Chemically straightened hair can be a blessing for those who have naturally curly or wavy hair. It can save time, make hair more manageable, and give you a sleek, polished look. However, chemically straightened hair requires a bit of extra care to keep it healthy and looking its best. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks on how to care for chemically straightened hair.
Table of Contents
- How to Chemically Straighten Hair
- Step-by-Step Guide to Caring for Chemically Straightened Hair
- Tips for Maintaining Chemically Straightened Hair
- FAQs
How to Chemically Straighten Hair
Before we dive into how to care for chemically straightened hair, let's first go over the process of chemically straightening hair. Chemically straightening hair involves the use of chemicals, typically sodium hydroxide or ammonium thioglycolate, to break down the natural bonds in hair and reform them into a straight pattern. The process can take several hours and should be done by a professional stylist.
Chemically straightened hair can be damaging to the hair, so it's important to properly care for it to prevent further damage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Caring for Chemically Straightened Hair
1. Use a sulfate-free shampoo.
Regular shampoos can be too harsh for chemically straightened hair. Look for sulfate-free shampoos that are specifically formulated for chemically treated hair. These shampoos are gentler on the hair and won't strip away natural oils.
2. Condition your hair regularly.
Chemically straightened hair can be dry and brittle, so it's important to condition your hair regularly. Look for conditioners that are specifically formulated for chemically treated hair. These conditioners will help to restore moisture and leave your hair feeling soft and silky.
3. Avoid heat styling tools.
Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can be damaging to chemically straightened hair. If you must use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray and keep the heat setting low.
4. Limit how often you wash your hair.
Washing your hair too often can strip away natural oils and cause your hair to become dry and brittle. Try to limit how often you wash your hair to once or twice a week.
5. Avoid chlorine and salt water.
Chlorine and salt water can be damaging to chemically straightened hair. If you're going swimming, wear a swim cap or rinse your hair with fresh water before and after swimming.
Tips for Maintaining Chemically Straightened Hair
1. Get regular trims.
Getting regular trims will help to prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks.
2. Use a wide-tooth comb.
Using a wide-tooth comb will help to prevent breakage and tangles. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots.
3. Sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Silk pillowcases are gentler on your hair than cotton pillowcases. They also help to prevent frizz and breakage.
4. Protect your hair from the sun.
The sun can be damaging to chemically straightened hair. Wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray to protect your hair from the sun.
FAQs
Can I color my chemically straightened hair?
Yes, you can color your chemically straightened hair. However, it's important to wait at least two weeks after getting your hair chemically straightened before coloring your hair. This will give your hair time to recover from the chemical treatment.
How often should I get my chemically straightened hair touched up?
This will depend on how quickly your hair grows and how often you wash your hair. Generally, you should get your hair touched up every 6-8 weeks.
Can I use hair oils on my chemically straightened hair?
Yes, you can use hair oils on your chemically straightened hair. However, be sure to use a lightweight oil and avoid applying it to your roots.
Caring for chemically straightened hair requires a bit of extra effort, but the results are worth it. By following these tips and tricks, you can keep your hair looking healthy and beautiful.
