How Often Should You Wash Relaxed Hair? Tips for Keeping Your Hair Healthy and Clean

Co-authored by Mindy Nguyen and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: October 22, 2021 References

Your relaxed hair looks gorgeous, but how do you wash it? With the right routine, your relaxed style can look great from day one to touch-up. Your hair doesn't need much washing, but it does thirst for moisture. Fortunately, we’ve answered all the hottest questions about how to wash your relaxed hair.

Question 1 of 5:

How long after a relaxer can I wash my hair?

Wait one week after getting your relaxer. Don't shampoo your hair right away because it'll dry out your hair more, leaving it brittle.^{[1]
X
Research source} The chemicals in a relaxer break down your hair to change its texture, which leaves your hair really dry and prone to damage.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Mindy Nguyen
Holistic Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 8 October 2021.} Shampooing your hair too early will strip more of the moisture away.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- This is really a personal choice. If your scalp doesn’t feel dirty, go ahead and delay washing your hair a few extra days.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mindy Nguyen
  Holistic Cosmetologist
  Expert Interview. 8 October 2021.} It's okay to go as long as 10 days before shampooing your scalp.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}

Question 2 of 5:

How many times a week should you wash relaxed hair?

1
Wash your hair once a week with a sulfate-free shampoo. Designate one day a week for shampooing your hair.^{[6]
X
Research source} Pick a shampoo that’s formulated for relaxed hair that doesn't contain any alcohol.^{[7]
X
Research source} Rinse it out completely so the shampoo doesn’t dry out your hair.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- For example, you might wash your hair every Saturday.
2
Condition your hair after you wash it. Use a conditioner that’s formulated for relaxed hair. Alternatively, do a deep conditioning treatment or oil treatment after shampooing your hair to add back moisture.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Follow the directions on your deep conditioner or oil treatment so it works like it’s designed.
3
Use a wide-tooth comb and leave-in conditioner to detangle wet hair. Don’t use a brush on wet hair because it’ll cause damage. Start by spraying your hair with a leave-in product. Then, carefully pick out tangles or knots with a wide-tooth comb, working from your ends up to your roots.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Pick a leave-in conditioner that’s labeled for use on relaxed hair for best results. Follow the directions on your product to apply it.

Question 3 of 5:

How do you take care of relaxed hair every day?

1
Brush dry hair with a boar bristle brush to remove tangles. Choose a brush that’s designed for textured or relaxed hair. Gently brush your hair, starting at the ends, to smooth it out. Don’t brush your hair unless it’s tangled because overbrushing can cause split ends and breakage.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might brush your hair in the morning to style it.
2
Put on a silk scarf before working out to soak up sweat. Fold the hair scarf into a triangle, then place the folded edge along the nape of your neck at your hairline. Pull the sides of the scarf forward and tie a big knot at the top of your forehead. Tug the tip of the triangle forward so that the scarf is tight, then wrap the sides around the back of your head and knot them at the nape of your neck. Tuck the tip of the triangle up into the wrapped scarf to complete the wrap.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Don’t wrap your hair too tightly. Just secure it well enough to keep it in place while you workout.
- If you put your hair in a ponytail, it's okay to use a sweatband to wick away sweat and keep your edges in place.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
3
Sleep in a hair wrap to protect your hair and keep it smooth. Wrap your hair just like you would for working out. Position your scarf or bonnet so that it’s not rubbing against your hairline, which can lead to hair loss. Then, carefully wrap and secure it. Make sure your scarf feels comfortable. If it doesn’t, re-wrap it before going to bed.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You can also sleep in a silk bonnet if that’s more comfortable to you. However, a scarf helps keep your hair straighter.

Question 4 of 5:

How do you keep relaxed hair healthy?

1
Do deep conditioning or oil treatments biweekly.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Coat your hair with deep conditioner or oil from the ends to near your scalp. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer set to low heat if you can. Allow the treatment to sit for 30 to 45 minutes, then rinse it out.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- It’s okay to use oil treatments weekly if you prefer. Since relaxed hair is drier, you might want to add more moisture.
- Keep the product off of your scalp because it can cause oiliness.
2
Limit how often you use heat styling tools. Don’t use heat unless it’s really necessary because your hair is more susceptible to damage after a relaxer.^{[17]
X
Research source} Additionally, choose tools that have ceramic plates because they’re less damaging to hair. If you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant to your hair before you style it. This will help protect your locks and may even make your hair look shinier.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Since your hair is relaxed, it should look soft and smooth without the use of heat styling tools.
3
Get trims every 6 to 8 weeks to get rid of split ends. Make regular appointments with your stylist to trim your ends.^{[19]
X
Research source} This keeps your hair looking soft and smooth because your ends won’t be damaged.
- You might think getting trims would prevent your hair from growing long, but it actually helps you get more length. If you don’t trim split ends, your hair will keep splitting up the shaft, causing more breakage.^{[20]
  X
  Research source}

Question 5 of 5:

How often should relaxed hair be touched up?

Touch up new growth every 2 to 3 months for healthier hair. Frequency of touch-ups depends on your hair type and growth speed. Talk to your stylist to find out when they recommend a touch-up. Then, schedule your appointments in advance.^{[21]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- You’ll need more touch-ups if your hair grows quickly, it’s very textured, or you sweat a lot. Follow their advice to help your hair look its best.^{[22]
  X
  Research source}
- If you relax your hair at home, apply the relaxer to only your new growth. Don’t put relaxer on already treated hair because it’ll cause damage.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can I wash my relaxed hair everyday?

Mindy Nguyen
Holistic Cosmetologist
Mindy Nguyen is a Holistic Cosmetologist and the Owner and Founder of Mai Blossom Organic Salon, an organic hair salon in San Diego, California. With more than 35 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in combining Eastern philosophies with Western science to provide organic hair coloring and holistic hair styling.

Mindy Nguyen

Holistic Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

That's not a great idea. You definitely don't want to over-wash relaxed hair or else you might dry it out.

Warnings

Never apply more relaxer to already relaxed hair, as this can cause damage.^{[24]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0