-Relax your hair every 8 to 16 weeks depending on your hair's needs. Do not relax your hair every time new growth appears, since relaxing too often causes major damage to the hair and scalp. For one week following your relaxer, use a reconstructor instead of your regular conditioner when you wash your hair. After a week return to your regular shampoo.
-Wash and condition your hair once or twice a week. Try to use mild and gentle shampoo and a very moisturizing conditioner designed for chemically-treated hair. If you have sensitive skin, consider using shampoos that do not contain Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Using a deep conditioner that contains both protein and moisture once per week. Chemically-treated hair must always be treated with a leave-in conditioner after every wash.
-Comb the damp hair with a wide tooth comb or shower/detangling comb with a very slippy conditioner in it as wet hair is in its most vulnerable state and is more likely to break.
For those who need to wash more frequently than every once or twice a week, "CO- washing" (Conditioner Only washing) is an excellent alternative to the conditioning. Cowashing is washing your hair with a lightweight moisturizing conditioner, eliminating the shampoo which can be very drying to chemically treated/damaged hair when done too frequently. This can even be done daily. - For best results, simply rinse the hair well with warm water, and apply conditioner to the hair, starting about 2 inches (5.1 cm) away from the scalp, and smooth it through to the ends. Apply more to the ends if they are dry. Avoid applying conditioner to the scalp unless it is dry. Rinse conditioner very well.
-It is best to avoid using heat to dry your hair, especially if the relaxed hair is somewhat damaged. Hair should be left to air dry at least partially before using a blow dryer on a low to medium temperature setting. -The hair should be completely dry before you use a curling or flat iron on it. Make sure to use a heat protection product prior to any heat use. When using a curling iron to style your hair, do not allow the barrel cover to clamp down on your hair. Hold the barrel cover slightly open and allow the hair to move over the curling iron barrel without the tugging and pulling caused by pressure from the barrel cover. Whenever the barrel cover clamps down on your hair it creates a weak point at which breakage is inevitable.
-Never use petrolatum and mineral oil hair oil on relaxed hair as a moisturizer. These ingredients do NOT moisturize the hair but rather functions as a sealant (meaning it protects the cuticle layer from damage and moisture loss). Depending on your hair type, you may need to use daily hair conditioner, but use products that actually oil the scalp. For best results, choose a lightweight oil (such as jojoba, coconut, almond, or olive oil) rub a small amount (1-2 drops) in the palms and spread lightly through the scalp of the hair. Comb your hair evenly to moisturize the tips of the hair. Applying a small amount of oil to wet hair can also act as a leave-in conditioner and provides excellent conditioning in preparation for the next shampooing.
-Use as little heat as possible with your hair as heat can only do more damage to relaxed hair. It's okay to style your hair with a curling iron occasionally, however a roller set is the best method. If you want to maintain a curly look over a few days, pincurling is a healthy option. Be sure to use hair- friendly pins and a satin bonnet to prevent dryness and breakage overnight. -Water based moisturizers are best for all hair types, although leave-in conditioners can double as moisturizer for the hair. -Avoid moisturizers with petrolatum and mineral oil unless you wash/condition and/or cowash regularly. -Deep condition the hair every week to maintain strength and moisture in the hair. Do not overwash your hair by shampooing relaxed hair more than once a week. To do this take a creamy deep conditioning treatment that contains both moisturizing and mild protein ingredients to clean damp hair. For best results, apply a plastic shower cap and let hair sit for up to 30-45 min. To save time, sitting under a hooded dryer on medium heat for 15-20 min is equally effective. Deep conditioning regularly and consistently can help maintain the hair's integrity, allowing it to withstand regular manipulation and styling, as well as preventing damage. Invest more money in a deep conditioner rather than any other product, as this will be the best tool for preventing hair damage and should contain quality ingredients. -Don't brush your hair with harsh bristles

for more information on maintaining your african hair like my Facebook page on the link below.