Chemical hair straightening, often called a relaxer treatment, is a process that permanently alters the texture of your hair to make it straight and smooth. While this treatment is commonly done in salons, it is possible to straighten your hair at home with proper preparation, the right products, and patience. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps and provide important tips to ensure a safe and effective chemical straightening experience.
Understanding Chemical Hair Straightening
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, it’s essential to understand what chemical hair straightening is and how it works. Chemical straighteners contain ingredients that break down the protein bonds in curly or wavy hair. This allows the hair to be reshaped into a straight form. Once the hair is straightened, it stays that way until new hair grows, requiring touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, depending on your hair growth rate.
Choosing the Right Chemical Straightener for Your Hair Type
The first step to a successful at-home straightening treatment is selecting the right chemical relaxer. There are three main types of chemical straighteners:
Lye-based relaxers: These relaxers contain sodium hydroxide and are typically faster-acting. They penetrate the hair shaft quickly and are best suited for coarse, thick, or resistant hair types.
No-lye relaxers: These relaxers use calcium hydroxide or guanidine carbonate, making them gentler on the scalp but harsher on the hair shaft. They are ideal for individuals with sensitive scalps or those with finer, more fragile hair.
Thio relaxers: These use ammonium thioglycolate as the active ingredient and are generally considered milder. They work well for hair that is not overly curly and need less aggressive straightening.
When choosing a relaxer, consider your hair type, scalp sensitivity, and how much straightening you desire. It’s also important to test the product on a small section of your hair to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
SEE ALSO: How to Do Hollywood Waves with a Straightener?
Preparing for the Straightening Process
Preparation is key when chemically straightening your hair at home. Proper planning can prevent damage and help you achieve the best results.
1. Do a Strand Test
Before applying the relaxer all over your head, always do a strand test. This involves applying the product to a small section of hair to see how your hair reacts to the chemicals. This step helps you gauge processing time and ensures you won’t have an adverse reaction.
2. Gather Your Tools and Products
You will need:
Chemical relaxer kit (including neutralizing shampoo)
A wide-tooth comb
Gloves
Hair clips
Petroleum jelly (to protect your scalp and ears)
Timer
Deep conditioner or protein treatment (for post-relaxing care)
Having all these tools at hand before you start will make the process smoother.
3. Protect Your Hair and Skin
Avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours before straightening. Natural oils protect the scalp during the chemical process.
Apply petroleum jelly around your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent irritation from the chemicals.
Wear gloves to protect your hands while applying the relaxer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Chemically Straightening Your Hair at Home
Once you’ve prepared your hair and gathered your tools, it’s time to begin the chemical straightening process. Follow these steps carefully to minimize damage and achieve smooth, straight results.
Step 1: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into four sections using hair clips. This will make it easier to apply the relaxer evenly and prevent over-processing in certain areas.
Step 2: Apply the Relaxer
Put on your gloves and start applying the relaxer to the hair in sections. Always start at the back of your head where your hair tends to be the most resistant. Apply the relaxer from roots to tips, but avoid applying it directly on the scalp. Leave about ¼ inch of space between the scalp and the relaxer.
Work quickly but carefully, and ensure the product is evenly distributed. Use the wide-tooth comb to gently comb through the sections, but avoid over-combing, as this can cause breakage.
Step 3: Time the Processing
Once the relaxer is applied, start the timer according to the instructions in the relaxer kit. Processing times vary depending on your hair type and the strength of the relaxer. Fine hair may require only 10-15 minutes, while coarse hair could take up to 20-25 minutes.
Do not exceed the recommended processing time. Over-processing can cause severe damage, including breakage and scalp burns.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
After the relaxer has processed, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Continue rinsing until all the relaxer is completely removed from your hair. This step is crucial to prevent the chemicals from continuing to process, which can cause damage.
Step 5: Apply the Neutralizing Shampoo
Most relaxer kits come with a neutralizing shampoo. This shampoo is essential because it stops the chemical reaction and restores your hair’s natural pH balance. Apply the shampoo generously and work it into a lather. Rinse and repeat as instructed. Some neutralizing shampoos have a color indicator that shows when all the relaxer has been washed out.
Step 6: Deep Condition Your Hair
After rinsing out the neutralizing shampoo, it’s time to deep condition your hair. Chemical straightening can leave your hair dry and brittle, so a deep conditioner or protein treatment is necessary to restore moisture and strengthen the hair shaft.
Apply the conditioner to your hair, paying special attention to the ends, and leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticles and lock in moisture.
Post-Straightening Care
Once your hair is chemically straightened, it’s essential to maintain proper care to keep it healthy, shiny, and smooth. Here are some tips for post-straightening maintenance:
1. Moisturize Regularly
Chemically straightened hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so regular moisturizing is key. Use leave-in conditioners, serums, and oils to keep your hair hydrated.
2. Limit Heat Styling
Avoid excessive heat styling, such as flat ironing or blow-drying, as this can weaken already-processed hair. If you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant beforehand.
3. Protect Your Hair at Night
To prevent breakage and frizz, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before bed. You can also use a silk pillowcase for added protection.
4. Touch Up New Growth
As your hair grows, you’ll need to touch up the roots to maintain a consistent straight look. It’s recommended to wait at least 6-8 weeks between relaxer applications to avoid over-processing and damage.
Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
While chemically straightening your hair at home can be convenient, it comes with some risks if not done correctly. Here’s how to minimize the most common problems:
1. Hair Breakage
Over-processing is a common cause of breakage. Stick to the recommended processing time and avoid applying the relaxer to previously straightened hair.
2. Scalp Burns
Applying relaxer too close to the scalp or failing to protect your skin can lead to chemical burns. Always apply petroleum jelly around your hairline and avoid scratching your scalp before the process.
3. Dryness and Brittleness
Regular deep conditioning treatments and moisturizing products will help counteract the dryness caused by the relaxer. Use protein treatments as needed to strengthen your hair.
Conclusion
Chemically straightening your hair at home is a doable process with the right preparation and care. By following these detailed steps and taking precautions, you can achieve smooth, straight hair without the salon price tag. Always remember to choose the appropriate relaxer for your hair type, follow the instructions carefully, and maintain your hair’s health with consistent moisturizing and conditioning.
With the proper technique and attention to detail, you can enjoy sleek, manageable hair from the comfort of your home.