Are you tired of having overly curly hair and want to relax your perm? Relaxing a perm is a process that involves chemically breaking down the curls in your hair.
When a perm turns out curlier than desired, it can feel overwhelming and frustrating. Whether you’re looking for looser waves or a more manageable curl pattern, understanding how to relax a perm that is too curly is essential.
This guide will provide you with practical methods and tips to achieve the look you want while maintaining the health of your hair. You can transform those tight curls into a softer, more relaxed style that enhances your natural beauty, from utilizing specific hair products to employing gentle styling techniques.
Let’s explore the best approaches to relaxing an overly curly perm while keeping your locks vibrant and healthy.
What Will You Need?
Before we dive into the various methods of relaxing a perm, ensure you have the following items on hand:
- Mild Shampoo and Conditioner: These products will help to keep your hair healthy and hydrated throughout the process.
- Deep Conditioning Treatment: To repair any damage caused by the perming chemicals, it is crucial to use a deep conditioning treatment regularly.
- Clarifying Shampoo: Use this type to remove any product buildup from your hair before beginning the relaxing process.
- Neutralizing Solution: This is used after rinsing out the relaxer to stop its action and prevent further damage.
- Wide-toothed Comb: A wide-toothed comb will help detangle your curls without causing breakage.
- Protein Treatment: To restore and strengthen your hair after relaxing, use a protein treatment to rebuild any damaged strands.
Once you have these items, you are ready to begin relaxing your overly curly perm.
10 Easy Steps on How to Relax a Perm That is Too Curly
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup. This ensures that your hair is clean and ready for the relaxing process. Follow up with a mild conditioner to keep your hair hydrated. Gently detangle your hair using a wide-toothed comb while the conditioner is still in your hair.
Step 2: Protect Your Skin
Before applying any relaxing products, protecting your skin from potential chemical irritation is essential. Apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly or a protective barrier cream along your hairline, on your ears, and at the nape of your neck.
This will help to create a barrier that minimizes skin contact with the relaxer and prevents irritation. Additionally, consider wearing an old shirt or a cape to shield your clothing from any product spills. Taking these precautions not only safeguards your skin but also allows you to focus on the relaxing process without worrying about unwanted discomfort or mess.
Once your skin is protected correctly, you can proceed confidently to the next step in the soothing process.
Step 3: Apply the Relaxer
Once you’ve protected your skin, it’s time to apply the relaxer. To ensure even coverage, begin by sectioning your hair into manageable parts, typically four or more sections.
Using an applicator brush, carefully apply the relaxer to each section, starting from the roots and working your way down toward the ends. Pay special attention to particularly curly areas. Avoid overlapping the relaxer on previously relaxed hair to prevent excessive damage.
Once the relaxer is applied to all sections, cover your hair with a plastic cap to retain heat and enhance the relaxing process. Follow the instructions on the relaxer packaging regarding the timing, but keep a close eye on your hair to avoid over-processing.
Step 4: Rinse the Relaxer
After the recommended processing time, it’s crucial to rinse the relaxer to stop its action thoroughly. Begin by removing the plastic cap and using lukewarm water. Rinse your hair gently, allowing the water to flow from the roots to the ends.
This helps to wash away the relaxer effectively while minimizing stress on your hair. Be sure to continue rinsing for at least 5-10 minutes to ensure all product is eradicated. Following the rinsing, apply a neutralizing solution as directed on the product label.
This step is essential as it halts the chemical process and prevents further damage to your hair. After applying the neutralizer, rinse again thoroughly, and then proceed to conditioner to replenish moisture.
Step 5: Deep Condition Your Hair
After rinsing out the neutralizer, restoring moisture and nourishment to your hair is important. Apply a generous amount of deep conditioning treatment to your damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where the hair is often drier.
Gently comb through your hair with a wide-toothed comb to ensure even product distribution. Once your hair is well-coated, cover it with a plastic cap or a warm towel to help the conditioner penetrate deeply. Allow the deep conditioner to sit for at least 15-30 minutes, as the product instructions recommended.
This step will help to repair any damage caused during the relaxing process and maintain the health of your tresses. After elapsed, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, ensuring no residue is left behind. Your hair should feel softer and more manageable, setting the stage for the final step in your relaxing journey.
Step 6: Apply a Protein Treatment
Once you’ve deep conditioned your hair, it’s essential to reinforce its strength with a protein treatment. This step is crucial as the relaxing process can leave your hair weakened. Begin by selecting a protein treatment that suits your hair type.
Apply the treatment evenly throughout your damp hair, focusing on the areas that feel particularly fragile. Gently massage the product into your strands and leave it on for the time recommended on the packaging—typically around 10-20 minutes.
To maximize the benefits, you might consider wrapping your hair in a warm towel during this time to promote penetration. After the treatment, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to seal the cuticles, making your hair stronger and healthier.
Step 7: Moisturize and Protect
Now that your hair has been treated and revitalized, the next step is to moisturize and protect your strands. Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to help further hydrate your hair and make it easier to manage.
Look for products that contain natural oils, such as argan or jojoba oil, which can provide additional nourishment and shine. Consider using a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from heat damage during styling.
This will safeguard your hair against the potentially damaging effects of heat-styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Remember, maintaining moisture is vital to keeping your relaxed hair looking its best, so don’t shy away from incorporating a regular moisturizing routine into your hair care regimen.
Step 8: Maintain Your Relaxed Hair
To ensure the longevity and health of your relaxed hair, it’s vital to implement a consistent maintenance routine. Start by washing your hair no more than once or twice a week with a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent dryness.
Follow each wash with a nourishing conditioner to replenish the moisture the relaxing process removes. Additionally, weekly deep conditioning treatments should be incorporated to enhance hydration further and repair any potential damage. Trim your ends every 6-8 weeks to keep split ends at bay.
Finally, avoid excessive heat styling and opt for protective styles whenever possible, allowing your hair to rest and recover.
Step 9: Experiment with Styles
Once your hair is relaxed and well-maintained, it’s time to have fun experimenting with different hairstyles. Relaxed hair offers versatility, allowing you to change your look effortlessly. Consider styles such as sleek ponytails, bouncy curls, or elegant updos that showcase the smoothness of your relaxer.
Use styling products, such as light gels or mousses, that add hold without weighing your hair down. Don’t forget to protect your hair from styling heat by employing a heat protectant spray.
Also, break your hair between different styling techniques to avoid over-manipulation and keep your strands healthy and vibrant. As you explore various styles, remember to prioritize the health of your hair above all else.
Step 10: Nighttime Care
As you maintain your beautiful, relaxed hair, it’s essential to establish a nighttime care routine to protect your strands while you sleep. Start by loosely braiding or pinning your hair to prevent tangling and breakage at night.
Additionally, consider using a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase, as these materials help reduce friction and retain moisture better than cotton. This simple investment can significantly diminish frizz and promote smoother hair by morning.
Finally, before bed, you might apply a light oil or serum to your ends to lock in hydration overnight, ensuring you wake up to soft, manageable tresses ready for the day ahead. By following these ten steps, you can achieve and maintain gorgeous, relaxed hair that looks and feels healthy.
Conclusion
How to relax a perm that is too curly requires a thoughtful approach to restore balance and manageability.
You can effectively relax and nourish your curls by following the detailed steps outlined in this guide—starting with gentle cleansing and careful conditioning, then applying protein treatments, and finally establishing a robust maintenance routine.
It’s crucial to ensure that each step is tailored to your hair type, prioritizing moisture and protection throughout the process. Remember that patience is vital; allow your hair time to adapt to its new style and give it the love it deserves.
With consistent care, you can transform overly curly perms into beautiful, relaxed tresses that enhance your natural beauty while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.