Relaxed Hair: 7 Essential Tips Most Blogs Overlook

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably typed “how to take care of relaxed hair” into Google at least five times this year. Maybe more. And let’s be honest, most of the stuff that pops up feels kinda… surface level, right? Like, yeah, I know I shouldn’t fry my hair with a flat iron every day. Tell me something I don’t know.

So here’s the thing: I’ve had relaxed hair on and off since I was 15. I’ve gone natural. I’ve transitioned. I’ve big chopped. And guess what? I always end up missing that sleek, shiny, low-maintenance vibe that relaxed hair gives me—when it’s done right. The problem is, nobody’s really telling us how to do it right.

Let’s fix that.

What Is Relaxed Hair, Anyway?

Okay, quick breakdown. Relaxing your hair means using a chemical cream to break down the natural curl pattern. It literally changes your hair’s structure so it stays straight. Sounds kind of intense—and it is. But if you know what you’re doing, it can actually be pretty low-maintenance.

Some people go bone-straight. Some do the texlaxed thing (which is like halfway relaxed—more texture, less processing). And some are debating which method is better. No shade either way. It’s your hair, your rules.

The Routine Nobody Talks About (But Everyone Needs)

Here’s what I wish someone had handed me on notes of a paper in high school: a basic care schedule. Not a 42-step routine with 16 products. Just the stuff that works.

Daily

• Moisturize (yes, even if it “looks fine”)
• Seal with oil if your ends are feeling https://nataliemochinsbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mikaela-images-12.jpgpy
• Low-manipulation styles—bun it, wrap it, let it live

Weekly

• Shampoo (clarify when needed)
• Deep condition like your life depends on it
• Check in with your scalp… is it flaky? Dry? Angry?

Monthly

• Protein treatment (but not every month if your hair’s acting right)
• Dust those ends or schedule a proper trim
• Plan your next touch-up or stretch game

⚖️ Let’s Talk Protein vs Moisture—Because Balance Is Everything

Here’s how I know I’ve overdone it with protein: my hair feels like straw and makes a weird crunch sound when I brush it. Too much moisture? It feels soft but mushy and breaks when I comb it. If that’s relatable, you’re not alone.

Keep both in your routine, just listen to your hair. Some weeks it needs a protein boost, some weeks it just wants to chill in some honey and aloe.

🧴 Products That Don’t Suck (And Some That Actually Slay)

Can we normalize naming products in blog posts instead of just saying “use a moisturizing shampoo”? Like okay… which one?

Here are a few that haven’t let me down:

• Shampoo: Mielle Moisture RX or TGIN Sulfate-Free. No squeaky clean nonsense.
• Conditioner: Aphogee (when I need protein) or Aussie Moist (don’t judge me, it’s cheap and good).
• Leave-in: It’s a 10 or Camille Rose Honey Hydrate
• Oil: Grapeseed, coconut, or castor depending on the day

I switch it up depending on how broke I am or what’s on sale, honestly.

How Often Should You Even Relax?

Most stylists say every 6–8 weeks. I stretch mine to 6 months sometimes. But let me be clear: stretching doesn’t mean neglecting. It means moisturizing like crazy, using protective styles, and being super gentle with your roots so you don’t snap your hair off where the new growth meets the relaxed part. That “line of demarcation”? It’s no joke.

🧠 Scalp & Edges Need Love Too

I used to ignore my scalp completely. Like… never oiled it, never massaged it, just let it vibe. Then I started getting flakes and my edges were fading into the background.

Now I use Jamaican black castor oil or a peppermint scalp serum once or twice a week paired with a humidifier in my bedroom. Feels amazing and keeps things flowing. Plus it smells like a spa.

💁‍♀️ Styles That Don’t Rip Your Hair Out

Look, we don’t have to do a silk press every week. (Though I do love a good one.) Try:

• Low buns
• Flexi rod sets
• Scarf styles
• Roller sets (yes, the auntie kind… they’re fire)

And if you must use heat, use a heat protectant. I’ll never forget the time I skipped it before a flat iron and ended up with a https://nataliemochinsbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mikaela-images-12.jpgpy ponytail.

🌱 Thinking About Going Natural Again?

It’s okay. A lot of us flip-flop. I’ve transitioned twice. It’s not easy, but it’s doable—especially with protective styles and a supportive community.

Just be ready for two textures, more detangling, and a little emotional whiplash. But if your hair’s breaking or you’re just over the creamy crack, that’s valid too.

🛑 Common Mistakes I’ve Definitely Made

• Relaxing too soon. (New growth isn’t a threat, I promise.)
• Using too much protein. (Don’t treat your hair like a bodybuilder.)
• Sleeping without a satin anything. (Pillowcases are the silent killers.)
• Flat ironing daily. (You don’t need to “touch it up” every morning.)

❓ Random Relaxed Hair Questions You Might Be Wondering About

• Can you color relaxed hair? Yes, but you better deep condition like crazy.
• Are natural hair products okay to use? Sometimes. Just make sure they’re not loaded with protein or alcohol.
• Is texlaxing better? Depends. If you want more texture and less breakage, maybe.

Your Turn
How long have you been relaxed? What’s the biggest thing you wish someone told you earlier? Drop it in the comments—I actually read them.