Hey loves,

I recently relaxed my hair and I wanted to share several details regarding my relaxer day routine as I've received many questions as to what steps I take, products I use etc. I ended my relaxer stretch at 11 weeks post relaxer. I relaxed with ORS Olive Oil Relaxer in normal strength. I typically leave my relaxers on for 20-23 minutes but I always set my timer to 25 minutes. This is my 1st relaxer since I got my hair cut (a couple months back) and I feel as though my hair has grown quite a bit. Also, I did a small trim just for maintenance purposes.

In the video below, I go into detail as to how I prevent relaxer run-off and over processed ends, why I love using protein on relaxer day and the bond rebuilding products I use to strengthen my relaxed hair.

Enjoy!!

1. I use a clarifying shampoo to rid my hair and scalp of any build up. This allows my new growth to accept the relaxer better.
2. I follow up with a medium protein reconstructor/treatment for 20 minutes using heat.
3. I follow up with a  moisturizing deep conditioner to soften and moisturize my strands.
4. I apply my leave-in and air dry.

1. I apply Roux Porosity Control to my entire head, neglecting my new growth, focusing on coating my previously relaxed strands. The Porosity control is pH balanced (pH 4.5); therefore, when in contact with the relaxer, has I'm rinsing it out, it will begin to neutralize the relaxer for me preventing overlap and over-processed hair. In essence, the relaxer will stop working as it touches my ends. Not to mention, because it has so much slip, it helps to detangle my hair. 
2. I apply the coconut oil over the porosity control, again avoiding my new growth, to aid in separating any knots/tangles in my hair, but to also protect my hair from relaxer run-off. The coconut oil gives my hair a quick treatment prior to neutralizing. 
3. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is applied to my forehead, temples, ears and the skin around my nape for protection. It works like a charm = no burns!
4. As "ol skool" as DAX is, its a gem! I use this grease a final step to coat my previously relaxed hair. Because it's petroleum based, the relaxer stands no chance in penetrating through the grease during the relaxer rinse out step. DAX creates a barrier, between my strands and the relaxer, and that is why it will forever be a part of my relaxer prep regimen (the neutralizing shampoo removes all traces of the petrolatum). 

1. After 25 minutes on the clock, I rinse out my relaxer and follow up with my neutralizing shampoo. I rinse the relaxer out thoroughly and do a quick shampoo to stop the relaxer from processing further. I then lather up again and this time I let the shampoo sit on my hair (just like conditioner) for a total of 5 mins. I do this twice and then follow up with a 10 minute session (i.e. the shampoo sits on my hair for 5 mins, 5 mins and then 10 mins). 
2. I then follow up with my sulfate free shampoo to restore extra softeness and slip to my hair.

1. I go back to my regular routine of using a light protein reconstructor on dry hair with coconut oil for 15-20mins with heat. 
2. Follow up with a sulfate free shampoo. 
3. Deep condition with a moisturizing deep conditioner, plus oils, for 30 mins. 
4. Apply my leave-in and air dry! 

All done!!

What is your relaxer day process like? What tips and tricks do you use to prep for your relaxer? or for the day of your relaxer?

Happening right now!! Ran out of Vaseline, using the next best thing - Dax! Oldie but a goodie. All details will be on my blog (link in bio) #hairlista #relaxedhair

A photo posted by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on Jun 14, 2015 at 3:20pm PDT

If you follow me on Instagram (@hairlicious) you know that I relaxed my close-to-three-months worth of new growth over the weekend. I'm very impressed with the results and the overall process. I've been self-relaxing, with the help of my sister, since 2010. Not only does self-relaxing offer you the flexibility to relax whenever you want, it also provides you with control, freedom and the opportunity to pamper your hair.

Here are the steps I took this relaxer day:

Step 1: Applied Roux Porosity Control all over my hair and ends. This conditioner provides awesome slip for detangling. I apply this to my ends since it has a low pH to prevent the relaxer from processing my ends while I'm rinsing it out.

Step 2: Coated my previously relaxed hair with DAX! I no longer use Castor Oil/JBCO to coat my ends before relaxer. I preserve my liquid gold for my scalp and DC's - only! I've been using Vaseline since it's extremely thick and relaxer will NOT penetrate through it while I'm rinsing my relaxer out. Since I ran out, I decided to use some DAX that was laying around the house. Worked like a charm!

Step 3: Began to section off my hair in 4 quadrants. I proceeded to part my hair in 1" sections and two-strand twist each section. I did this for the entire head.  I put my hair in mini twists to speed up the relaxing process without having to part my hair as I go.

Step 4: I set the timer on the clock to 25 mins.  I usually complete my entire head (with smoothing) with 3-4 mins to spare.

Step 5: I neutralized with Motions Neutralizing Shampoo. I always neutralize 3 times (one session for 5 mins, another for 5 mins and then a final session for 10mins). I leave the neutralizing shampoo on my hair as if it were conditioner. This process ensures the relaxer has stopped working and is no longer in my hair.

Step 6: I followed up with my Creme of Nature Argan Oil sulfate-free shampoo and then t-shirt dried for 15-20 mins.

Step 7: Let the pampering begin!! I deep conditioned with Aussie Smooth + Keracare Humecto w/ 3PO (Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil) under my steamer for 20 mins and then hopped into bed to continue deep conditioning overnight. When I rinsed out my DC in the morning, I was presented with smooth, fluffy, full of texture, soft freshly relaxed hair!

I must admit, relaxing my own hair with the help of my sister has been such a liberating process. Don’t get me wrong, I love being pampered at the salon every now and then; however, having the freedom to relax your hair any day of the week and at any time certainly places power in your hands.


Using a normal strength relaxer is my personal preference. I use normal strength relaxer because it processes slower preventing my hair from becoming over-processed. I usually relax every 10-12 weeks and prep it a few days in advance by using a detangler to remove any knots and tangles at the demarcation line. This really helps to speed up the relaxer time. On the day of my relaxer, I apply a thick oil to my scalp and around the perimeter of my hairline preventing any burns. In order to prevent overlap and over-processing, I apply Vaseline in sections on my previously relaxed hair the day of my relaxer. This step is crucial as it creates a solid barrier between the length of my hair and the relaxer.

RELATED: Straight Talk: Hairlicious Inc. Explains Why She Doesn’t Frequent Salons

My sister and I tag team and relax my hair at home. I make sure I have my relaxer tub, latex gloves, applicator brushes, extra towels for any mess and my timer! We part the hair in 4 quadrants (2 in the front and 2 in the back). I’m responsible for the front portion and she relaxes the back portion. I pre-part the front of the hair in 1” inch sections and 2 strand twist each section for fast and easy application. My sister duplicates the same process in the back section. We smooth out the relaxer 2-3 times (relaxing only the new growth). We relax my entire head for 20-25 mins, which works best for my hair, as the results are always consistent. My hair turns out straight with a little bit of kink – just the way I like it!



What works for me is neutralizing my hair at least 3-5 times to ensure the relaxer is completely removed from my hair. This is key! Then I proceed to deep condition with a moisture/protein balanced deep conditioner adding strength back into the hair. That’s it! Try it!

Be sure to check out the original article over at ESSENCE.com | Straight Talk: Hairlicious Inc. On The Art of Relaxing Your Own Hair