Hey loves, In today’s post, we will be dispelling some of the most common misconceptions about relaxed hair. I know that a lot of these myths held me back at the beginning of my relaxed hair care journey. It’s crucial to debunk these myths and empower ourselves with accurate information, so we can nurture our hair to its fullest potential. So, let’s dive right in!
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Table of Contents
10 Common Misconceptions about Relaxed Hair
Misconception 1: Relaxed Hair Is Unhealthy
One prevalent misconception is that relaxed hair is inherently unhealthy. Yes, the relaxing process breaks the disulfide bonds in our hair to make it straighter, However, with proper care and maintenance, your relaxed hair can be just as healthy as any other hair type. The key lies in implementing a well-balanced hair care routine that caters to the specific needs of your hair.
When I first began my relaxed hair journey, I believed this misconception. But over time, as I learned more about proper hair care techniques, I realized that the health of my relaxed hair was within my control. Regular deep conditioning, moisturizing, and gentle manipulation helped me achieve vibrant and healthy-looking hair.
Misconception 2: Relaxed Hair Doesn’t Grow
Contrary to popular belief, relaxed hair can indeed grow just like any other hair type. We tend to confuse hair growth with length retention. As far as we live we grow hair from our scalp except of course if you deal with any form of alopecia.
The amount of length we can retain has to do with a balance between our hair growth rate and hair breakage from the ends of our hair. So the less our hair breaks the more length we see Capeesh?
Relaxed hair requires proper care and attention to reach its maximum length potential. Focus on maintaining a healthy scalp, following a nutritious diet, and providing your hair with the necessary care and protection it needs.
Misconception 3: Relaxing Hair Causes Permanent Damage
One misconception that often worries ladies on a relaxed hair journey is the fear of irreversible damage caused by relaxing. However, it’s important to understand that when done correctly and with the right products, the potential for damage can be minimized.
Little things like getting the right relaxer for your hair type, only applying the relaxer to your new growth and not previously relaxed hair so you avoid over-processing which can leave you with very weak and damaged hair and not leaving the relaxer in for too long. All these can significantly reduce the amount of damage you incur on relaxer days
You can simply go to a licensed hair stylist who knows what they are doing to get your hair properly relaxed.
Read more: Relaxer types and their effects on hair: A guide for relaxed hair enthusiasts
Misconception 4: Relaxed Hair Is Limited in Styling Options
Some believe that relaxed hair limits your styling options, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Relaxed hair offers versatility, allowing you to rock various looks, from sleek and straight to a wide range of curly styles.
My hair is pretty much in a bun 95% of the time but every now and again I throw in some flexi rod sets which I really love by the way. Others are perm rod sets and updos. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about embracing your creativity and trying new styles.
Misconception 5: Relaxed Hair Requires Frequent Relaxer Touch-Ups
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to rush for relaxer touch-ups every few weeks. Frequent relaxer applications can lead to over-processing and potential damage. Instead, consider longer stretches between relaxer applications to maintain the strength and integrity of your hair.
Initially, I was accustomed to touch-ups every four-six weeks, fearing that my roots would be too noticeable otherwise. But as I learned more about the detrimental effects of frequent relaxer touch-ups, I began extending the time between applications. Not only did my hair become healthier, but it also allowed me to embrace some natural growth before retouching, resulting in thicker and stronger hair.
Ideally, we want to have a fairly decent amount of new growth before relaxing our hair. Anywhere from one-two inch of hair is all alright. Anything less than that will leave you with over-processed hair except of course if you have magical fingers and can only apply to your <0.5inch new growth without getting to the previously relaxed hair 😀
A sweet spot for me is to get my relaxers anywhere between eight to 12 weeks
Read more: Achieve salon-worthy results: Learn how to relax your hair at home
Misconception 6: Natural Hair Products Are Incompatible with Relaxed Hair
It’s a common misconception that natural hair products aren’t suitable for relaxed hair. However, it’s essential to understand the ingredients and select products that cater to the needs of your relaxed hair. Many natural hair products can provide the necessary nourishment without compromising the integrity of your relaxed strands.
In my experience, I have found that many natural hair products, especially their deep conditioners are too heavy for my relaxed strands. However, after careful research and trial and error, I found a few like the TGIN honey miracle hair mask and the Sheamoisture raw shea butter deep treatment masque that worked wonders for my relaxed hair. So, don’t be afraid to explore and find what works best for you!
Misconception 7: Relaxed Hair Can’t Be Heat Styled Safely
Some believe that heat styling is a big no-no for relaxed hair. However, it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of heat styling while keeping your hair safe and healthy.
At the beginning of my relaxed hair journey years and years ago, I never heat styled, I always air dried because I was just a single girl in medical school just doing her thing. Right now, I can’t even remember when last I air-dried my hair. With kids, running the home, and a busy work schedule the last thing I want to do is spend the whole day on my hair, so blow-drying has become my best friend on wash days
The key is to use heat protectants, set appropriate temperature levels, and minimize heat exposure to prevent damage.
Misconception 8: Relaxed Hair Doesn’t Need Moisture
Moisture is essential for all hair types, including relaxed hair. Contrary to the misconception that relaxed hair doesn’t require moisture, regular deep conditioning treatments and the use of moisturizing products are vital for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair.
It’s a common belief that relaxed hair needs more protein while natural hair needs more moisture. But the truth is you need to strike a balance between both. When you do, your hair retains its elasticity, has less breakage and split ends
Misconception 9: Relaxed Hair Can’t Be Thick and Full
Some assume that relaxed hair can only be thin and lacking volume. This can be true with wrong hair care practices and can happen to even those with natural hair. It’s all about doing the right things to your hair
From my experience and observation of others, I have found that the most common cause of very thing relaxed hair is over-processing your hair. Whether it’s from applying relaxers to previously relaxed hair, leaving the relaxers in for too long, or doing multiple chemical treatments to your hair like using permanent dye, these are all wrong hair care habits that will only leave you with limp hair.
A trick on wash days to have fuller hair is air drying. Air-drying allows your hair strands to soak in the moisture and dry naturally leaving you with voluminous hair.
Misconception 10: Relaxed Hair Is High Maintenance
This is another common misconception that can’t be further from the truth. Many believe that relaxed hair requires extensive time and effort to maintain.
The sole reason I am still relaxed is because of the ease it affords me. I am able to be done with my wash day in 0ne-two hours which I love. In the course of my hair journey, I have developed a simple and effective routine that keeps my relaxed hair looking its best without consuming too much of my time.
In Conclusion
On your relaxed hair care journey, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions that can hinder your progress and enjoyment. By debunking these myths and embracing accurate information, you can confidently nurture your relaxed hair, achieving healthy, beautiful results. Remember, every hair journey is unique, so explore and find what works best for you. Here’s to embracing your gorgeous relaxed locks and rocking them with pride!
I hope you found the post helpful and I will see you at the next one…Love ya
I’m Dr Janet, a medical doctor, blogger, Youtuber and a mother to two awesome kids. I help women achieve their natural hair, skincare and health goals.
Glad to have you here
xoxo
