Relaxed, Texturized or Natural?

Hair styles are as varied as our personalities. Women choose to wear their hair in a vast array of styles. And in the black community chemicals open the door to countless opportunities. So if you've ever asked yourself: Should I relax, texturize or go natural? Keep reading. I'll briefly explain the difference and details of each decision.

Relaxed

Everyone loves the awesome benefits of wearing a relaxer. Chemically straightening the hair gives African American women versatility and body, allowing easier maintenance and faster growth. Hair cuts are also more defined. Let's explore the essentials of maintaining relaxed hair.

First, you must always have a professional apply the relaxer, which can be applied in intervals of 6 to 12 weeks depending on your hair's texture and density.

Fine hair should be relaxed every 8 to 12 weeks, this will help keep elasticity, one of hair's most important properties. Medium fine hair can be relaxed every 8 to 10 weeks and coarse hair every 6 to 8 weeks. Do not allow stylists to over process your hair, or make it "bone straight," that just weakens the hair.

Timing should take place as soon as the chemical is applied. Fine hair takes 10 to 12 minutes, medium fine hair takes 12 to 18 minutes and coarse hair takes 18 to 20 minutes. Never allow more time for the relaxer to process, or the hair will become dry, limp, brittle and snap very easily. A problem in many black hair salons is that stylists are not identifying the clients' true textures. Without doing so it's impossible to determine the correct technique for processing. Hair is very individual so salons that use the same procedure for each client, are not giving you the personalized care your hair deserves.

Texturized

Texturizers first became popular as a way to manage short hair cuts and for men to change the look of their hair. Texturizing produces a smooth, wavy look. However, the truth of the matter is, the process is exactly like relaxing process, but the processing time is shortened. Texturizers are great since they provide a much fuller mane, more body and less breakage. Just be aware that using this technique can cause some hair types to revert back to natural. For instance, if you have a tight, dry curl pattern, the professional stylists must monitor your hair carefully. It is difficult to work products into this type of hair. I suggest texturizers for young girls up to age 14 or 15, they are also good alternatives for women with fine hair or those who like to wear color. Since it's not as intense as a relaxer, dyed hair isn't overwhelmed with processes and fine hair maintains more body. Texturizers can be applied eery 8 to 12 weeks depending on hair texture and density. Remember to always allow a professional to apply chemicals Natural Scarred by the abundance of improper salon techniques, many women are reverting back to their beautiful natural hair. It is stronger, but it requires a lot of work. If you want to go natural, I suggest you keep your hair moisturized with extremely good products, because this hair type soaks up products. Talk with a hair care professional that can give you a good consultation, direction, products and styles. There are so many textures in the black culture ranging from loose curls to tight curls, dry, fine or spongy. So, always seek professional input to determine the best regimine for your hair type. No matter which style you use remember maintenance is key. If you wear a relaxer, try not to traumatize the hair by frequently varying styles. For instance, never get a relaxer, then switch to braids. In the case of texturizers, you should also be consistent with styling techniques. As for natural hair, it is a lot of work, but if you want it, just stick with it. You'll boast a fuller, stronger mane as a result. Whatever your style is, know that proper hair care is key to healthy tresses.