Before going to any salon to relax your hair, it is very important to first seek advice from a hair care professional. This helps one to know the best type of chemical to use on her particular hair type. Bear in mind that not all hair types are the same.

Lack of knowledge on which chemicals are best for your hair can lead to it breaking or scalp damage. Research shows that Sodium Hydroxide is the strongest type of principal chemical used in some chemical relaxers. This is because it provides the most long lasting and dramatic effects.

However, this same sodium hydroxide is found in drain cleaners which well demonstrates its strength. It is what is used in products that are referred to as "lye” relaxers. The strength varies from a pH factor of 10 to 14. With higher pH, the faster the straightening solution will take hold, but the more potential the damage.

Guanidine Hydroxide is the other common option of relaxer chemical used today. This is what is referred to as "no-lye” relaxers. This label can be misleading to some consumers. It does not imply that there are no strong chemicals used or that the chemicals used are somehow less potentially damaging.

Some have mistakenly thought that with "no-lye” relaxers there are less steps and all the worry of chemical hair straightening is removed.

Although this type of chemical hair relaxer can be less damaging than its counterpart, the hair and scalp should be in top condition before attempting treatment, and this type also requires special care when applied.

All relaxers require conditioning treatments before and after application. The decision to straighten the hair chemically requires much forethought and really a commitment to healthy hair care treatments over a long period of time.

Dativa Uwimbabazi who has served in a salon for 10 years, told the SundayMag that a good retouch or relaxating should be done after 6 weeks.

"Women, with weak hair should do retouch twice a year. This helps the hair to grow strong. It also protects the hair from breaking,” says Uwimbabazi. She further said that it is unhealthy to relax hair immediately after un-plaiting.

"When someone relaxes her hair the same day she un-plaits, it can lead to the burning of the scalp,” says Uwimbabazi.

Robert Kneper known as a Kelly has served as a salon stylist for over 10 years.

In agreement with Uwimbabazi, Kneper says, "One has to have her hair relaxed after 6 weeks.”

In line with hair treatment after retouching Kneper revealed that it is healthy to do hair treatment after two weeks. This helps the hair in gaining strength and elasticity. He also says the chemical should be applied very carefully. It should not come into contact with the eyes. Chemical drops should not from reaching the clothing and other parts of exposed skin.

Since the chemicals used are acidic, one should wear a protective smock and cover the ears and neck line. The chemical should be applied on unrelaxed hair or growth only to avoid hair breakage.

Kneper further explained that the stylist must use wear gloves to dispense the chemical around the hair on the head. If hair is well relaxed, then it should also be washed well. Good quality shampoo and after shampoo should be used for washing. 

Cheap shampoo and after-shampoo can make the hair look bad even when it was well retouched. Foster Tumusime, a cashier for a saloon told The SundayMag, that she relaxes her hair after two months.

She says she prefers this because she can maintain her short hair for some time if it is well treated. Regular deep conditioning is a necessity.

Once you’ve made the decision to chemically straighten remember that regular quality conditioning treatments is needed to maintain splendid relaxed and well styled hair.

The beauty of any woman lies behind good looking hair. Never say that your husband loves natural hair, Natural hair can be treated and it looks fabulous. Have a new look by taking care of your hair.     

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