Relaxed Hair

Do you have healthy relaxed hair? If you do, you're one of many black women who choose to wear their hair this way.

If you just love it when your hair is blowing in the wind or bouncin' and behavin', this is definately your best choice!

Having relaxed hair means having lots of styling options ranging from very simple to highly elaborate. You also get that streamlined sophisticated look that comes with rocking a straight do!

Say goodbye to your tender head, since no kinks, curls and waves = no discomfort during hair combing and washing!

Styling Options

There are so many options you have. The sky is the limit and you can do whatever you imagination can think of! The only style that can't be done on straightened hair is an afro...'nuff said!

Here are some of the styling options with relaxed hair.

Roller Sets
Flips
Rod Sets
Straight Styles
Twist outs
Crimps
Braid outs
Pony Tails
Braid Outs
Short Styles
Bobs
Flat Twists

And these are just a few! You can even combine different style aspects to come up with something that's uniquely you!

How It Works

Your stylist uses a formulation that has a straightening agent in it. This breaks down the bonds in your hair that gives it its curls, waves and kinks. The straighter you want your hair, the longer your stylist will leave the relaxer in.

BWBC Tip: Be careful of leaving it in too long. It can make your hair very weak, to the point it starts to break and fall out. It's best to straighten your hair a maximum of 80%. This helps it to retain its strength.

There are two hair relaxer formulations...

Lye
Formulated with Sodium hydroxide, this type has a ph of between 12 and 14. This type tends to be harsh on the scalp but it much less drying to the hair. It also leaves the scales of the hair lying flat so it has more sheen and stays stronger throughout the process.

BWBC Tip: This type should only be applied in a salon setting by a professional. They will ensure that the chemical is neutralized properly to prevent over processing and damage to your hair.

No Lye
Formulated with Guanidine hydroxide or with a Thioglycolate base, they have a ph of between 9 and 9.5. This type of relaxer is less harsh on the scalp but tends to dry out the hair and make it more porous.

The most important thing is that your hair is as healthy as it can be. That is the key to having gorgeous relaxed hair.

Be sure to research your options and speak to a reputable hairstylist about them. Keep in mind that while it's not impossible, it takes a lot of work to have healthy hair.

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