Chemically relaxing your hair is something that shouldn't be taken lightly, especially if you are self-relaxing. It's a serious task, therefore; one should proceed with caution at all times to avoid unnecessary consequences such as burning, irritation, breakage or even hair loss.

Below, I've outlined several tips to implement and common mistakes to avoid. I practice all of the tips listed and I really believe in them too. Just wanted to share. Hopefully they will help you!
(photo credit)

♥ Sunshyne

Here are the "don'ts" that you can use as a guideline in your Healthy Hair Journey. Remember not everything on this list you have to agree with. I'll star the things that I don't necessarily believe in.

If you haven't checked already, take a peek at the Healthy Hair Do's - Checklist

By Nicole Elizabeth Smith - Author of Healthy Black Hair

1. Don't go on crash diets
2. Don't avoid hair trims
3. Don't squander hair growth by getting hair trims too frequently i.e more that 2 - 3 times a year
4. Don't use heat regularly
5. Don't comb your hair with a fine tooth comb
6. Don't use natural or boar bristle brushes *
   
7. Don't switch back and forth between relaxer brands
8. Don't use a lye perm after a no-lye perm *
   
9. Don't use permanent hair colour
10. Don't use pin on hair (only clip-on or drawstring)
    
11. Don't wait longer that 10 weeks to get a perm *
    
12. Don't use hair sprays or styling gels (only protein gel or pomade) *
    
13. Don't use rubber bands on your hair
14. Don't use weave glue
15. Don't use hair pins without coated ends
16. Don't hot curl wet hair or use hair spray when curling your hair
17. Don't scratch your dandruff
18. Don't blow dry your hair when it is wet (air dry first)
19. Don't get micro braids
20. Don't go two weeks without washing your hair, unless you have braids
21. Don't use commercial braid sprays *
    
22. Don't scratch excessively
23. Don't scratch your scalp with a pencil or bobby pins
24. Don't put weave glue directly on your scalp
25. Don't pick at scabs and scales
26. Don't get a perm on an unhealthy scalp
27. Don't put "Seabreeze" in your hair prior to a perm
28. Don't grease your scalp with petroleum based products

♥ Sunshyne