Relaxers can straighten kinky hair, making it easier to style, but relaxers may contain chemicals that can make hair fragile. People with relaxed hair should treat their hair gently, maintaining their hair with a regimen that focuses on locking in moisture and resisting the temptation to use heat styling tools, such as blow dryers and flat irons that, though effective straightening tools, can damage hair. Styling relaxed hair by wrapping or roller setting can yield similar straight, silky results.
Maintain Your Hair
Trim hair every six to eight weeks to maintain your style. Trimming also removes split ends that can cause unwanted breakage.
Deep condition relaxed hair weekly with a moisturizing conditioner. Apply conditioner and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. Choose a conditioner with natural ingredients, such as olive oil or avocado.
Apply moisturizer daily or whenever hair feels dry. Choose a moisturizer containing water, and apply sparingly.
Oil hair after moisturizing. Choose a light oil, such as coconut oil that won’t weigh down hair.
Style hair with a wide-toothed comb. Fine-toothed combs and brushes can pull hair, causing it to break.
Wrap Your Hair
Apply setting lotion to wet or dry hair. Part your hair from your crown to your hairline.
Comb your hair up and around your head, starting with the part. Concentrate on making the hair lie flat. Pin your hair in place, if necessary.
Tie a satin scarf around your hair and wear the scarf for several hours or until the hair is completely dry or set.
Untie the scarf and remove the pins, if necessary. Comb hair down into a silky, straight look.
Roller Set Your Hair
Wash and condition your hair. Apply setting lotion to wet hair.
Part your hair into a section as wide as the roller you plan to use. Roll your hair over the roller, starting with the end and rolling all the way up to the root. Place a clip on the roller so that it says in place.
Repeat until all your hair is rolled. Allow your hair to air dry. This may take several hours.
Remove the rollers when hair is fully dry. Style with your fingers and a wide-toothed comb.