You like caring for your hair at home, and you're good at it. While many women love the pampering treatment they receive in a salon, others -- whether for time, budget or other concerns -- prefer to do most, if not all, of their hair care themselves. Any chemical process needs to be done carefully and according to directions. You'll get better results and have less risk of problems that way. Touching up a relaxer can be a simple process when following these tips.

1. A lot of women wonder when to get that next touch-up. Sure, relaxer kits often recommend a time frame, but some women's hair grows more quickly or slowly than average. Still, the suggested time between relaxer applications is around 6-8 weeks. Some women like stretching out their relaxers and routinely go for 10-12 weeks. Others wear very short tapered styles that require more frequent touch-ups (only on the tapered sections) to maintain a uniform appearance all over. Please stick to a recommended schedule that works for you instead of relaxing at the very first sign of new growth. This has the potential for overprocessing; over time, hair that's repeatedly overprocessed will dry up and break off.

2. Base Your Scalp
This isn't a necessity, but many women find it helpful. Relaxers shouldn't burn you. Some relaxer kits contain a small amount of base (usually something like petroleum jelly), but if you don't have one, using Vaseline is fine. Yes, it's an extra step but one that's well worth it if your skin is easily irritated. Besides basing the parts along your scalp, apply this protective barrier around your entire hairline and tips of your ears.
3. Protect Previously Straightened Hair
It's very easy to get relaxer chemicals onto hair that's been previously relaxed. The line of demarcation isn't always clear. Plus, it's difficult to be that precise when you're trying to apply chemicals in a short amount of time. When in doubt, protect already-relaxed hair with a barrier of some sort. This may be your daily moisturizer or conditioner. Avoid the new growth, and work this protectant down the length of your hair. Even if some relaxer spills over onto this hair, you're less likely to suffer damage due to this protective barrier.

4. Work in Sections
You'll get better, more uniform results if you section your hair. Before relaxing, divide your tresses into four sections. As you touch up each section, use the tail end of a rat-tail comb, or your fingers, to separate smaller sections. Failing to relax evenly will lead to some underprocessed areas. Because you're on a time crunch before you have to start smoothing, be sure your hair is thoroughly detangled before beginning the touch-up process.
5. Smooth Well
Once your relaxer is applied, it's time to smooth. This should only take a couple of minutes. If you use a comb for this step, use the back of the comb or the flat part, neverthe teeth. You can also simply use your hands. Use firm, quick strokes to smooth the relaxer over the new growth so that it gets as straight as possible.

6. Have Enough of Everything
Almost everything in a home relaxer kit can be substituted. Two things that can't: the active relaxer formula and neutralizing shampoo. Home kits are sometimes notorious for not having enough neutralizing shampoo for women with very long and/or thick hair. While you can use your own gloves or conditioner, you need a neutralizer. If you know you're unlikely to have enough, buy a container at your local beauty supply store before touching up. One of the worst times to find out you're short on supplies is when your head is covered in chemicals that need to be washed away.

Credit: aboutstyle