Relaxers are a way to straighten and tame thick, curly and highly texturized hair. But are they a good idea and how often is it ok to use relaxers without experiencing hair damage?

Relaxing frequency should depend on the individual’s hair thickness, damage levels, texture and growth. If you have relatively fine hair, it’s recommended to wait until you have at least 3/4 to 1 inch of new growth. This will help prevent damage. If you have thick and coarse hair, the recommended length is at least 1/2 inch. Therefore, the normal relaxing frequency is every 8-14 weeks. Often, just a relaxer touch-up will do the trick.

Are relaxers harmful?

When applied incorrectly, relaxers may be damaging for the hair. Common complaints are:

- hair breakage
- dryness
- scalp irritation
- hair thinning
- lack of hair growth
- hair loss
- burning sensation during relaxer application

Here is how to how to keep relaxed hair healthy:

- perform weekly treatments and use Aveda’s Damage Remedy line

- try not to heat style your hair every day

- if you frequently style with heat protect your hair with Brilliant Damage Control, Emollient Smoothing Fluid or Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair

- consult your stylist about in-salon hair  and scalp treatments

Here at Georgetown Aveda we use 2 brands of gentle and conditioning relaxers (Mizani and Affirm) in order to minimize any hair damage.

Our relaxer experts Lisa and Brooke are available Wednesdays – Saturdays for free consultations. You  may schedule to see them by calling us at: 202-965-1325

Author: Jill Speller – a graduate of Aveda Institute in Washington, DC and an employee at Aveda Georgetown