Maintaining relaxed hair takes dedication and the right approach to keep it strong, healthy, and vibrant. For young women under 30, balancing life, career, and beauty routines can be challenging, and relaxed hair often requires extra attention to retain its health. Here are five relaxed hair care tips to make sure your hair stays gorgeous and manageable, all while fitting into a busy lifestyle.
1. Prioritize Deep Conditioning Weekly
Relaxed hair can be prone to dryness due to the chemical process involved, which strips hair of its natural moisture. A weekly deep conditioning routine helps replenish that lost hydration, keeping strands soft, smooth, and less prone to breakage. Look for deep conditioners with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, or keratin to lock in moisture and provide a protective layer.
Quick Tip:
After applying a deep conditioner, wrap your hair in a warm towel or sit under a hooded dryer for about 15 minutes. The heat helps the conditioner penetrate more deeply, enhancing its effectiveness.
2. Use Low Heat When Styling
Frequent heat styling can weaken relaxed hair and lead to dryness, split ends, or breakage. If you need to use heat tools, aim to keep the temperature low, and use them sparingly. Blow dryers and flat irons with adjustable settings are ideal, as they allow you to work with a lower temperature.
Quick Tip:
Always apply a heat protectant before using any heat tool. Products with ingredients like silicone create a protective barrier, reducing the risk of heat damage.
3. Trim Regularly to Prevent Breakage
Regular trims are essential for maintaining the health and appearance of relaxed hair. Relaxed hair is more prone to split ends and breakage, and trimming every 6 to 8 weeks helps prevent these issues from traveling up the hair shaft. By keeping ends healthy, you’ll encourage hair growth and reduce tangling.
Quick Tip:
If you’re trying to grow your hair, ask your stylist for a “dusting,” which is a light trim that only removes the ends without compromising length.
4. Maintain a Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair Growth
Hair health is largely influenced by nutrition. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals—such as iron, biotin, and vitamin E—can strengthen your hair from the inside out. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fish are beneficial for supporting healthy hair growth, while hydration plays a crucial role in keeping strands moisturized and vibrant.
Quick Tip:
Incorporate a daily multivitamin or hair supplement, especially if you feel you’re not getting enough nutrients from food alone. Vitamins with biotin, folic acid, and collagen can be especially helpful for relaxed hair.
5. Sleep with a Silk or Satin Scarf
Protecting your hair while you sleep can prevent friction that leads to frizz and breakage. Cotton pillowcases tend to absorb moisture, leaving hair dry and prone to tangling. A silk or satin scarf or pillowcase reduces friction, keeps your hair hydrated, and helps preserve styles longer.
Quick Tip:
If scarves tend to slip off while you sleep, try a silk or satin bonnet or invest in a satin pillowcase for an extra layer of overnight protection.
