Hair Relaxer Instructions

When relaxing your hair, follow the instructions carefully to avoid hair loss or damage. If you buy a kit to use at home, you'll find the directions inside. Completely read through the instructions before starting if you want the best results--that is, straightened hair that looks and feels great.

Before You Begin

Before you apply the relaxer to your hair, gather everything you need in one place. The bathroom is the most sensible option because you have access to a mirror and water for rinsing. You'll also need towels, a comb, hair clips and plastic gloves (which are usually included in relaxer kits) to protect your hands from the chemicals.

Apply a Relaxer

Part your hair into four sections and use the hair clips to hold the hair that you're not working on out of the way. If you're applying a relaxer to hair for the first time, apply it all over the hair, beginning at the roots and working your way to the ends. If your hair has been previously relaxed, apply it to the new growth, which should be about 1 inch in length (if you go the recommended eight weeks between relaxer touch-ups). It's important to only put the relaxer on your hair and not on your scalp and skin; you can get chemical burns if the relaxer gets on your skin.

Working quickly, use the comb to create 1 inch sections and apply the relaxer to the hair you want to straighten. It may be easier to begin at the back of the head and the nape of your neck. Do not comb the relaxer through the hair; only smooth it with your hands. If you're touching up a relaxer, be careful not to apply any to previously straightened hair as this will lead to breakage.

Once the relaxer is applied all over the hair, or new growth, continue to smooth with your hands, especially near at roots, until the time period is up. This is usually about 20 minutes.

After the Relaxer

You have to rinse all traces of the relaxer out of your hair. If you have a bowl sink with faucet attachment, this is ideal. Otherwise, you can rinse your hair in the shower. It may take several minutes to rinse the relaxer out of your hair. After rinsing, follow up with a neutralizing shampoo. You must use a neutralizing shampoo to stop the relaxer process; failure to do so will lead to breakage and serious damage. Shampoo two to three times; some relaxer kits come with color-changing shampoos that will turn a certain shade when all traces of the relaxer are gone. After shampooing, use a moisturizing conditioner.

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