Chemical relaxers are popular among women with tightly coiled or highly textured hair. You may decide to relax your hair for a variety of reasons, but many choose this procedure for easier maintenance and styling. Relaxed hair can offer greater styling options, but there are risks. If the chemical process is carried out incorrectly, or you neglect to properly maintain your hair following the treatment, you may experience significant damage, scalp irritation, breakage and hair loss.
Over-Processing
Your hair should be healthy and in adequate condition prior to relaxing to reduce the risk of damage. If a relaxer is left on too long or your hair is relaxed too soon after a color or chemical service, over-processing can occur. This can cause permanent damage, breakage and hair loss. The neutralizer is an important part of the relaxing treatment, as it halts the chemical process; if your hair isn't neutralized in time, it will be brittle, porous and weak. Overlapping a relaxer on previously relaxed hair will again cause over-processing. When retouching your new growth, make sure the relaxer is applied to the roots only.
Chemical Burns
The caustic ingredients in chemical relaxers can burn your scalp and lead to permanent hair loss. According to Akorra.com, some burns can leave the scalp vulnerable to infection and will require medical treatment. Permanent hair loss and bald patches are often a consequence. It's important to apply base or petroleum jelly to your scalp, hairline and nape to minimize the risks. Make sure your scalp is free from abrasions, and if it starts to tingle or sting while the relaxer is being applied, rinse it out immediately.
Maintenance
Tightly coiled highly textured hair is of the most fragile and driest even in its natural state. Once relaxed, your hair will be weaker and very dry. Regular conditioning and protein treatments are vital for strengthening the hair, restoring the moisture balance and preventing breakage. Deep-condition your hair every two weeks, and use a leave-in conditioner in-between washes to keep your hair strong and healthy. Regular trims prevent split ends, and roller sets protect your hair from the drying, damaging heat of blow dryers and flat irons.
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