Relaxed Hair, Long and Strong: 5 Tips for Length Retention
Hey Beautiful!
Over the last couple of years there has been a rise in the number of ladies returning to relaxing their hair for a number of reasons such as styling preferences and to cut down on time due to busy lifestyles.
Whilst the debate will forever remain on whether or not we should do away with relaxers, if you do choose to rock the sleek and smooth look, length retention and hair health becomes a top priority.
Maintaining the health and strength of your relaxed hair is key to achieving those long, flowing locks you've always dreamed of. So let's dive into these five essential tips that will help you retain length and keep your relaxed hair looking stunning!
1. Moisture is Essential:
Relaxed hair tends to be more prone to dryness due to the chemical process it undergoes. To promote length retention, moisture becomes your best friend! Regularly moisturise your strands with hydrating leave-in conditioners or moisturising sprays designed specifically for relaxed hair. Focus on the ends—the oldest part of your hair—and work your way up to ensure every strand gets its dose of hydration.
2. Gentle Detangling:
Detangling can be a delicate process for relaxed hair as it is more susceptible to breakage when wet or dry. Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush designed for fragile strands—start from the ends and work your way up slowly, being extra gentle with any knots or tangles you encounter along the way.
3. Protective Styling:
Protective styles are not only trendy but also play a vital role in retaining length for relaxed hair types. Opt for low-manipulation styles like buns, braids, twists, or up-dos that minimise daily styling stress on your strands—this helps reduce breakage caused by constant manipulation and exposure to external factors.
4. Regular Protein Treatments:
Chemical relaxers can weaken the protein structure of our hair over time—making it more prone to breakage if not properly cared for. Incorporate regular protein treatments into your routine (once every 4-6 weeks) using products specifically formulated for chemically treated hair—this helps strengthen your strands and fortify them against damage.
5. Scalp Care:
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth and length retention. Keep your scalp clean, moisturised, and free from product buildup by washing it regularly with a gentle shampoo or co-washing with a cleansing conditioner. Massage your scalp gently to stimulate blood flow and promote circulation—encouraging optimal hair growth.
Bonus Tip: Heat Styling Caution:
While heat styling can be tempting for achieving sleek looks, excessive use of heat tools can lead to damage and hinder length retention efforts. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand, keep the temperature moderate, and limit usage to special occasions or when necessary.
So there you have it, —five essential tips for length retention that will help you maintain the health and strength of your relaxed hair.
1. Moisture is Essential:
Relaxed hair tends to be more prone to dryness due to the chemical process it undergoes. To promote length retention, moisture becomes your best friend! Regularly moisturise your strands with hydrating leave-in conditioners or moisturising sprays designed specifically for relaxed hair. Focus on the ends—the oldest part of your hair—and work your way up to ensure every strand gets its dose of hydration.
2. Gentle Detangling:
Detangling can be a delicate process for relaxed hair as it is more susceptible to breakage when wet or dry. Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush designed for fragile strands—start from the ends and work your way up slowly, being extra gentle with any knots or tangles you encounter along the way.
3. Protective Styling:
Protective styles are not only trendy but also play a vital role in retaining length for relaxed hair types. Opt for low-manipulation styles like buns, braids, twists, or up-dos that minimise daily styling stress on your strands—this helps reduce breakage caused by constant manipulation and exposure to external factors.
4. Regular Protein Treatments:
Chemical relaxers can weaken the protein structure of our hair over time—making it more prone to breakage if not properly cared for. Incorporate regular protein treatments into your routine (once every 4-6 weeks) using products specifically formulated for chemically treated hair—this helps strengthen your strands and fortify them against damage.
5. Scalp Care:
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth and length retention. Keep your scalp clean, moisturised, and free from product buildup by washing it regularly with a gentle shampoo or co-washing with a cleansing conditioner. Massage your scalp gently to stimulate blood flow and promote circulation—encouraging optimal hair growth.
Bonus Tip: Heat Styling Caution:
While heat styling can be tempting for achieving sleek looks, excessive use of heat tools can lead to damage and hinder length retention efforts. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand, keep the temperature moderate, and limit usage to special occasions or when necessary.
So there you have it, —five essential tips for length retention that will help you maintain the health and strength of your relaxed hair.
Embrace moisture as your ally, detangle with care, rock protective styles like a queen, incorporate protein treatments into your routine wisely—and don't forget to give some love to that beautiful scalp of yours!