How to Maintain Relaxed Hair, According to Hairstylists

See a Professional for Chemical Applications

This is typically where you’ll spend the most money in maintaining relaxed hair, but it’s worth investing in a trusted stylist for touch-ups and/or coloring. “Only get relaxers from a licensed and experienced professional,” Hardges advises. This may not be easy; you might even have to try several salons and get recommendations before you find someone you’re happy with, but it’s worth the extra effort.

Once you find a professional and build a good relationship with them, they should be able to advise you as to whether a lye or no-lye relaxer is the best option for you, which cuts will work for your lifestyle, and how to care for your hair daily.

According to celebrity hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, applying relaxers to previously processed hair, leaving chemicals on for too long, and getting your hair processed too often are some of the most common mistakes made when it comes to relaxing. This is just another reason why relaxers should be left to professionals. Not only can this help to mitigate risks that can come from DIY attempts, but creating a relationship with a good hairstylist can help to keep your hair healthy in every aspect. Plus, in the long run, it’ll ultimately save you money because you won’t need as many treatments to rehabilitate your hair and bring it back to health.