatment helps to fortify and strengthen relaxed strands, while also providing essential moisture and nourishment.
- Design Essentials Protein Fortifying Treatment: Enriched with plant-based proteins and amino acids, this treatment helps to rebuild and repair damaged hair, leaving it stronger and more manageable.
- Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus: This protein-enriched treatment is formulated with biotin and ceramides to help strengthen and repair relaxed hair, while also providing essential moisture and protection.
- Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment: While not a dedicated protein treatment, this deep conditioning treatment contains argan oil and plant-based proteins to help strengthen and nourish relaxed hair.
When using protein treatments, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and not overuse them, as too much protein can lead to dryness and brittleness. It’s generally recommended to use a protein treatment every 4-6 weeks, followed by a deep conditioning treatment to balance the protein and moisture levels in the hair.
How Do You Balance Moisture and Protein in Relaxed Hair?
Achieving the perfect balance between moisture and protein is crucial for maintaining the health and integrity of relaxed hair. While moisture is essential for keeping the hair hydrated and preventing dryness, protein is necessary for strengthening and rebuilding the hair’s structure, which can be compromised by the relaxer process.
Here are some tips for balancing moisture and protein in relaxed hair:
- Alternate Treatments: Instead of using moisture-based and protein-based treatments back-to-back, alternate between them. For example, you could do a deep conditioning moisture treatment one week, followed by a protein treatment the next week.
- Use Balanced Products: Look for hair care products that contain a combination of moisturizing and protein-enriched ingredients. These products are designed to provide both hydration and strength, helping to maintain the balance between moisture and protein.
- Pay Attention to Hair Elasticity: One way to gauge whether your hair needs more moisture or protein is to perform a simple elasticity test. Take a strand of hair and gently stretch it. If it stretches and returns to its original length without breaking, your hair is balanced. If it breaks easily, it may need more moisture, and if it doesn’t stretch at all, it may need more protein.
- Adjust Based on Hair Condition: If your hair feels dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, it may be a sign that it needs more moisture. On the other hand, if your hair feels limp, mushy, or overly stretchy, it may be an indication that it needs more protein.
- Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about the specific needs of your relaxed hair or are having trouble achieving the right balance, consider consulting with a professional stylist or trichologist. They can assess your hair’s condition and provide personalized recommendations for moisture and protein treatments.
Paying close attention to your hair’s needs can help maintain the optimal balance between moisture and protein, ensuring that your relaxed hair remains healthy, strong, and manageable.
Understanding Hair Product Ingredients for Relaxed Hair
When it comes to caring for relaxed hair, understanding the ingredients in your hair care products is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of some common ingredients found in shampoos, conditioners, and treatments for relaxed hair, and how they can benefit or potentially harm your tresses:
Moisturizing Ingredients:
- Glycerin: A humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the hair.
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Helps to improve moisture retention and add shine.
- Shea Butter: A rich, emollient butter that provides deep hydration and nourishment.
- Coconut Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft to provide long-lasting moisture and protection.
- Argan Oil: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, it helps to nourish and soften the hair.
Protein-Enriched Ingredients:
- Keratin: A protein naturally found in hair, it helps to strengthen and rebuild the hair’s structure.
- Silk Amino Acids: Derived from silk, these amino acids help to repair and fortify the hair.
- Hydrolyzed Proteins: Smaller protein molecules that can penetrate the hair shaft and provide strength and elasticity.
Cleansing Agents:
- Sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate): Harsh cleansing agents that can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture.
- Sulfate-Free Alternatives (e.g., Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate): Gentler cleansing agents that are less stripping but still effectively remove dirt and oil buildup.
Sulfate-free shampoos use these alternative, milder surfactants to cleanse the hair and scalp without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Some common sulfate-free cleansing agents include:
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- Decyl Glucoside
- Coco-Glucoside
- Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
- Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
While sulfate-free shampoos may not produce as much lather as their sulfate-containing counterparts, they can still effectively cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping away essential oils and moisture. This makes them a gentler option, especially for those with dry, damaged, or chemically-treated hair like relaxed tresses.
Keep in mind that being sulfate-free doesn’t automatically make a shampoo better or gentler. The overall formulation, including other ingredients and their concentrations, plays a crucial role in determining the shampoo’s effectiveness and suitability for your hair type and needs.
