How to Apply a Relaxer at Home With More Care
Applying a relaxer at home can save you time and money, but done wrong, it can lead to breakage, burns, or long-term damage. Whether you’re new to relaxing or refreshing your process, here’s how to do it with care.
1. Understand What a Relaxer Does
Hair relaxers chemically break the bonds in curly or coily hair to permanently straighten it. Because that changes your hair’s structure, the process takes care, attention, and good aftercare.
2. Wait 6 to 10 Weeks Between Touch-Ups
Relaxing too soon after your last touch-up raises the risk of overlapping, which leads to overprocessing and breakage. Around 8 weeks is a good window, when you have a visible amount of new growth.
3. Prep 5 to 7 Days Before
Avoid washing your hair for 5 to 7 days before relaxing. The natural oils on your scalp give it some protection against irritation. If you need moisture, stick with light, protein-free oils like argan or jojoba.
Tip: Apply a petroleum-based protectant like Vaseline to your hairline, ears, and any previously relaxed sections.
4. Section and Detangle Ahead of Time
On relaxer day, divide your hair into 4 to 6 workable sections. Gently detangle each one with a wide-tooth comb and clip it in place. Don’t use heavy leave-ins or water-based products right before applying.
5. Follow the Instructions Exactly
Every relaxer kit is different, so read the directions all the way through first. Our Signature Relaxer System, which is still in development, will include a step-by-step guide. For now, here’s the general order:
- Base your scalp with protective jelly
- Apply relaxer to new growth only
- Set a timer based on your hair’s texture and porosity
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Neutralize with a neutralizing shampoo, and don’t skip it
- Deep condition right after to put back moisture and protein
6. Use a Neutralizing Shampoo
Neutralizing brings your hair’s pH back down. Skip this step and the relaxer can keep processing, which can lead to damage.
7. Follow Up with Protein and Moisture
Relaxers break protein bonds in your hair. After rinsing, use a protein-rich conditioner, then a moisture-based deep conditioner, to help reduce breakage after your relaxer.
When to Stop
Burning is a stop sign. If your scalp starts to burn, don’t wait for the timer. Rinse the relaxer out right away with plenty of cool water until it’s all gone, then neutralize gently. And if your scalp is already scratched, sore, or irritated, don’t relax at all that day.
See a stylist if you’ve been burned before, your hair is breaking, or you can’t reach the top and back of your head. The FDA’s advice is to get help if you straighten your own hair, because those spots are hard to apply and rinse on your own.
See a doctor if you have blisters, open sores, swelling, bald patches, or pain that won’t ease. If relaxer gets in your eyes, rinse them with water right away and get urgent care.
Keep relaxer out of reach of children.
Final Thoughts
Relaxing at home comes down to prep, technique, and aftercare. We’re building our Signature Relaxer System to help you feel confident at every touch-up, and it’s still in development.
Want to know when it’s ready? Join the waitlist, and follow us on Instagram for more tips.
