The importance of proper care for relaxed hair cannot be overstated. The chemical processes involved in hair relaxing can leave strands more vulnerable to damage, dryness, and breakage. This is where a robust home care routine becomes not just beneficial, but essential. By understanding and implementing the right techniques and products, you can preserve the health of your relaxed hair, ensuring it remains strong, lustrous, and beautiful.

Length Retention: The Key to Hair Growth

When we talk about hair growth, what we're really discussing is length retention. It's a common misconception that certain products or treatments can make hair grow faster. In reality, hair growth occurs at the scalp level and is largely determined by genetics and overall health. Length retention, on the other hand, is about preserving the hair you've already grown.

For relaxed hair, length retention comes from routine. When breakage occurs faster than new growth, it creates the illusion that your hair isn't growing. By focusing on length retention through proper care and maintenance, you allow your hair to reach its full growth potential, results you can actually see.

Essential Home Care Routines

An intentional approach to home care routine is a game changer for healthy relaxed hair. These routines should focus on moisture, gentle handling, and protection. Here are key elements to incorporate:

1. Daily and weekly moisturizing: Hair absorbs moisture only when wet, which means weekly shampoo sessions are points to deliver maximum moisturization. Once this is observed, daily care is delivered through use of serums.
2. Proper detangling methods: Always detangle gently, starting from the ends and working your way up. Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush. Detangling is removing fallen hair stands that are caught in the hair. Best practice is to detangle before shampoo and during the treatment or conditioning period. Liquid moisturizers are a great help for post shampoo detangling as it begins the moisturization and creates slippage for ease of the comb or brush moving through the strands.
3. Nighttime protection: Invest in a satin or silk bonnet or use a satin pillowcase. This reduces friction while you sleep, preventing breakage and retaining moisture.
4. Regular deep conditioning: At least once a week, treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask. This helps restore moisture and improve elasticity, reducing the risk of breakage.

Choosing the Right Products

The products you use play a significant role in the health of your relaxed hair. It's essentially the food for your hair. While there are main staples, at any given period your hair needs specific support. Standard supplies are: 

1. Balancing shampoos: These restore the hair and scalp’s natural pH level, this is necessary for your hair’s health. Too acidic and the hair will not absorb any moisture, too alkaline and the hair will not retain moisture.
2. Reconstructive treatments: Relaxed hair needs both protein for strength and moisture for elasticity. Look for conditioners specifically for relaxed hair. Natural hair products will not deliver the nourishment relaxed hair needs.
3. Liquid and cream moisturizers: These products compound to deliver immediate and long term sustenance. Liquids are applied first then creams, this ensure even saturation and absorption.
4. Heat protectants: If you use heat styling tools, a good heat protectant is non-negotiable. Serums are the best for this role. It forms a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing damage.

Consistent Salon Visits

While home care is crucial, professional care also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy relaxed hair:

1. Professional relaxer touch-ups: Only a trained stylist should apply chemical relaxers. They can ensure even application and minimize damage to your hair and scalp. Read more on The Importance of a Professional Relaxer and Texturizer.
2. Regular trims: Schedule trims every 8-12 weeks to remove split ends before they travel up the hair shaft, causing more damage.
3. Professional deep treatments: Salon-grade treatments can provide intensive care that's difficult to replicate at home, helping to restore and maintain your hair's health.

Balancing Home Care and Salon Visits

The key to healthy relaxed hair lies in finding the right balance between home care and professional treatments:

1. Consistent at-home routine: Develop and stick to a daily and weekly care routine that works for your hair.
2. Know when to seek professional help: If you notice excessive breakage, dryness, or other concerns, don't hesitate to consult your stylist.
3. Communication with your stylist: Keep your stylist informed about your home care routine and any issues you're experiencing. This allows them to provide tailored advice and treatments.