Chemical hair relaxers are leading targets of consumer complaints. So says an article in the January/February 2001 issue of "FDA Consumer" magazine, "Heading off Hair-Care Disasters: Use Caution with Relaxers and Dyes." Complaints range from hair loss to conditions that call for emergency room visits. Some problems with hair relaxers stem from not following the manufacturer's instruction for their use. Improperly used lye-based relaxers can burn skin and eyes. Repeated use of relaxers can thin hair and cause permanent balding. However, safer alternatives to chemical hair relaxers exist.
All Natural
A "natural," "afro," or "fro" is a traditional African hair style featuring kinky or nappy hair that has not been straightened by chemicals or heat. Naturals are inexpensive, "wash and go" hairstyles that, unlike straightened hairdos, withstand rain and humidity. To care for your natural, MotownGirl.com recommends these maintenance steps, which apply to braids, twists and locs as well: Use deep conditioning treatments once or twice a week; at night, cover your hair with a silk, satin or nylon wrap; frequently moisturize your hair with water and water-based conditioning products; and refrain from combing and brushing---finger-comb instead.
Braid Style
Whether you want braids alone or braids plus hair extensions, HairBraidingTips.com recommends that you take time to find a suitable stylist. This person should help you determine which braid styles work best for your hair and remain with you during the maintenance phase. You should moisturize your hair well before your braiding session to prevent breakage. Hair shouldn't be pulled too tight during braiding---too-tight braids can cause headaches and breakage. After braiding, finger-massage conditioners and moisturizers through your hair rather than fully shampooing it. Re-braid after no more than 2 months.
Twists and Locs
Twists are made from two sections of hair twisted together. Locs or dreadlocks are made by twisting a single section of hair. For both styles, lanolin, bees wax or some other type of malleable waxy substance is typically applied during the twisting or loc'ing process. This helps hold the style. Maintain twists by re-twisting them and reapplying wax as needed. Do the same for dreadlocks. However, unlike twists, locs are intended to be a permanent hairstyle comprised of "locked" hair than won't untwist. This will happen if you continually twist your hair and refrain from deep shampooing until the process is complete.
Heat Straightened
Thermal heat hair appliances such as flat irons, curling irons and hot combs use extreme temperatures to straighten kinks, naps and curls. Blow dryers semi-straighten hair as well. According to SalonWeb.com whenever you apply heat to your hair you risk drying and breakage. Therefore, it's important to keep thermal heat appliances from over-heating while using them and to apply a conditioner to your hair during the straightening process and after. Consult a professional stylist to learn which conditioners and moisturizers are best for your hair type and style.
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