How to Stop Using Relaxers

Many women use chemical relaxers to change the texture and manageability of their hair, especially black women, but it is not necessary. Even in the corporate world, a woman does not have to have 'straight' hair to get ahead. (No pun intended!) As long as it is neat, clean, and attractive, you can stop using relaxers.

Steps

It takes a long time and a lot of patience to get all the chemicals you've put in out, but that is the best way as it will ensure that your natural hair is strong, healthy, and manageable. It doesn't happen overnight; make sure you won't change your mind on the second or third day and decide it's not for you.
There is nothing wrong with most of the generic shampoos and conditioners on the market, but you want to use a shampoo and conditioner that are made for thin, brittle hair; products that are made with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, olive, jojoba, avocado, and castor oils, aloe vera, and many others. Just make sure that you read up on anything that you use in your hair; treat it the same as you treat what you put in your body. Do not use products containing mainly petroleum or mineral oil, these are made only to coat the hair and will attract dirt and dust.
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If you've been relaxing your hair for a long time or your hair is exceptionally brittle, you may also want to do a hot oil treatment. Make sure your hair is clean before using the hot oil; you want to get all the dirt and grime out before using the oil, otherwise the oil will trap it in. Either that, or when you wash it, it will all come out.
Combine the hot oil with a bonnet type hair dryer, and cover your hair with a plastic cap before putting your head under the dryer. DO NOT let the hot air blow directly on your head, this will dry out your hair and scalp and cause even more damage to your hair.
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What you do next depends upon how you intend to wear your hair, and how much patience you have. You can:
- Let it grow out two or three inches and cut the relaxer out. You will have very short hair until it grows again; you can wear it 'natural', which means it will look like a short 'bush' (which a lot of people find VERY sexy, especially with some hoop earrings!) or if you've let it grow long enough before cutting it, you can wear it in an Anita Baker look.
- You can allow the relaxer to grow completely out. This method is usually best if you're planning to wear braids, extensions, or dreadlocks while the relaxer is growing out. It's very difficult to find a hairstyle that works once your natural hair has grown out several inches. This method takes a long time; the amount of time depends on how quickly your hair grows.
Whichever method you decide to use, some of the key things to remember are to keep it clean and moisturized (and that doesn't mean use hair grease, but that's another story!) and do not do a lot of hard pulling and tugging. This makes your hair weak and will cause it to break off, and it will seem like as fast as it grows it breaks off. Instead, use your fingers or wide toothed combs and picks to gently style your hair the way you want it. If you take good care of it, you will have beautiful, soft, manageable hair, without harsh chemicals.
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Question
What do I use for the relaxer to come out?
Community Answer
There is no product to remove relaxer; when you relax your hair, it's permanently straightened. When your relaxer does come out, you will be left with Afro hair (depending on your hair type; only 4a, 4b and 4c hair are Afro). If you skip the perm or relaxer, the new hair growing underneath will be your natural hair.
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Question
Can I relax my hair if it's breaking?
Community Answer
No, relaxers only will make your hair worse because of the chemicals. Look into natural hair straightening. A couple of stores that specialize in black hair care products are Amen and Josefine.
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Question
Where do I buy products?
Community Answer
I like to check out Shoppers Drug Mart (in Canada) or Walmart. If you're in the US, Walgreens or Target carry affordable drugstore hair and makeup brands. For more high-end products check out Sephora.
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