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Using a hair relaxer for curly hair is a significant change to your hair routine. Unlike temporarily straightening your curls with heat, a chemical relaxer alters the structure of the treated hair to create a straighter or looser result.
If you're considering relaxing curly hair, preparation matters. You need to consider your scalp and hair condition, previous chemical treatments, the relaxer you're using and its specific instructions before you begin.
Below, we'll explain what to do before relaxing hair, what to avoid and how to care for relaxed hair afterwards.
What Is a Hair Relaxer?
A hair relaxer is a chemical treatment used to straighten or loosen naturally curly or coily hair.
A chemical relaxer for curly hair changes the structure of the treated strands, so the result isn't the same as temporarily straightening your hair with a blow dryer or flat iron.
The treated part of the hair remains chemically altered as it grows out. New hair growing from the scalp retains its natural pattern, which is why people who continue relaxing their hair may eventually consider a new-growth touch-up.
How Does a Hair Relaxer Work?
If you've wondered how hair relaxer works, the important point is that it chemically alters the structure responsible for your hair's existing shape.
Depending on the product and desired result, this can produce straighter or more relaxed-looking hair.
A relaxer system may include several stages, such as the relaxer itself, rinsing, neutralising and conditioning. The exact process varies between products, which is why the directions supplied with your chosen system should always take priority over generic instructions online.
Relaxing can also make existing length more visible because reducing the curl pattern reduces visible shrinkage. It does not, however, make hair grow faster or instantly make damaged hair healthier.
Things to Remember Before Using a Hair Relaxer on Curly Hair
Knowing how to prepare hair for a relaxer is just as important as choosing the product itself.
Before using a hair relaxer on curly hair, keep these points in mind.
1. Read All the Instructions Before You Start
Don't wait until the relaxer is already on your hair to work out the next step.
Read the complete instructions supplied with your relaxer first, including any warnings, preparation requirements, application directions, processing times, rinsing and neutralising steps.
Different systems can work differently, so generic advice about how to use hair relaxer should never replace the directions for the actual product in your hands.
If the instructions require gloves or specific components supplied with the kit, use them exactly as directed.
2. Check Your Scalp Before Relaxing
One of the most important things to do before relaxing hair is to check the condition of your scalp.
Don't apply a relaxer to a scalp that is irritated, sunburned, damaged or has broken skin. If your scalp isn't in suitable condition for chemical processing, postpone the treatment.
If you have an ongoing scalp problem or you're unsure whether it's appropriate to use a chemical relaxer, get professional advice rather than trying to work around the problem.
3. Avoid Scratching or Aggressively Brushing Your Scalp
Try not to scratch or aggressively brush your scalp in the days immediately before using a relaxer.
An irritated scalp and a strong chemical treatment aren't a good combination. This also means being mindful of hairstyles or preparation techniques that unnecessarily aggravate your scalp immediately before relaxing.
4. Consider the Current Condition of Your Hair
Your curl pattern isn't the only factor to consider when choosing a relaxer for curly hair.
Think about:
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existing breakage;
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previously relaxed sections;
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bleaching or colouring;
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other chemical processing;
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regular heat exposure;
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the overall condition of your hair.
If your hair is already significantly compromised, don't assume relaxing it will automatically make it healthier or easier to care for.
If you're uncertain about its condition, a qualified stylist can help you decide whether chemical relaxing is appropriate.
5. Check Your Previous Chemical Treatments
Chemical services shouldn't be treated as completely independent from one another.
If your hair has recently been bleached, coloured, permed or chemically straightened, check the relaxer's instructions carefully for compatibility and required waiting periods.
Don't combine treatments simply because each individual product can be used at home.
6. Avoid Overlapping Relaxer onto Previously Relaxed Hair
If you're touching up previously relaxed hair, the objective isn't normally to keep applying fresh relaxer throughout lengths that have already been chemically straightened.
Repeatedly processing the same sections can increase the risk of weakening the hair.
Follow your particular system's touch-up directions carefully and consider professional application if you're not confident distinguishing new growth from previously processed hair.
7. Don't Guess If You're Unsure
There's nothing wrong with choosing professional application.
If you're uncertain about relaxer strength, existing chemical treatments, your scalp, application or how to manage previously relaxed sections, asking an experienced professional is preferable to experimenting with processing time or product strength.
What Not to Do Before Relaxing Hair?
Understanding what not to do before relaxing hair can help you avoid some preventable problems.
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Don't relax an irritated or damaged scalp.
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Don't scratch or aggressively brush your scalp immediately beforehand.
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Don't exceed the processing time stated by the manufacturer.
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Don't assume a stronger relaxer automatically means a better result.
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Don't casually overlap relaxer onto previously processed lengths.
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Don't combine chemical treatments without checking their compatibility and instructions.
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Don't improvise the mixing ratio or leave out required neutralising steps.
Most importantly, don't treat tingling, discomfort or burning as proof that a product is “working”. Follow the product's safety instructions and discontinue use as directed if you experience an adverse reaction.
Hair Relaxer vs Temporary Straightening
A curly hair relaxer and a straightening tool can both create straighter-looking hair, but they don't work in the same way.
Chemical Hair Relaxer
A relaxer chemically changes the treated hair. The processed section doesn't simply return to its original curl pattern the next time you wash it.
As your hair grows, however, the new growth will retain its natural texture.
Heat Straightening
Using a blow dryer or straightener changes the appearance of the hair temporarily. The natural pattern can return after washing, provided the hair hasn't been permanently altered by heat damage.
Heat can still damage hair when used excessively, so temporary doesn't mean risk-free.
What About a Texturiser?
A texturiser or texture-softening system is generally intended to loosen rather than completely straighten the curl pattern.
If maintaining more of your existing curl pattern is important to you, it may be worth understanding the difference before automatically choosing a full relaxer.
How Often Can You Relax Curly Hair?
There isn't one touch-up schedule suitable for everyone relaxing curly hair.
New-growth rate, hair condition, previous processing and the particular relaxer system can all influence timing.
The important point is not to relax hair simply because a fixed number of weeks has passed. Follow the manufacturer's directions and avoid repeatedly processing previously relaxed lengths.
If you're unsure when your hair is ready for a touch-up, ask a professional rather than relying on a universal timetable.
Choosing a Hair Relaxer for Curly Hair
When choosing a hair relaxer for curly hair, don't automatically reach for the strongest formula because your curls or coils are tight.
Strength labels such as Regular and Super are product-specific. Read the manufacturer's suitability information and instructions before deciding which version is appropriate.
A couple of Cosmetize options to explore include:
Soft & Beautiful No-Lye Ultimate Conditioning Relaxer
Soft & Beautiful No-Lye Ultimate Conditioning Relaxer is available in Regular and Super strength options.
Choose the strength according to the product's suitability guidance rather than assuming Super is automatically the better choice for tightly curled hair.
African Pride Olive Miracle Deep Conditioning No-Lye Relaxer
African Pride Olive Miracle Deep Conditioning Anti-Breakage No-Lye Relaxer is a kit that combines the chemical relaxing process with neutralising and post-relaxer conditioning steps.
As with any chemical relaxer, use the complete system according to the current instructions supplied with the product.
If you don't want a fully straightened result, you can also explore Cosmetize's Relaxers & Texturizers collection to compare different product types before choosing.
How to Care for Relaxed Hair Afterwards?
Relaxed hair care doesn't end when you've rinsed out the chemical treatment.
Because chemical relaxing changes the treated hair, careful handling afterwards remains important.
Complete the Neutralising Process
If your relaxer system includes a neutralising shampoo or another required neutralising step, use it exactly as instructed.
Don't substitute or skip parts of the system unless the manufacturer specifically tells you to do so.
Condition Your Hair
Follow the post-relaxer conditioning directions supplied with your system.
A suitable conditioner can help improve softness and manageability after processing, but it can't make chemical damage disappear. If you're looking for additional conditioning guidance, see our guide on how to deep condition 4C hair.
Detangle Gently
Handle chemically processed hair carefully when washing, detangling and styling.
Avoid forcing a comb through knots or repeatedly manipulating the hair simply because it now appears straighter.
Be Careful with Additional Heat
Relaxed hair can still be damaged by excessive heat.
If you use a blow dryer, straightener or other heated tool, follow the appliance instructions, use the lowest effective heat for your style and use an appropriate heat-protection product.
Review Your Routine as Your Hair Grows
If you continue relaxing your hair, you'll eventually have natural new growth alongside previously relaxed lengths.
That difference in texture can change how you detangle, style and maintain your hair. Treat touch-ups as chemical processing rather than routine maintenance that must happen according to the calendar.
If you're considering moving away from chemical relaxing instead, see our guide on transitioning away from hair relaxers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a hair relaxer for curly hair is about more than finding a product that promises straighter strands.
Chemical relaxing permanently alters the treated section of the hair, so consider your scalp, existing hair condition, previous chemical treatments and the product's instructions before going ahead.
If you decide that relaxing curly hair is right for you, follow the complete relaxer system carefully, respect the stated processing time and look after your processed hair afterwards.
And if you're uncertain about application, product strength or whether your hair is suitable for relaxing, getting professional guidance is a sensible next step.
Shop Hair Relaxers & Texturisers
Explore Cosmetize's Relaxers & Texturizers collection to compare chemical relaxers, texturisers and texture-softening systems.
Remember that the goal isn't simply to choose the strongest product. Check the intended use, strength, complete instructions and suitability for your hair before making your choice.
FAQs
Does a relaxer permanently straighten curly hair?
A chemical relaxer permanently changes the treated section of the hair. New hair growing from the scalp retains its natural pattern, so you'll see a difference between new growth and previously relaxed hair over time.
Should I wash my hair before using a relaxer?
Don't assume that washing immediately beforehand is required. Preparation instructions can vary between relaxer systems, so follow the directions supplied with your specific product. Avoid substituting generic online advice for the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I put relaxer over previously relaxed hair?
Repeatedly overlapping fresh relaxer onto previously processed lengths can increase the risk of damage. For touch-ups, follow your product's directions for new growth and previously relaxed hair carefully.
How long should I leave hair relaxer on?
Only for the processing time specified by your particular product. Leaving a chemical relaxer on for longer doesn't mean you'll get a better result and can increase the risk of injury or damage.
What should I do if hair relaxer burns my scalp?
Don't treat burning as a normal sign that the relaxer is working. Follow the product's instructions for stopping application and rinsing, and seek appropriate medical advice for a significant or persistent reaction.
