What Is The Difference Between Natural Hair And Relaxed Hair?
Natural hair is the hair you are born with. It is hair that grows out of your scalp without any alteration to the hair texture or its natural state. However, relaxed hair is hair chemically treated with a hair relaxer. This treatment permanently straightens your hair by breaking the hair proteins that cause it to go curly. Both natural and relaxed hair types have their pros and cons. Knowing them can help you make a better decisions.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Natural And Relaxed Hair Types?
Natural Hair
Pros:
Natural hair can withstand chemical treatments. It has more volume than relaxed hair. It is not prone to breakage.
Cons:
Natural hair may get easily tangled due to its natural thickness. It is hard to maintain and requires a lot of time, effort, and money. Even combing natural hair can consume a lot of time.
Relaxed Hair
Pros:
Relaxed hair is straightened and does not get tangled while combing. It is easy to style and requires low hair maintenance. It stays straightened and does not get frizzy.
Cons:
Relaxed hair is achieved through chemical treatments and is more prone to damage.
It may eventually look weak and unhealthy. Its chemical treatment may cause permanent scalp damage. Relaxed hair breakage is also a common issue.
You may now choose your preferred hair type. But no matter the choice, regular maintenance is imperative. In the following section, we have discussed how you can maintain both hair types and prolong their life.
Tips For Maintaining Natural Hair And Relaxed Hair
Natural Hair
Relaxed Hair
Wondering how to maintain relaxed hair? These tips may help. The chemicals used in the treatment can leave your hair dry. But you can follow certain tips to keep your relaxed hair nourished and healthy.
How To Keep Relaxed Hair Moisturized
Wrap your relaxed hair in a silk or satin wrap to retain moisture while reducing friction and hair breakage. Use hair masks and leave-in conditioners for added hydration. Washing your hair frequently may strip away the natural oils and make it dry. Hence, space out your wash days and use a dry shampoo in between washes. Cover your head with a scarf or cap while heading out. Extended time in the sun can dry your hair out and damage it.
How long does relaxed hair last? Relaxed hair can last up to 6-8 weeks with proper care and maintenance. Can relaxed hair go back to natural? Effects of relaxers are permanent, and your hair will not go back to its natural state. You need to wait for your hair to grow out and go for regular trims. You can also grow out your hair long enough, then chop it off right above the demarcation line. Can relaxed hair still be healthy? It is not synonymous with damaged hair. It can be healthy if it is maintained and not overprocessed with chemicals. Does natural hair grow faster than relaxed hair? The hair growth rate stays the same for relaxed and natural hair. Relaxing your hair does not affect its growth potential unless the hair follicles are permanently damaged. Which is better — natural hair or relaxed hair? A well-nurtured natural hair is structurally stronger and comparatively healthier than well-cared relaxed hair as the former retains its fibers and elasticity and fights regular breakage and shedding. Can I tie my hair after relaxing? No, it is advised to not tie your hair for at least 4-5 days to avoid bends in your relaxed hair. Is coconut oil good for relaxed hair? Yes, coconut oil is good for relaxed hair as it adds extra moisture to your tresses. How do I wash relaxed hair? Wash it at least twice a week with a moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner formulated for chemically treated hair. Massage the shampoo into your scalp gently using your fingers and untangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb when you condition your hair. What are some popular hairstyles for natural hair and relaxed hair? Popular natural hairstyles include updo, braids, halo braids, mohawk, and braided ponytail, while relaxed hairstyles include half-updo, mohawk, side bun, pixie, side weep, and ponytail. Can I color relaxed hair and natural hair? Natural hair can be colored whenever one wants to. For relaxed hair, wait for at least one week after your relaxing appointment before getting a permanent hair color treatment.
Illustration: Relaxed Hair Vs Natural Hair: Pros Cons & Maintenance Tips
Delve into the ongoing debate between natural hair and relaxed hair. Check out this video to discover the beauty and empowerment behind each choice and decide for yourself which style suits you best.
