Washing relaxed hair requires a gentle, strategic approach to prevent breakage and maintain healthy strands. Your chemically treated hair needs extra care during cleansing to preserve moisture, protect the hair shaft, and prevent damage that can lead to thinning or breakage.
The key lies in using lukewarm water, focusing on scalp cleansing rather than aggressive hair scrubbing, and choosing the right products that won't strip your hair's natural oils. With the proper technique, you can keep your relaxed hair strong, shiny, and growing beautifully.
Key Takeaways
- Use lukewarm water and focus on gently cleansing your scalp rather than vigorously scrubbing your hair strands
- Wash relaxed hair once per week to maintain cleanliness without over-drying or causing breakage
- Quality shower filtration removes chlorine and hard water minerals that can weaken chemically treated hair
- Apply shampoo directly to your scalp using an applicator bottle for even distribution and better cleansing
- Always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner and protective styling to seal in hydration
How to Wash Relaxed Hair
Relaxed hair has undergone chemical processing that breaks down the hair's natural protein structure, making it more vulnerable to damage during washing. This altered structure means your hair needs a more delicate approach than natural hair textures. The following steps will help you cleanse your hair effectively while maintaining its strength and preventing unnecessary breakage.
Step 1: Pre-Wash Preparation and Detangling
Start by gently detangling your dry hair using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Work from the ends upward to minimize stress on your strands. Apply a pre-shampoo treatment or light oil to the length of your hair, focusing on the ends. This protective barrier helps prevent your hair from becoming overly dry during the cleansing process.
Step 2: Saturate Hair Completely with Lukewarm Water
Turn your water temperature to lukewarm, not hot. Hot water opens the hair cuticle too much and can strip essential moisture from already fragile relaxed hair. Spend at least 60 seconds thoroughly saturating your hair and scalp. Your hair should be completely drenched before applying any shampoo. This saturation helps the shampoo work more effectively and prevents harsh friction.
Step 3: Apply Shampoo to Your Scalp
Mix a quarter-sized amount of sulfate-free shampoo with water in an applicator bottle to create a diluted mixture. Apply this directly to your scalp in sections, not to the length of your hair. Focus on massaging your scalp gently with your fingertips for 2-3 minutes. The suds will naturally cleanse the hair strands as you rinse, so there's no need to scrub the hair itself.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly and Condition
Rinse your hair completely, ensuring no shampoo residue remains on your scalp or strands. Apply a moisturizing conditioner from mid-length to ends, avoiding the scalp area. Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly and gently detangle. Leave the conditioner on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing with cool water to seal the hair cuticle.
Step 5: Gentle Drying and Styling
Gently squeeze excess water from your hair using a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Avoid rubbing or harsh towel drying. Apply a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant before air drying or using low heat styling tools. Style your hair while it's still slightly damp to lock in moisture.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
Relaxed hair should typically be washed once per week to maintain optimal health. This frequency allows your scalp's natural oils to nourish your hair without allowing buildup that can clog follicles. However, your washing schedule may need adjustment based on several factors.
If you exercise frequently or live in a humid climate, you might need to wash every 5-6 days. Those with oily scalps may also benefit from slightly more frequent washing. Conversely, if your hair feels dry or brittle, consider extending your wash day to every 10 days and focus on co-washing between shampoo sessions.
Your lifestyle, hair porosity, and product usage also influence washing frequency. Heavy styling products require more frequent cleansing, while minimal product use allows for longer intervals between wash days.
Tips to Washing Relaxed Hair
These additional strategies will help you master the art of washing relaxed hair while addressing common challenges like dryness, breakage, and buildup. Each tip builds on the basic washing routine to give you healthier, stronger hair over time.
Tip 1: Use a Quality Shower Head Filter
Hard water and chlorine can be particularly damaging to chemically processed hair. These minerals and chemicals build up on relaxed hair strands, making them feel rough, look dull, and become more prone to breakage. A quality shower filter removes chlorine, reduces mineral buildup, and provides softer water that helps your hair products work more effectively. Filtered water also helps maintain your hair's moisture balance and prevents the harsh drying effects that can weaken already fragile relaxed strands.
Tip 2: Master the Co-Washing Technique
Co-washing, or washing with conditioner only, can be beneficial between regular shampoo sessions. Use a cleansing conditioner or regular conditioner to refresh your scalp and hair without stripping natural oils. Focus on massaging your scalp to remove buildup while the conditioner provides moisture. This technique works especially well for relaxed hair that tends to dry out quickly with frequent shampooing.
Tip 3: Section Your Hair for Better Coverage
Divide your hair into 4-6 sections before washing to ensure every area receives proper attention. This method prevents tangling and ensures even product distribution. Wash each section individually, keeping the rest of your hair loosely twisted or clipped away. This systematic approach reduces manipulation and helps you maintain better control over your hair during the washing process.
Tip 4: Use the Right Water Temperature Throughout
Start with lukewarm water for cleansing, then finish with cool water for the final rinse. The cool water helps seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and creating smoother, shinier hair. This temperature change also helps your styling products adhere better and provides longer-lasting results.
Tip 5: Time Your Washing Strategically
Plan your wash days when you have adequate time for proper drying and styling. Rushing through the process or going to bed with damp hair can lead to breakage and scalp issues. Washing your relaxed hair at home requires patience and attention to detail for the best results.
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Experience the difference filtered water makes in your hair's texture, shine, and overall health. Shower Envy's high-pressure design also provides better rinsing power, ensuring all product residue is thoroughly removed from your hair and scalp. Make every wash day a spa-like experience while giving your relaxed hair the gentle care it deserves.
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Frequently Asked Questions on How to Wash Relaxed Hair
Can I wash my relaxed hair more than once a week?
While once per week is ideal for most people with relaxed hair, you can wash more frequently if needed. If you exercise regularly or have an oily scalp, washing every 5-6 days is acceptable. However, always use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and follow up with deep conditioning to prevent over-drying your chemically processed strands.
Should I use hot or cold water when washing relaxed hair?
Always use lukewarm water for washing relaxed hair. Hot water can strip natural oils and cause excessive dryness, while very cold water won't effectively cleanse your scalp. Lukewarm water opens the hair cuticle just enough for proper cleansing without causing damage. Finish with a cool water rinse to seal the cuticle and add shine.
Is it better to wash relaxed hair at home or at a salon?
You can successfully wash your relaxed hair at home with the proper technique and products. Home washing gives you more control over water temperature, product selection, and timing. However, professional salon treatments can be beneficial monthly for deep cleansing and conditioning. The key is using gentle techniques and quality products regardless of where you wash your hair.