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Shiny, straight, conditioned locks right after a hair relaxer? Sounds impossible, but it can happen if you mix a bit of protein conditioner right into your relaxer chemicals. The protein acts as a filler, filling in the gaps caused by hair damage, and t coats the hair shaft, protecting it from the harsh chemicals. The best part? It's not expensive or hard to do. So, if your relaxer always comes out looking a bit frazzled, fight the relaxer funk with protein.
1.
Pick your protein. Choose a protein serum that can be used as an additive in hair chemicals. Look in the perm and relaxer section in your beauty supply store to find the right type. Stay away from protein conditioners that you use after a shampoo. They have too many other ingredients that might interfere with your relaxer. Too confusing? Pick a relaxer with the protein treatment included.
2.
Add 1 oz. protein serum to the relaxer chemicals when you mix them. The order that you add each component doesn't matter one bit. Just dump all three together, but don't use more than 1 oz. of the serum. It usually amounts to one cap full of the stuff.
3.
Blend it all together with a wooden applicator. It looks like a Popsicle stick on steroids and it should be included in your relaxer kit.
Some relaxers come with a protein treatment right in the box. Look for this option when picking out your straightener. It will save you the trouble of finding a separate protein treatment that works with the relaxer you picked.
When it comes to protein, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Don't overload your relaxer with protein or it may not work as well. Keep it to a minimum for best results.