Growing Relaxed Hair

Relaxed hair often gets a bad rap, with many believing it’s doomed to be fragile and unhealthy. But the truth is, growing relaxed hair can be a rewarding journey with the right approach. It’s not just about the length but also about the health, the shine, and the confidence that comes with embracing the texture you’ve chosen. Let’s talk about what it really takes to grow relaxed hair—beyond the standard “use conditioner” advice.

Understanding Your Hair’s Needs

First things first: every head of hair is unique. This isn’t some cookie-cutter journey where you can follow someone else’s routine to a T and expect identical results. Growing relaxed hair starts with understanding your hair’s specific needs. Is your hair prone to dryness? Does it break easily? How does it respond to different products? Getting in tune with your hair means paying attention to what it’s telling you—those little signs like breakage, split ends, or even the dreaded limp look after a fresh relaxer.

The Love-Hate Relationship with Relaxers

Let’s be honest—relaxers are both a blessing and a curse. They give you that sleek, straight look but can also weaken your hair if not handled carefully. This doesn’t mean you should avoid them altogether if relaxed hair is your style of choice. It just means you need to be strategic about how often you’re relaxing your hair. For instance, stretching the time between touch-ups allows your new growth to come in stronger before it’s exposed to chemicals again. And when you do relax, consider protein treatments to fortify your strands beforehand.

Moisture, Moisture, Moisture

If there’s one thing that relaxed hair craves, it’s moisture. Unlike natural hair, which can be thick and resilient, relaxed hair is more delicate and prone to dryness. But here’s where most people go wrong—they mistake heavy oils for moisture. Moisture comes from water-based products, while oils are more about sealing moisture. So, stock up on water-based leave-in conditioners and moisturizing creams, and be diligent about sealing it all in with your favourite oil or butter.

Protein and Moisture Balance

Here’s the thing—too much moisture without protein can leave your hair feeling mushy and weak, while too much protein can make it brittle. The trick is to strike a balance. Incorporate protein treatments into your routine, but not to the point where your hair feels stiff. Listen to your hair’s signals; it might need a protein boost if it feels too soft. Conversely, if it’s feeling rigid, a deep moisture treatment is probably in order.

The Power of Protective Styling

Growing relaxed hair doesn’t mean you have to walk around with your hair out every day. In fact, one of the most effective ways to retain length is through protective styling. This could be anything from braids, twists, or even a simple bun. The key is to choose styles that don’t pull too tightly at your edges or stress your scalp. Protective styles should protect—not punish. And while we’re on the subject, let’s not forget the importance of taking down these styles gently to avoid unnecessary breakage.

Trims Aren’t the Enemy

Ah, the dreaded trim. For those on a hair growth journey, the idea of cutting any length can feel counterproductive. But here’s the reality: trims are your friend. Regularly trimming your ends helps to prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, which can lead to more significant breakage down the line. Instead of thinking of trims as losing length, think of them as preserving the health of your hair.

Scalp Care: The Overlooked Secret

Often, the focus is solely on the hair itself, but let’s not forget where that hair is growing from—your scalp. A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. This means regular cleansing to remove buildup, gentle massaging to stimulate blood flow, and maybe even treating yourself to a scalp scrub or two.

Patience and Consistency

If there’s one thing you need more than any product or treatment, it’s patience. Hair growth doesn’t happen overnight; growing relaxed hair is no exception. Consistency in your routine is key. It’s about sticking with your regimen, being gentle with your hair, and understanding that setbacks like a bad hair day or breakage happen.

Celebrating Your Hair Journey

Finally, remember to celebrate your progress—no matter how small. Growing relaxed hair is a journey, not a race. Take the time to enjoy the process, experiment with new styles, and embrace your hair’s versatility.