There are tons of self-relaxing threads, and you should most definitely check the stickies for even more information. SistaSlick has an excellent article about relaxing - it is a must read. I've been self-relaxing for many, meany years - decades actually, yet I have learned so much about relaxing which has made a significant positive difference for my hair. Some of the tips I've learned:
make sure your hair is in the proper condition for relaxing - if you have breakage, sensitive scalp, do not relax. correct the condition first.
when you relax, have all of your supplies readily available - right at your fingertips - you don't want to have to search for something while the clock is ticking.
if you tend to burn, carefully and completely base the scalp and hairline.
if your have problems with your nape and/or hairlinee, relax those areas last.
pay attention to the time, and do not exceed it. use a timer if you must.
rinse liked you've never rinsed before, and then rinse some more.
after rinsing, apply the reconstructor, but remember this time is part of the relaxer time. EVERYTHING from the minute you begin to relax until you neutralize is part of the relaxing time.
neutralize - don't be stingy with the shampoo, the number of shampoos, and the rinsing time.
after the first shampoo, an acv rinse gets you to white suds asap.
use a chelating shampoo if you use a no-lye relaxer.
rinse
use the rest of the reconstructor ( i blend in a bowl and then half and half)
rinse
deep condition with the best moisturizing conditioner you can afford. deep conditioning is your hair's best friend at least 30 minutes with heat if you can. a product with ceramides is an excellent choice and greatly beneficial to your hair.
rinse
correct the porosity - porosity control or another pc type conditioner will make sure your cuticles are closed.
rinse
