How to Relax Natural Hair Without Chemicals

How to relax natural hair without chemicals has become a popular choice for those seeking to maintain their natural texture while enjoying a smoother, more manageable look.

With the growing emphasis on embracing natural beauty and minimizing exposure to harsh chemicals, this approach offers a gentle way to achieve the desired results. In this guide, we will explore various techniques for relaxing natural hair without the use of chemicals, ensuring that your hair remains healthy, vibrant, and true to its natural form.

Whether transitioning from chemically treated hair or simply looking for a more natural alternative, these tips will help you achieve the relaxed hair look you desire while keeping your tresses chemical-free. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of naturally relaxed hair!

What Are the Benefits of Relaxing Natural Hair Without Chemicals?

There are several benefits to opting for natural hair relaxing methods over traditional chemical treatments. Some of these include:

1. Maintaining Hair Health: One of the main advantages of using chemical-free methods is that they are gentler on your hair, helping you maintain its natural moisture and strength. Harsh chemicals in traditional relaxers can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and damage.
2. Versatility: When naturally relaxing your hair, you have more control over the level of straightness or curliness you want. This allows for a more versatile look as you can adjust the process according to your desired results.
3. Reduced Risk of Scalp Irritation and Allergic Reactions: Chemical relaxers can cause some individuals’ scalp irritation, burning sensations, and allergic reactions. By using natural methods, you can reduce the risk of these side effects and create a more comfortable experience for yourself.
4. Budget-Friendly: Natural hair relaxing techniques often use ingredients readily available in your kitchen or local store, making them a cost-effective option compared to expensive chemical treatments.

These are just a few of the many benefits of relaxing natural hair without chemicals. Now, let’s examine some popular methods for achieving this look.

What Will You Need?

Before we dive into the various methods, here are some basic supplies you will need to get started with relaxing your natural hair without chemicals:

• Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
• Plastic shower cap or plastic wrap
• Neutralizing shampoo (optional)
• Moisturizing deep conditioner
• Natural oil (such as coconut, olive, or jojoba oil)

Once these materials are ready, let’s explore some standard techniques for naturally relaxing your hair.

10 Easy Steps on How to Relax Natural Hair Without Chemicals

Step 1. Preparation:

Start by thoroughly detangling your hair using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. This step is essential to minimize breakage and make the relaxing process easier. Begin at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots, gently removing any knots or tangles. Ensure that your hair is clean and free from any styling products before proceeding to the next steps.

Step 2. Apply a Natural Hair Mask

Create a natural hair mask using coconut milk, honey, and a small amount of olive oil. These ingredients are known for their moisturizing and softening properties, which help to loosen the natural curl pattern without harsh chemicals. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply them to your hair, section by section, ensuring even coverage from roots to ends.

Step 3. Cover Your Hair

Once the hair mask is applied, cover your hair with a plastic shower cap or wrap. This step helps to lock in moisture and allows the natural ingredients to penetrate the hair strands more effectively. You may also use a warm towel over the cap to enhance the conditioning process and improve the results.

Step 4. Allow It to Sit

After applying the hair mask and covering your hair, allowing the mixture to sit and work its magic is crucial. The recommended duration for the hair mask to sit is typically 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your hair type and desired results. During this time, the natural ingredients deeply nourish and condition your hair, promoting hydration and softness. You can use this opportunity to relax and indulge in some self-care activities or catch up on your favorite show.

The longer you leave the mask on, the more time it has to penetrate and provide optimal benefits. Once the desired time has elapsed, proceed to the next step to rinse out the hair mask and reveal beautifully softened and manageable tresses.

Step 5. Rinse Thoroughly 

After the hair mask has had enough time to work, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Remove all traces of the mask to prevent any residue from weighing down your hair. Be gentle as you rinse, and avoid using hot water, as it can strip your hair of its natural oils and counteract the moisturizing benefits of the hair mask.

Step 6. Apply a Deep Conditioner 

Once you’ve rinsed out the mask, follow up with a deep conditioner to enhance hydration and softness. Opt for a conditioner free of harmful chemicals and enriched with natural ingredients. Apply the conditioner evenly from roots to tips, focusing on areas needing extra moisture. Leave the conditioner in for the time specified on the product label or for 10-15 minutes to maximize its effects.

Step 7. Rinse Again and Gently Pat Dry 

After allowing the deep conditioner to work its magic, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the conditioner. Ensure your hair feels soft and smooth, with no slippery residue left behind. Once rinsed, avoid vigorously rubbing your hair with a towel, which can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, gently pat your hair dry using a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to preserve moisture and reduce friction. 

Step 8. Apply a Natural Oil 

To lock in the moisture and add an extra layer of softness and shine, apply a natural oil of your choice, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. Place a small amount of oil into your palms, rub them together, and distribute them evenly through your hair, focusing on the ends where dryness tends to occur most. This step helps seal the cuticle and makes your hair smooth and manageable. 

Step 9. Stretch Your Hair 

Once your hair is prepped with oil, consider gently stretching to achieve a more relaxed look without heat. You can braid or twist your hair into sections, securing each with a hair tie or clip, and allow it to air-dry. Alternatively, use hairbands to stretch each section by wrapping the bands around the length of the hair, creating a tension that smooths out your curls. Whichever method you choose, ensure your hair is dehydrated before undoing the braids, twists, or bands to reveal your relaxed style. 

Step 10. Style as Desired 

Once your hair is dehydrated and stretched, you can style it as desired. Whether you prefer to leave it loose, create a sleek ponytail, twist it into a chic updo, or braid it for a protective style, your naturally relaxed hair is now more manageable and versatile. Take care to use styling products free from harsh chemicals to maintain your hair’s health and moisture balance. Consider applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner or styling cream to enhance shine and provide extra hold for your chosen style.

By following these steps and incorporating natural ingredients, you can achieve a relaxed look without the use of harsh chemicals and excessive heat.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Here are five things you should avoid when it comes to relaxing natural hair without chemicals:

1. Heat Damage: Excessive use of heat-styling tools like flat irons and blow dryers can cause irreversible damage to your hair strands. Avoid high heat settings, and apply a heat protectant before styling.
2. Overprocessing: Be cautious when using natural hair relaxers or texturizers. Letting them on for too long or using them too frequently can lead to overprocessing, which can weaken the hair and cause breakage.
3. Tight Hairstyles: Avoid tightly pulling back your hair into styles like ponytails, braids, or buns. The constant tension and pulling can lead to hair breakage and traction alopecia.
4. Chemical-based Products: Although the goal is to relax your hair without chemicals, it’s essential to be mindful of the products you use. Some haircare products may contain hidden chemicals that can cause damage.
5. Skipping Moisture and Deep Conditioning: Natural hair requires proper hydration and moisture to maintain health and elasticity. Skipping regular deep conditioning treatments and moisturizing routines can result in dryness, brittleness, and breakage.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can effectively relax your natural hair without chemicals while maintaining its strength, health, and natural beauty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several methods and techniques on how to relax natural hair without chemicals. It is important to do your research and consult with a professional stylist before attempting any new techniques on your hair.

Remember to always prioritize the health and strength of your hair by avoiding excessive heat, overprocessing, tight hairstyles, chemical-based products, and skipping moisture and deep conditioning treatments. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can achieve beautifully relaxed natural hair while maintaining its natural integrity.

So embrace your unique curls and coils, and enjoy the journey of finding what works best for your hair!  Happy relaxing!