From Kinky to Straight

From Kinky to Straight

African-American hair is naturally curly, giving it a tight and kinky appearance. Many people of African descent want to have naturally curly hair straightened or relaxed. A relaxer is the process of straightening kinky hair to make it easier to style and to manage. A hair relaxer kit is used for hair that is naturally curly or wavy in order to attain a straighter, sleeker look. The strength you use is determined by the texture of the hair. Caution should be used when relaxing hair, because of the chemicals that are used. Follow these steps to learn how to apply a hair relaxer. First, assemble all necessary items: the relaxer kit with instructions, a mixing bowl, an applicator brush, a comb, a towel or cape, rubber gloves, petroleum jelly, neutralizing shampoo, and conditioner. Use petroleum jelly to the hairline, around your ears, neck, and nape to prevent the hair relaxing solution from coming in contact with and irritating the scalp and skin. Since hair relaxer is made up of chemicals, it is important to protect clothing in case the chemicals splash by using a cape or towel. Put on rubber gloves to protect hands from the hair relaxer chemicals. Mix the ingredients per the instructions included with the kit. Work with dry hair and divide the hair into four quadrants: front left, front right, back left, back right. Using the applicator brush, apply the relaxer to one eighth subsections saturating the hair with the relaxer. Apply the relaxer to all four sections until the hair is completely coated. Use fingers or the back of a comb to work out the curls. Leave the relaxer on the hair according to manufacturer's directions. Rinse for three to five minutes with hot water, which opens the hair cuticle, and removes the relaxer thoroughly from the hair. Immediately shampoo with neutralizing shampoo, this allows the hair to return back to a normal/safe state. Follow-up with a conditioner to help with damaged ends. Finally, use a blow-dryer and...