Reader F.R. posed the following question on my Facebook Page: “Do you have any suggestions for someone going from natural to texlax/relax?
My first suggestion is to reevaluate why you want to get a relaxer. Is it for the style versatility (i.e. being able to wear straight hair without reversion)? If so, then you can always blow dry and flat iron natural hair, and have it look straight as if you had a relaxer. Plus, with the right products, you can avoid your hair reverting back to its curly state. Are you prepared for the relaxer upkeep (touch-up, dealing with two textures, etc.). Relaxed hair is prone to higher levels of breakage and damage than natural hair, so it requires special considerations.
If you have thoroughly weighed the pros and cons, and decide to get a relaxer. Here are some tips:
- Do a protein treatment before you relax,
- Find a stylist/friend you can trust who won’t over process your hair,
- If you want texlaxed results, then make sure they understand what you want and show them pictures of what you mean,
- If you self relax, then do a test strand to figure out how long you need to leave the relaxer to get the results you want.
- For the first relaxer, use a reconstructor after you rinse out the relaxer but before you neutralize. Then deep condition with a moisturizing conditioner.
Next, you have to develop a regimen for your newly relaxed hair. Be prepared to have to find new products that work for your relaxed hair. The products your natural hair loved, may not work for your relaxed hair.
Going from natural to relaxed is a quick process. But should you decide to transition back to being natural, that will take several months to achieve. At the end of the day, it is a personal choice. I just want to help you make an informed decision, and achieve your hair goals.