How to Deal with Relaxed Hair: Growing Out is Key

Updated at: 08/01/2025

Relaxed hair, with its sleek and straight appeal, often comes with a trade-off: the constant need for touch-ups and the potential for damage. The pursuit of healthy, vibrant hair often necessitates a journey beyond chemical treatments, leading many to embrace the process of growing out their relaxed hair. This can feel daunting, requiring patience, dedication, and a strategic approach. The transition period, however, can be navigated successfully with the right knowledge and techniques. Many women find themselves caught in a cycle of breakage and frustration, unsure of how to manage the two textures as they grow.

This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to smoothly transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. We'll explore effective techniques for managing the two contrasting textures, minimizing breakage, and nurturing your hair's health throughout this transformative phase. Prepare to discover the secrets to successfully growing out your relaxed hair and embracing your natural beauty.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • N/A
Safety Guidelines
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Relaxers contain strong chemicals that can damage your hair and scalp. Minimize chemical treatments during the growing-out process to prevent further damage and breakage.
  • Be patient: Growing out relaxed hair takes time. Expect a transition period with different textures, and avoid getting discouraged. Embrace the process and celebrate small victories.
  • Protect your hair: Use gentle hair care products designed for transitioning hair. Minimize heat styling, and always protect your hair at night with a satin scarf or bonnet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Understanding Relaxer Removal

    • Understand that relaxers cannot be stripped; they must grow out.
    • Ultimately, the only way to fully remove a relaxer is to wait for the treated hair to grow out.
    Ultimately, the only way to fully remove a relaxer is to wait for the treated hair to grow out.Ultimately, the only way to fully remove a relaxer is to wait for the treated hair to grow out.
    Understanding Relaxer Removal

  2. Relaxer Types and Reversion

    • Some relaxers may revert over time, returning the hair to its natural curl pattern.
    • Thermal relaxers are permanent and need to be cut out.
    Thermal relaxers are permanent and need to be cut out.
    Relaxer Types and Reversion

  3. Avoiding Damage

    • Avoid applying different types of relaxers (e.g., sodium-based followed by ammonium hydroxide-based) to prevent breakage.

  4. Alternative Styling Options (Not Relaxer Removal)

    • If you used an imodium-based product, you *might* consider a perm or other styling methods (but these don't remove the relaxer).

Read more: DIY Hair Relaxer Cream: A Homemade, Budget-Friendly Recipe

Tips

  • Be patient; growing out relaxed hair takes time.
  • Avoid mixing different types of relaxers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-manipulating Relaxed Hair

Reason: Constant brushing, combing, and styling can lead to breakage and damage, especially when hair is already weakened from the relaxing process.
Solution: Minimize manipulation by using protective styles and detangling gently with a wide-tooth comb only when necessary.

2. Neglecting Deep Conditioning Treatments

Reason: Relaxing chemicals can severely dry out hair, making it brittle and prone to breakage if not regularly moisturized and nourished.
Solution: Deep condition your hair at least once a week with a moisturizing and protein-rich treatment.

3. Using Harsh Products and Tools

Reason: Sulfates, silicones, and heat styling tools can further damage already fragile relaxed hair, hindering growth and causing dryness.
Solution: Switch to sulfate-free and silicone-free products, and limit heat styling to minimize damage.

FAQs

How long does it take to grow out relaxed hair?
The time it takes varies greatly depending on your hair growth rate and the length of your relaxed ends. It can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years to fully transition to natural hair.
What's the best way to manage the 'line of demarcation' (where relaxed and natural hair meet)?
Regular moisturizing and deep conditioning are crucial to keep the demarcation line strong and prevent breakage. Protective styling like braids, twists, or buns can also help minimize manipulation and stress on this area.
How can I prevent breakage during the growing-out process?
Gentle handling is key. Avoid harsh brushing or combing, especially on dry hair. Use a wide-tooth comb and detangle starting from the ends. Regular trims to remove split ends and damaged relaxed hair will also help.
Many women in Nairobi embrace relaxed hair, but the journey of growing it out can be challenging. Understanding the products used initially is a crucial first step. For those who've previously relaxed their hair, knowing the specific relaxer used can inform your transition. To help you recall the products you might have used, you might find our previous guide on the best hair-straightening treatments available in Nairobi helpful. This list can provide valuable context as you embark on this growth journey.