Neutralizing Tips

By: Elizacoe

Neutralizing Tips- Stages of Neutralizing

The most important task for individuals relaxing at home after proper relaxer application is neutralizing. The relaxer breaks down the protein bonds in hair and with out proper neutralizing the protein bonds continue to be broken down causing hair breakage.

Products needed

• Neutralizing Shampoo
• A Protein Conditioner
• Porosity Control- I strongly recommend this. This product has proven to be a vital basic after my relaxer applications.
• Wide tooth comb

Can Water Neutralizer?

• Most people don't realize that the neutralizing process begins with the first rinse. Water has a ph of about 7 which helps bring the alkaline ph (10-14) of most relaxer down) It's recommended that you rinse with water for at least 5 min and as long as 10 min. This will ensure that most of the relaxer is removed before continuing.
   
• The next step is applying a light protein moisturizing conditioner. Most people skip this second step because they don't realize the importance of it.  After all the relaxer has just broken down most of your protein bonds so it only makes sense to replace and put back as much as you can. For this step you do not need a strong protein conditioner as it will make your hair  dry and crunchy. Instead a light moisturizing conditioner will be great to replace lost protein and moisture while the hair cuticle is still open from the relaxer.
   
• The next step is applying the neutralizing shampoo. The neutralizing shampoo should be should be applied 2-3 times working up a good even lather. The last application of the neutralizing shampoos should be allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes to make sure that all the neutralizer penetrates any remaining relaxer that may be left deep within the hair follicle.
   
• I like to follow the neutralizing shampoo with my regular moisturizing shampoo. After the final rinse I like to finish with porosity control. Black hair is very porous and after a relaxer black hair is at it's weakest point. I notice when I apply porosity control it instantly detangles my hair and provides a smooth, shiny, even appearance. 
   
• The last step is to use a wide tooth comb when combing through wet hair. Nothing but a wide tooth comb should ever be used when combing wet black hair. follow the LOG method of hair care and treat your hair precious, treat is like gold.

Black hair basics: Articles and tips

Choosing The Right Relaxer- Learn how to choose

Black Hair Relaxer Tips- Not using the right relaxing method can cause you costly mistakes.

Your Hair Type- Four basic hair types, which one are you?

Moisturizer Basics- Moisture, moisture, moisture! Our hair can't live without it!

Neutralizing Tips- Neutralizing steps and secrets you probably are not doing.

Hair Regime- Planning a hair regime that's right for you.