Do You Need A Relaxer? - Salon Delta...where your change is eminent!

Have you ever thought about why you get a relaxer?
Of course, the obvious answer would be, "Because my hair is kinky" or "My hair is nappy!"
But, have you really stopped to think about the real reasons for getting a relaxer? For most
of us, we didn't really have a say in the matter. Our mothers gave us relaxers because they
couldn't deal with our hair as children. They took us to the salon and allowed the stylist to
"perm" our hair without really asking our opinion and definitely unbeknownst to our fathers.
Or, it could be that we were the minority in school and we wanted our hair to be straight,
like our Caucasian counterparts. Let's face it, most of us haven't seen our natural hair in
ten, twenty, or thirty years.

Although relaxers have brought us a long way, we must not continue to ignore the negative
side effects that constant use of relaxers may bring. Thinning hair over a long period of
time, significant hair breakage for some, permanent follicle damage from burns� Shall I
continue? Sure, relaxers have positives too: hair is easy to manage, it doesn't frizz in the
rain, and hair can be silky, silky smooth. But, can you still get these same benefits without
having a relaxer? Before I grew out my relaxer, I would have said, "Absolutely not!"
However, my last relaxer was two years ago and most people can't tell that I don't have
one. Yes, it was a long, hard journey. But I have "trained" my hair to the point that I can
shampoo, blow dry and flat iron. You may be thinking that I have "good hair." But, I have
several clients with several different types of hair that have achieved the same results. Yes,
it may take a little more effort, but the journey is definitely worth it. My hair is the
healthiest it's been in twenty years!

"When I moved to the metroplex from Beaumont, Texas, it was difficult locating a hair
stylist who not only nurtured a healthy hair philosophy, but my soul and spirit as well.
When I came to Naylan, my hair and scalp were both badly damaged. One
consultation and Naylan immediately recommended I see a dermatologist. No hair
stylist had previously recommended or suggested this step. A dermatologist
diagnosed me with an autoimmune disorder that affected my follicles and he
prescribed medication. Naylan immediately began applying various conditioners and
treatments and eventually suggested I try going "natural". Reluctantly, I agreed and
six months later my hair is the healthiest it has been in over 25 years, which was the
last time I had all natural hair and no relaxer. I often tell Naylan I prayed for a good
hair stylist and God led me to her after numerous disappointments. She is definitely
more concerned about healthy hair than just making a dollar."

Myra- Allen, TX

"I am someone who has never gone over four weeks without getting a perm. I got my
first perm over 30 years ago when my mother was at her wits end with the long weekly
ordeal of trying to do my hair. I thought that was the best thing that she could have
done for me when in reality it really wasn't. I have always been convinced that I have
"bad hair" and not having a perm would not be an option. If Naylan ever tried to make
me go longer than four weeks she had a fight on her hands. I thought she was
absolutely crazy when she told me that she was going to let her perm grow out. How
wrong I was! Her hair looks better now than when she had a perm. Naylan definitely
believes in healthy hair and I just wish that I listened to her 2 years ago. I have a spot
in the back that has not grown in over twelve years and Naylan kept telling me that it
would grow if I let my perm grow out. Well, guess what? It is finally growing! Naylan is
the first person that has really cared about my hair."

Debra-Coppell, TX

"My mother could not deal with my hair as a child because it was long and thick,
therefore, I received my first perm when I was about five years old. Well, over the
years I've toyed with the idea of going natural, but several of my past stylists weren't
encouraging my desire. A little less than two years ago I moved to Dallas and Naylan
became my hair stylist. I discussed my desire with her, and it was motivational to see
that she was already on the journey, and she knew how the care for natural care. After
several months of dragging my feet, Naylan finally convinced me to do it. That has
been the best decision that I have made. I do not regret it. My hair is in excellent
condition and I've even been able to experiment successfully with color. My hair
straightens very well, because believe me, I was very skeptical. I will never get another
relaxer. Thank you Naylan for your guidance!"

Darlene - Frisco, TX

"Where do I start��after moving to Dallas in 1989 and going through dozens of hair
stylists, I had just about given up ever finding a stylist who was prompt, patient,
knowledgeable and cared about their clients and their clients' hair. Fate was in my
corner, after searching the internet, I found Naylan and she is my hairstylist for life. I
had a perm for years and nothing was ever going to change that, however my hair
suddenly became brittle, and just plain unhealthy and to add insult, my hair would not
grow in the nape area. I was at wits end. Naylan suggested going natural and I said
"yeah right, have you seen the thickness of my hair?" After some thought, personally I
knew the only way for me to ever consider going natural and experimenting with a
different hair color was to let my hair grow out and get some length, so I went with
braids. For 8 months, I wore braids and then came to Naylan. With eyes shut, I trusted
Naylan to work her magic. She struggled initially with my new growth but deep
conditioned and flat ironed it to where my hair was silky smooth. When I left the salon,
however I couldn't maintain it at home and I was ready for a perm again. Naylan told me
to trust her and she told me all the tools and products I needed for a healthy natural
hair. End result, my color is beautiful, I get compliments all the time and people are still
asking me if I have a perm. My hair is healthier than it's been in years and I would
recommend, letting your hair take a break from all the chemicals associated with perms."

Sherry, Allen TX

Thinking about growing out your relaxer?
Follow these tips:

1. Make sure you are ready and not willing to turn back. I tell my clients that they need to be
at a point where they are willing to do whatever it takes not to get a relaxer. In other words,
you have to not want another relaxer. (If you are not at this point, I would suggest waiting a
little while. You will only get frustrated and quit after a few months.)
2. Discuss this decision with your stylist. Some stylists are not knowledgeable in this area and
may even try to discourage you. Find a stylist who knows how to work with natural hair.
3. Be prepared financially to visit the salon every week for the first few months. This is the
most difficult time and most people get discouraged if left to their own skills. Remember, most
of us don't know how to handle our natural hair, so this will also be a learning process for
you.
4. Invest in a blow dryer with a comb attachment and a ceramic flat iron. I recommend the
CHI flat iron and blow dryer. You may want to buy an electric pressing comb just in case you
can't get to the salon.
5. Month 1 - This is the easy part. Your hair thinks it will get a relaxer in the near future.
From now on, make sure you shampoo your hair at least once a week. Use your normal styling
procedures.
6. Month 2 - Make sure you condition under the dryer at least twice this month. Use a
moisturizer while the hair is wet to seal in moisture. Start blow drying from wet to dry. Roots
will straighten easier when blown dry.
7. Month 3 - Use a protein conditioner under the dryer at least once a month from now on.
This will keep the relaxed hair from breaking off. You may want to start pressing your roots if
needed. Trim ends if needed.
8. Month 4 - Continue blow drying, pressing (if needed) and flat ironing. Don't be afraid to
forgo the pressing part. Try eliminating pressing for a week. You'll be surprised to see how
your hair will respond. You should notice that your hair will take less effort to straighten.
Don't forget your monthly protein treatments!
9. Month 5 - Continue pressing (if needed). Around the 5th or 6th month, you should be able
to shampoo, blow dry and flat iron without pressing. Depending on their hair texture, some
clients have been able to skip pressing and go straight to using the flat iron.

Remember, the virgin (natural) hair strand is generally stronger than that of a relaxed one.
Therefore, it can better withstand heat and pressure. As long as you are shampooing weekly
and performing deep conditioners (under the dryer with a plastic cap), using several forms of
heat should not be a problem.

It is important to experiment with different styling aids during this process. Some products
work differently depending on the hair type.

Remember, there are pros and cons to getting a relaxer or going natural. As a stylist, I still
apply relaxers for many of my clients. Some clients are not at a point in their lives where they
want to take this step and this decision is very acceptable. Having a relaxer can allow your hair
to be very easy to maintain and it is still possible to have a healthy head of hair while
maintaining your relaxer. However, if you think you might be ready to go relaxer-free, without
cutting off all of your hair, don't let fear discourage you! If you do, you'll never know how
healthy your hair can be!