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Jokes Etc / Fun Friday by NNFems: 12:05pm On Jul 21, 2017
Funny!

TV/Movies / Trivia by NNFems: 5:29pm On Jul 20, 2017
#BeautyMeetsBrains

Events / Happy Thursday by NNFems: 10:23am On Jul 20, 2017
We at N N Fems wish you a blessed Thursday

Fashion / Hair Joke by NNFems: 9:43am On Jul 19, 2017
Lol

Fashion / How To Avoid Hair Breakage When Transitioning To Natural Hair by NNFems: 12:58pm On Jul 18, 2017
Transitioning to a natural hair doesn't have to be difficult so long as you take care of your hair, apply moisture, do a protein hair treatment once a month and make gentle hair styles, with that everything else will fall into places.

Career / Monday Motivation by NNFems: 1:01pm On Jul 17, 2017
As long as you've got passion, faith and are willing to work hard, you can do anything and have anything you want.

Fashion / Hair Inspiration by NNFems: 7:29am On Jul 16, 2017
Here are some beautiful hair you could consider for the week.

Jokes Etc / Riddles by NNFems: 6:10pm On Jul 15, 2017
Who can answer this riddle: How does the moon cut its hair?
Jokes Etc / Fun Friday by NNFems: 10:51am On Jul 14, 2017
This is funny!

Fashion / Throw Back Thursday by NNFems: 12:50pm On Jul 13, 2017
See this throwback picture of Toke Makinwa

#Nnfemsthrowback

Fashion / Tips On Successful Relaxer Touch-ups by NNFems: 4:31pm On Jul 11, 2017
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

1 Like

Events / Monday Motivation by NNFems: 2:23pm On Jul 10, 2017
When it's Monday look for Coffee. Motivate yourself to greatness!

Fashion / Six Secrets Your Hairstylist Won't Tell You by NNFems: 10:10am On Jul 09, 2017
We all want great hair, and it starts with a haircut. You may bring in a photo, or describe what you want in your hairstyle to a "T", but are your expectations for a new look on par with what your hair can actually do? Does the celebrity style that you've been coveting match up with amount of time that you're willing to spend on your hair? Here are 6 things to consider, and points that your stylist likely won't say out loud, before you go in for your next haircut.

1. Great Hair Takes Work. Sorry.
On some level, if you want your hair to look good it's going to take some work. Unless you have perfect hair, with great body, beautiful thickness, and absolutely no issues whatsoever, you will need to do something with your hair to make it look like that photo you brought in. By the way, I'm pretty sure that the aforementioned perfect hair doesn't really exist.

2. Surprise! Celebrities Have Hair Just Like You
Celebrities are born just as human as you and me, with one exception when it comes to hair. Celebrities hire teams of stylists, use extensions, wigs, top of the line hair products and processes that cost a fortune. Unless you're willing to pay those kind of prices, it's probably not realistic to have celebrity perfect hair everyday.

3. You Want Wash and Go Hair? Me too.
The truth is, very few people on this planet have wash and go hair. Many people look like they do (like the girl you work with whose hair is perfect all day long), but they have to work at it. They experiment with the right shampoo—Ozone shampoo, get regular haircuts, try out new styling techniques, and they probably use product in their hair. By the way, we all secretly hate the girl with the perfect all day hair. It's okay.

4. You Need to Use NN Fems made Hair Products
If you don't want to use product in your hair, don't expect your hair to look like you did. Have you ever noticed how many products your stylist uses during your haircut/blowout? If you're not using any product, it's time to find out why Ozone and Apple cosmetics professional products are superior and will actually help you achieve salon hair everyday. Bottom line: N N Fems hair products are awesome and could give you a brand new appreciation for your hair.

5. You're Using That Product Wrong
Just because you're using N Nfems product, doesn't mean you're using it right. If you're one of those girls that have been using the same product you used 10 years ago (it's okay, you don't have to admit it out loud), it is time for a change. Consult our website on how to use our products and implement them.

6. Change is Good. Embrace Change.
If you ask for a new look, but style your hair the same way you always have, you will likely not be happy with your hair's result. In fact, it will probably look like it always did. A haircut is simply the foundation to a great look. Styling is key. Ask your stylist for advice on properly

Credit: aboutstyle

1 Like

Fashion / 6 Things Every Woman Should Know About Hair Texture by NNFems: 11:44am On Jul 08, 2017
Nothing is more important than hair texture when it comes to choosing your best hairstyle, not even your face shape. Your hair's density and texture may dictate your hairstyle, your hair length and how your stylist cuts your hair.
But just as there are rules to the perfect haircut, there are always rule breakers. Some of the very best hairstyles can be seen on rule breakers. Here are 10 rules about hair texture every woman should know and a few ways to break them.

6 Types of Hair Texture
There are 6 basic types of hair texture: fine, straight, wavy, coarse, frizzy and curly. You can also be a combination of these. I, for example, have naturally fine, straight hair. You may have curly hair that tends to frizz or wavy hair that's also coarse.
Your hairstylist should be able to suss out your hair's situation by touching it and seeing how it moves, but it is always good to know your hair type and texture when it comes to picking a haircut and styling your hair.
To figure out your hair's texture, grab sections of it on the top, sides and back and watch how it falls when you let go. If your hair falls flat and limp, you have fine hair. If your hair sticks up straight or if it poufs up and away from your scalp and face, you have thick textured hair. Anything in between is medium texture. Naturally, blonde hair tends to be thinner in texture, while dark hair tends to be thicker.

Curly Hair Tends to Look Best Long
Beauty experts, myself included, will tell you that curly hair needs length to weigh it down, otherwise it will pouf up. This is true. Usually the longer you can grow your curly hair, the better.
You can, however, break the rules when it comes to curly hair.

Don't Grow Your Fine Hair Too Long
Just as curly hair needs length to weigh it down, fine hair needs to be shorter to retain body. Long, fine hair can appear flat and lifeless.

Layers Work on All Hair Textures
Layers build in movement, soften your hair's lines, create body and can keep your curly hair from looking like a Christmas tree. The good news is they work on all hair textures.

Bangs are Best for Straight, Coarse, and Fine Hair
Everyone's big on bangs these days and if you have curly and/or frizzy hair you might be feeling a bit left out because it's an age-old beauty rule that bangs work best on straight hair, coarse hair and fine hair but never curly hair. The beauty rule is that unless you're willing to chemically or manually straighten your hair and bangs each day, you're better off not getting bangs.

Most Women's Hair Has at Least Some Wave to It
If you have straight hair and let it air dry, scrunching as it dries, you'll find your hair can actually appear naturally wavy. The fact is most hair has some natural wave to it, even women with incredibly fine hair. It might not look great wavy, but it's good to know you can get a wave out of it.

The Right Hair Products for Your Hair Texture
Women with fine or straight hair need different products than women with coarse, curly or frizzy hair.
Best products for fine hair women include, Ozone cosmetics hair products, hairspray and homemade vinegar rinses that help remove product build-up. Women with dry hair should consider moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, smoothing hair treatments and serum

Credit: aboutstyle
Fashion / Fun Friday by NNFems: 12:12pm On Jul 07, 2017
Spot the difference!

Hit the like button when you see it.
#FunFriday

1 Like

Fashion / Throw Back Thursday by NNFems: 11:53am On Jul 06, 2017
Who remembers the name of her hairstyle and the title of movie she was acting?

#ThrowBackThursday

Fashion / Natural Hair Style Tips by NNFems: 11:27am On Jul 05, 2017
If you think Afros are the only style for natural hair, you're missing out on a ton of unique hairstyles that are beautiful and healthy for your hair and scalp.

Some of the many natural hairstyles you can wear include:
• Two-strand twists
• Bantu knots
• Braids
• Cornrows
• Flat twists
• Coils
• Locs
• Afro puffs

In addition, you can combine these styles to create your own one-of-a-kind hairdos. If your hair is short, that may limit your versatility somewhat, but the longer your hair grows, the more styles you can experiment with and enjoy.

Credit: About Style
Fashion / Why Is Your Hair Not Growing? by NNFems: 11:57am On Jul 04, 2017
Does it seem as if your hair isn't growing? Well, most likely, it is (if it truly isn't, there may be an underlying health reason, in which case you should consult a doctor). But if your hair breaks off at an equal or higher rate than it grows, you'll never see any length gains.
Hair may show stagnant or negative growth rates for a number of reasons. Do any of these sound familiar to you? Because if they do, it's imperative to break these bad hair habits and begin promoting healthy practices that allow you to keep every inch of growth possible

1. Chemical Overprocessing
Overlapping relaxers, aggressive bleaching and applying too many chemicals to tresses are all prime culprits in damage to black hair. Damaged hair will still grow from the scalp, but it often breaks off at the ends or requires a drastic cut to get rid of unhealthy sections. Ask yourself if you:
• Relax/texturize/color your mane at home
• Have a chemical straightening process and color
• Have a hair color at least two shades lighter than your natural shade
• Relax more often than recommended
• Applied a relaxer or texturizer over previously straightened locks
If you answered yes to any of these, it's possible that your hair is overprocessed. Although stylists aren't always foolproof, it's usually better to receive chemical services in a salon at the hands of a capable professional.

2. Trimming Too Often
You can have too much of a good thing, and trims fall into this category if you want longer hair. Many women resort to trimming their own hair at home after suffering the results of a scissor-happy stylist. Healthy hair doesn't require as many trims as unhealthy tresses; the less you do to your hair, the less likely you'll need frequent trims that take off an inch or more. Hair grows an average of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month, so if you care for your hair properly, you don't need to cut more than 1/2 inch every few months or so if you want to see growth. When you do trim your tresses, be sure to use shears designed for this process, and not dull household scissors that perform multiple tasks, from cutting craft projects to gift wrap paper.

3. Lack of Conditioning
Dry, brittle hair can happen to anyone if she's not diligent about conditioning. Black hair often craves moisture, even natural locks. If you're not currently:
• Applying a moisturizer as needed, whether once a day or several times per week
• Deep conditioning at least twice per month, preferably with heat
• Conditioning after every shampoo
• Applying a leave-in conditioner after a shampoo/condition session,
you may need to start. It's very difficult to over-condition black hair, so the more moisturizing products and practices you use, the better conditioned -- and less likely to break -- your tresses will be.

4. Poor Protein Structure
Along with a good moisture level, hair needs a suitable protein balance to remain strong. The more chemicals or harsh practices that your mane goes through, the more important protein becomes, simply because every relaxer/touch-up, color and even flat ironpress compromises the strength of your strands' cuticles. Weak hair usually breaks, after becoming thinner and less elastic over time. Because hair is comprised of protein, it needs protein in some form or other. As long as you follow a healthy regimen, you won't need as much protein as someone who doesn't, but a little protein helps most women maintain strong tresses.

5. Traction Alopecia
Tight styles, particularly ones that pull at the hairline, can do serious damage; in some cases, this damage is permanent, killing follicles forever. If your hairline is sparse, this condition may unfortunately be irreversible. Braids that are too tight, ponytails that pull, suffocating weaves and more are all styles that need to be abandoned. In many cases, a mindset is what needs to change at the same time the style changes. Sleek, straight hair that's pulled within an inch of its life may look good, but healthy hair is about so much more than appearance. It may be time to reexamine your usual hairdos if you realize they're often too tight for your own good.

Credit: aboutstyle
Events / Monday Motivation by NNFems: 11:44am On Jul 03, 2017
Stay positive!

Events / Happy New Month by NNFems: 11:37am On Jul 03, 2017
Welcome to the month of July!

Fashion / Fun Friday by NNFems: 10:52am On Jun 30, 2017
Celebrity Hair styles

Who wore it better?

Ini Edo or Waje?

Fashion / Throw Back Thursday by NNFems: 12:29pm On Jun 29, 2017
If you have ever made this hair style say “hi”

#ThrowBackThursday

Fashion / How To Get Rid Of Post-braid Buildup by NNFems: 12:25pm On Jun 28, 2017
Question: I had braid extensions in for almost 10 weeks and when I removed them, not only did I have a lot of matting at the roots, I had a lot of yucky buildup. It was pretty greasy and hard to wash out of my hair. Plus, I had a ton of shedding. I want to wear braids again, but I don't want to have this problem when I take them out. How can I prevent the buildup or get rid of it if I get it again?

Answer: First, 10 weeks is really pushing it when it comes to sporting extensions. Eight weeks is usually the max because, as this reader pointed out, she had a lot of matting. Some women can't remove these mats at all; the hair has essentially locked. In those cases, a major haircut is the only solution, unless you want to grow locs anyway.

If you can withstand the incredibly time-consuming (and sore scalp-causing) process of removing mats, fine, but it's not a fun way to spend a day (or weekend).
Some buildup is likely to happen, even if you're diligent about shampooing while in braids. However, this greasy, gunky buildup this reader describes is probably due to wearing extensions way past their prime. The longer your hair is covered and not allowed to be combed through and detangled, the more shampoo, conditioner, scalp oils and other products can build up on your hair and scalp, particularly around the roots.
This braid take-down process will require time and patience if you don't want to lose excess hair. Expect a lot of shedding, though; patient removal and care will prevent breakage.
Once the extensions are removed, carefully and gently work your fingers through any mats. Don't use water just yet. Instead of raking your fingers down the length of your tresses, pull matted sections apart. If you happen upon stubborn areas, use a natural oil or light mists of a conditioning spray to provide some slip -- don't saturate your hair at this point.
You'll probably encounter oily flakes in this buildup.
When you've worked through mats and tangles with your fingers, then you can wet your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo for this first cleansing. Make sure your hair is thoroughly saturated before shampooing. Even if you routinely wash your hair in a sink, it's recommended to perform this shampoo in your shower, where your hair can hang and not get tangled atop your head. Focus on your scalp first and take your time working the shampoo across it. Depending on your level of buildup, you may have to lather up anywhere from two to five times. Only work the shampoo through the rest of your hair on the last cleanse; you could also use your regular moisturizing shampoo at this time if your tresses begin feeling very dry.
At this point, rinsing with apple cider vinegar is an option if you feel your scalp needs additional clarifying.
You can use a regular rinse-out conditioner after shampooing, but a deep conditioning treatment is highly recommended. Your tresses haven't had a deep treatment in a long time and truly need it. When combing any conditioner through your hair, start with clean tools since you don't want to add any dirt or buildup back onto your mane. Use heat to deeply penetrate hair strands for maximum conditioning.
After a deep treatment, your hair should be clean, but still soft. After wearing extensions for such a long time, it's always a good idea to give your hair and scalp a break from the extra weight. And next time, avoid getting all that buildup in the first place by wearing extensions a max of eight weeks, being sure to regularly shampoo your scalp and condition your hair in the meantime.

Credit: about style
Jokes Etc / Fun Friday by NNFems: 11:07am On Jun 23, 2017
Care to share? What do you love the most about Friday’s?

#nnfemsfunfriday

Fashion / Throw Back Thursday by NNFems: 11:40am On Jun 22, 2017
How old school can you be?

Tag us with an old school picture of you using the hashtag #nnfemsthrowback; we would love to see it.

Cheers!

Fashion / 4 Reasons Your Natural Hair Is Breaking by NNFems: 11:15am On Jun 21, 2017
Natural black hair is often very healthy. Once you stop applying texture-altering chemicals and learn your hair's likes and dislikes, you're well on your way toward finding a routine and hairstyles that work for you. You might think breakage is a thing of the past, but you may be causing it without even realizing it. These are four common, sometimes surprising, reasons for breakage in natural hair.

1. Too Much Color
Remember the days when you had to wait two weeks after applying a relaxer before you could color your hair? Yes, those days are in the past, allowing you to play with color like never before. Fire engine red, platinum blonde and even pastel shades are all yours to enjoy. However, just because a whole new world of color is now open to you doesn't mean you can't still damage your hair. In your quest to experiment with a rainbow of shades, understand that too much of a good (or fun) thing can be bad. Natural hair can still break from chemical overload, and chemicals include color.

2. Over-manipulation
You love twist-outs and braid-outs, but you end up retwisting or rebraiding every night because you want a fresh look in the morning. Some women's hair can handle nightly manipulation like this, but others can't. You'll know if your tresses can't deal with all that twisting and braiding because you'll start to see broken off hairs everywhere. Natural hair is generally stronger than chemically processed hair, but it's not indestructible. If too much manipulation leads to problems, you'll have to rethink your favorite styles.

3. Lack of Protein
With no relaxer or color on your hair, you figure it's incredibly strong, so you avoid protein altogether. While a few women have protein-sensitive hair, most of us need a little protein in our lives, even in gentle forms. You can use a protein-rich conditioner like Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Protein or a leave-in like the ApHogee product linked below. You won't need to use protein products often, so start occasionally with the lightweight options -- about once a month -- and increase or decrease usage based on how your hair responds.
Note: If you use direct heat (flat ironing, blow drying on high heat, etc.) at least once a month, you'll need protein at least once per month, along with a good heat protectant.

4. Going Overboard on Protective Styles
This can be the flip side of over-manipulation: going overboard with protective styling. One of the most enjoyable aspects of natural hair is often how well it holds a style. Some women can twist or braid their hair and have it last for weeks on end. That doesn't mean you should wear a style that long, especially if you're not introducing hydration in the form of cleansing and water-based products. It can be incredibly convenient to fashion a head full of beautiful twists and know they'll last for three weeks, but in the meantime, you must still care for your hair and scalp. Allowing your hair to dry out from neglect is a recipe for breakage.

Credit: about style

1 Like

Fashion / 5 Awesome Tricks To Looking Good… In Pictures by NNFems: 11:40am On Jun 20, 2017
All of us have occasionally fallen victim to the scourge known as the unflattering photo—and in our current social media-obsessed world, not knowing how to pose for pictures simply isn’t an option. Even if we’re completely satisfied with the way we look in the mirror, a truly bad picture can harness a power so strong that we often find ourselves miserable for days. Figuring out all of our best poses and angles can be a lifesaver.

1. Use your tongue
This is one of best tricks out there—and the weirdest. It might feel strange, but by pressing your tongue on the roof of your mouth while smiling is an effective way to help avoid the dreaded double chin, as it elongates your neck and your jawline.


2. Angle your face
Unless you’re being snapped by a professional portrait photographer, it’s key to avoid direct head-on shots. Why? Because there’ll be an absence of shadows, which could make your face look wider, larger, or slightly discolored. Instead, stand slightly sideways and tilt your chin a little bit upward or a tad downward. From there, be sure to look at something just above your natural line of sight.


3. Twist your body and position your arms
Ah, the old red carpet trick: Position your body 45 degrees and put the arm closest to the camera on your hip. Then plant one foot slightly in front of the other, point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back leg.
Ever wonder why every celebrity poses with her camera-facing arm on her hip? It’s because that particular move ensures that her upper arm isn’t smooshed against her body making it look flattened (read: larger). If you find the hand-on-hip pose to be a bit forced, try holding your arms out from your sides ever so slightly.

4. Don’t follow the group
The key to a stellar group shot? Not all doing the same pose. Not only is that hokey (hello, standing in height order on prom night) but everyone is shaped differently, so the viewer’s eye will naturally gravitate to who looks best in the pose, not the picture. Instead, be sure to stand comfortably without mimicking the people directly next to you.



5. Cross your ankles
If you’re being shot head-on (maybe for a street style snap?) cross your legs, starting at the calf. This stance will make your hips look narrower and your legs look longer, plus it looks a bit more casual. It’s worth noting that the pose also works when you’re sitting. Although it’s always preferable to stand in pictures, if you happen to be on a chair or a couch when someone comes at you with a camera, sit up straight and cross your legs at the ankles. It’ll be more flattering than not doing anything with those stems.


Read more: http://stylecaster.com/how-to-pose-for-pictures/#ixzz4kXKHqqI8
Credit: Style Caster
Fashion / Monday Motivation by NNFems: 11:52am On Jun 19, 2017
Happy Monday!

Cheers!!!

Jokes Etc / Fun Friday by NNFems: 2:39pm On Jun 16, 2017
Who can relate?

Events / Throw Back Thursday by NNFems: 11:26am On Jun 15, 2017
Who spent any of these currency?

Fashion / 5 Golden Rules For A Flawless Skin by NNFems: 11:11am On Jun 14, 2017
Some habits are essential in order to care for your skin and have a radiant complexion all year long. Whatever your skin type, here are the ten essential habits !

Rule 1: Specific care for each skin type
In order to take care of and respect your skin, first and foremost make sure to choose products specially designed for your skin type. Dry skin does not have the same needs as oily skin

Rule 2: Pay special attention to fragile areas
Some parts of your face (eye contour, lips, etc.) have particularly fine, fragile skin. They need specific care, especially the eye contour and the lips. These areas of your face are more sensitive and deserve special attention.

Rule 3: Gentle cleansing
Taking care of sensitive skin begins with make-up removal. In order not to stress your skin and to respect its natural balance, make sure to use a pH-neutral make-up remover, specially formulated to cleanse your epidermis gently.

Rule 4: Eyes: a risk area
The eye contour skin is ten times finer than the skin on the rest of the face. Choose a specific routine for make-up removal in this area.

Rule 5: Exfoliation is indispensable
Use a suitable exfoliation treatment once or twice a week. It must be effective yet gentle and respectful. Choose a pH-neutral exfoliation product, which is perfect for smoothing and purifying the skin while respecting its natural balance.

Credit: La Roche Posay
Fashion / 10 Tips On Relaxing Your Hair At Home by NNFems: 10:27am On Jun 13, 2017
Some women love visiting the hair salon as often as possible, while others only go on special occasions.
At-home relaxers can definitely save you money, but don't risk your scalp and hair's health by making mistakes. Above all, make sure you set aside enough time for the relaxing/touchup process. Rushing through a chemical application can lead to disaster.

These 10 tips are designed to help you achieve good results if your budget just isn't up to a salon relaxer.

1. Relax "Dirty" Hair
Don't decide to relax at the last minute, especially if you just shampooed your hair. If you know you're due for a relaxer, avoid cleansing (this includes co-washing) for about 7-10 days before applying chemicals. You should also avoid scratching your scalp or raking over it with a comb. Any minor irritation can result in the dreaded burning once the relaxer is applied.

2. Have All Supplies on Hand
Most relaxer home kits tell you which supplies you'll need, and much of what's required comes right in the box. Take a good look at your supply list and have everything within reach. The time to have an old towel on hand to wipe up any spills is not after the spill happens. You'll save precious time by having all the necessities nearby before you begin the process.
3. Do a Strand Test
This is especially important if this is your first time relaxing your hair or using a new brand of relaxer. It's even possible to suddenly develop an allergy to a product you've used for years, so take the extra few moments and do a strand test before applying a relaxer all over your head. You can either snip away a small section of hair or apply the chemicals directly to a small area before using a relaxer over your entire head. It's best to perform a strand test the day before you want to relax.

4. Protect Your Scalp and Skin
No-lye relaxers are often touted as being gentler on hair compared to their lye-based counterparts. Some women burn from a lye relaxer application but don't suffer any ill effects from a no-lye product. It's still a good idea to protect your scalp, hairline, ears and neck from the chemicals. Some box kits contain a petroleum jelly protectant, while others don't. If you have a jar of Vaseline handy, dab it on the listed areas, including your scalp parts, to minimize irritation.

5. Follow the Directions
The directions that come in a relaxer kit are there for a reason. Although it's a simple process, it can still be dangerous, so take the time to peruse the instructions to avoid serious damage. This includes smoothing the relaxer on with fingers and not a comb, and always using a neutralizing shampoo to stop the chemical process, and wash the relaxer completely out of your hair. Also, pay attention to the recommended processing time, and avoid the temptation to leave the relaxer on past it.

6. Relax Small Sections
For the best results, work in small, 1/2-inch to one-inch sections of hair. Big chunks won't relax evenly, leaving you with a less-than-desirable outcome. Using the tail end of a rattail comb to separate small partings (be careful not to scratch your scalp doing this) will net you better results.

7. Use a Timer
Just eyeballing the clock and estimating processing time isn't a good idea. Either use a cheap kitchen timer, your watch alarm or the timer on your phone. Leaving a relaxer on too long not only increases the risk of overprocessing, it can be extremely damaging, sometimes permanently. Some women love a "bone straight" look and purposely leave a relaxer on far past the recommended time.

8. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse...And Repeat
Once your processing time is up, you must rinse as much of the relaxer out before using a neutralizing shampoo. Don't worry about the water bill because you need to rinse as thoroughly as possible. This will take a minimum of several minutes. The more you rinse away before shampooing, the less chemicals you have to neutralize. Trying to save time by not following this step completely can lead to overprocessing, damage and possible hair loss, so it's crucial to not rush through your rinse.

9. Relax Every 8-10 Weeks
Maintaining a regular relaxing schedule keeps your hairstyle uniform and doesn't cause undue stress to your line of demarcation. Relax too often -- overlapping chemicals onto already relaxed hair -- and you'll end up with damage. Go longer than 12 weeks post-touchup and you may experience more shedding and breakage than usual. Around 8-10 weeks after your previous touchup, you'll easily see your new growth, allowing you to only apply the relaxer to this area, and not to tresses that have already been processed.

10. Enlist Help from a Friend
While relaxing on your own is doable, it's always nice to have help. It can be tough to do a good job on the back of your head, even with a couple of mirrors at your disposal. You don't want to risk damage on hard-to-reach areas if you can help it. Use the buddy system, and if your friend or family member is relaxed, you can help her out when she's due for a touchup.

Proceed With Caution

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