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Your relaxed hair didn’t survive chemical transformation just to be stripped dry by the wrong shampoo. Here’s the truth most brands won’t tell you: relaxers break down protein bonds to straighten your strands, which means your hair structure is fundamentally different from natural or virgin hair.
It’s more porous, loses moisture faster, and needs ingredients that rebuild what chemicals took away. Generic shampoos—even expensive ones—can leave relaxed hair brittle, frizzy, and breaking at the ends because they’re formulated for intact hair bonds.
The best shampoo for relaxed hair doesn’t just cleanse; it delivers targeted hydration, gentle protein, and pH balance that keeps your strands strong between touch-ups.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What Makes Relaxed Hair Unique
- Key Ingredients in Shampoos for Relaxed Hair
- How to Choose The Best Shampoo
- Top 10 Shampoos for Relaxed Hair
- 1. Davines Nourishing Hair Shampoo
- 2. Mizani Moisture Rich Shampoo
- 3. Redken Bonding Shampoo And Conditioner Set
- 4. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
- 5. Phyto Moisturizing Shampoo
- 6. Better Natured Damage Repair Conditioner
- 7. Tea Tree Special Shampoo
- 8. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey Hair Shampoo Conditioner
- 9. Pantene Sulfate Free Shampoo Conditioner Kit
- 10. KeraCare Hydrating Shampoo
- Benefits of Using Specialized Shampoos
- Tips for Washing Relaxed Hair
- Maintaining Healthy Relaxed Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is sulfate free shampoo good for relaxed hair?
- How do I keep my relaxed hair healthy?
- How often should I shampoo my relaxed hair?
- What is the best shampoo for relaxed hair?
- What is the best oil for men’s hair?
- What is the best shampoo for African American relaxed hair?
- What should I look for in a shampoo for relaxed hair?
- What is the best damage repair shampoo for relaxed hair?
- What is the best shampoo for hair growth?
- What is the best shampoo to use after a relaxer?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Relaxed hair has a permanently altered structure with broken protein bonds that make it more porous and prone to moisture loss, requiring specialized shampoos with targeted hydration and gentle protein instead of generic formulas that can cause brittleness and breakage.
- The best shampoos for relaxed hair are sulfate-free, pH-balanced (around 4.5-5.5), and packed with moisturizing oils like argan or shea butter plus protein-enriched ingredients like keratin or amino acids to rebuild what chemical relaxers stripped away.
- You should wash relaxed hair only 1-2 times per week with proper techniques—gentle scalp massaging, thorough rinsing, and always following up with deep conditioning to lock in moisture and prevent the dryness that leads to breakage.
- Maintaining healthy relaxed hair goes beyond shampooing and requires a complete routine including weekly deep conditioning, protective styling, heat protection, regular trims every 6-8 weeks, and moisture sealing with lightweight oils to keep strands strong between touch-ups.
What Makes Relaxed Hair Unique
Relaxed hair isn’t the same beast as natural hair—it’s been chemically transformed, and that changes everything about how you care for it.
The protein structure has weakened, making your strands vulnerable to breakage—so keeping your color-treated hair vibrant requires a gentler, more strategic approach.
The relaxer process loosens your natural curl pattern, but it also leaves your strands more vulnerable and thirsty for moisture. Understanding what makes your relaxed hair tick is the first step to keeping it healthy, strong, and looking absolutely gorgeous.
How Relaxed Hair Differs From Natural Hair
Your relaxed hair has a totally different structure than natural hair. Chemical effects permanently straighten the shaft by breaking internal bonds, flattening the curl pattern you once had.
Hair texture changes mean moisture escapes faster, creating porosity issues that lead to dryness. Plus, your hair elasticity drops, making breakage prevention vital.
Chemically treated hair care isn’t optional—it’s your lifeline to keeping relaxed hair maintenance on point.
For chemically relaxed hair, proper care isn’t just recommended—it’s essential to prevent damage and maintain healthy strands
Effects of Chemical Relaxers
Chemical relaxers break disulfide bonds in your hair cortex, creating permanent straightness—but also damaged hair that’s weaker. You’ll notice increased hair porosity, which means moisture slips out faster.
Scalp irritation and even chemical burns can happen if processing goes too long. That’s why bond changes demand hair repair routines and hair protection strategies.
Chemically treated hair needs relaxed hair shampoo formulated specifically to rebuild what relaxers strip away. Research has shown that certain health risks of relaxers include reproductive complications and potential links to disease.
Common Challenges for Relaxed Hair
Once you’ve chemically altered your hair, you face a whole new set of challenges. Hair breakage becomes your constant enemy because those bonds don’t bounce back from tension. Moisture loss happens fast—your strands can’t hold hydration like they used to.
- Porosity issues make products absorb unevenly, leaving some areas parched while others feel gunky
- Scalp irritation flares up days after touch-ups, creating burning and itching that’s hard to ignore
- Frizz control becomes a daily battle, especially when humidity decides to wreak havoc
- Hair damage repair requires consistent TLC and the right hair care for relaxed hair routine
Damaged hair needs specialized shampoos designed for chemically treated hair to tackle these ongoing struggles.
Key Ingredients in Shampoos for Relaxed Hair
Not all shampoos are created equal, especially when your hair’s been through the chemical transformation of relaxing.
The right ingredients can make the difference between brittle, lifeless strands and hair that’s soft, strong, and thriving.
Let’s break down what you should look for on that ingredient list—and what deserves a hard pass.
Moisturizing Oils and Butters
You know that silky-smooth feeling when your hair drinks in moisture? That’s oil benefits and butter applications at work.
Natural emollients like shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil are the MVPs in any moisturizing shampoo for relaxed hair. They deliver serious hair hydration and nourishment while locking in moisture between washes. Think of them as your hair’s protective shield against dryness and breakage.
For more details about the unique therapeutic properties of carrier oils, explore how these oils support both skin and hair health.
Protein-Enriched Formulas
Your hair’s been through a lot—those relaxers break down bonds that need serious rebuilding. That’s where protein benefits shine.
Formulas packed with amino acids and keratin restore hair strength by patching up damage from the inside out. Look for moisturizing shampoo with whey or hydrolyzed proteins for nutrient balance that promotes hair growth and repair without weighing down your relaxed hair.
PH-Balanced and Gentle Cleansers
Your scalp’s natural pH sits around 5.5, and keeping it there’s vital for healthy relaxed hair. When you use pH-balanced shampoos with gentle cleansing power, you protect your hair’s moisture lock without harsh sulfate-free formulas stripping away natural oils.
Here’s what to look for:
- Mild surfactants like decyl glucoside for effective hair care
- Humectants such as glycerin for hair hydration
- Moisturizing shampoo with ceramides to reinforce your barrier
Ingredients to Avoid
Watch out for synthetic fragrances and dyes that trigger scalp irritation in chemically treated hair.
Sulfate effects include stripping natural oils, causing damaged hair and brittleness. Harsh chemicals like short-chain alcohols lead to alcohol damage through rapid moisture loss.
Preservative risks come from parabens that irritate sensitive scalps. Choose sulfate free formulas to support hair damage and repair while protecting relaxed strands.
How to Choose The Best Shampoo
Finding the right shampoo for your relaxed hair doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You just need to know what to look for and what to skip when you’re scanning those ingredient labels.
Let’s break down the key factors that’ll help you choose a shampoo that keeps your hair healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Factors to Consider for Relaxed Hair
Shopping for the right shampoo means thinking about your hair’s unique needs after chemical damage. Check your moisture levels and hair porosity first—relaxed hair craves hydration but can’t absorb it if the cuticle’s sealed shut.
Consider scalp sensitivity too, since irritation derails your entire hair care routine. Focus on breakage prevention with moisturizing shampoo formulas that deliver real hair moisturizing without stripping what’s left.
Sulfate-Free and Paraben-Free Options
Skip harsh sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate—they turn gentle cleansing into a moisture-stripping nightmare for relaxed hair. Paraben risks include potential hormone disruption, so look for chemical free options with natural moisturizers like coconut oil or glycerin instead.
Sulfate alternatives such as cocamidopropyl betaine deliver effective cleansing without the damage:
- Sulfate free formulas preserve your hair’s natural oils
- Natural hair care products use milder surfactants
- Moisturizing shampoo keeps chemically treated strands hydrated
Matching Shampoo to Hair Needs
Your relaxed hair’s texture tells you exactly which shampoo to grab. Fine hair craves sulfate-free, lightweight formulas that won’t weigh it down, while coily relaxed strands need deeper moisturizing shampoo for serious detangling power. Factor in hair porosity and scalp sensitivity too—pH balanced hair care prevents product buildup and keeps moisture levels balanced, giving your chemically treated hair the TLC it deserves.
| Hair Type | Best Formula | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Relaxed | Lightweight, non-heavy | Promotes slip without buildup |
| Coily Relaxed | Deep conditioning | Enhanced detangling power |
| Normal Relaxed | Balanced hydration | Prevents dryness effectively |
| High Porosity | pH-balanced shampoos | Better moisture retention |
Top 10 Shampoos for Relaxed Hair
You’ve narrowed down what you need in a shampoo—now let’s get to the good stuff.
The products below are sulfate-free, packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and argan oil, and designed to keep your relaxed hair strong and hydrated. Here are ten shampoos that’ll give your hair the TLC it deserves.
1. Davines Nourishing Hair Shampoo
If your relaxed hair feels thirsty and dull, Davines Nourishing Hair Shampoo might be your new go-to. This gentle cleanser works wonders on chemically treated strands, using grape-derived phytoceuticals and hydrolyzed rice protein to restore softness without weighing you down.
The creamy foam glides through your hair, cleansing away gunk while keeping moisture locked in. It’s paraben-free and sulfate-free, so you won’t strip away the natural oils your relaxed hair desperately needs. Fair warning though—it’s pricey and won’t last long if you’re washing frequently.
| Best For | Anyone with relaxed, chemically treated, or damaged hair who wants a gentle, nourishing shampoo that restores moisture and softness without stripping natural oils. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Damaged |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | Davines |
| Size | 8.45 Fl Oz |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | No |
| Additional Features |
|
- Gently cleanses while replenishing moisture in dry, damaged, and chemically processed hair
- Paraben-free and sulfate-free formula won’t strip your hair’s natural oils
- Contains nourishing ingredients like Fiaschetto Tomato extract and hydrolyzed rice protein
- Higher price point compared to drugstore alternatives
- Bottle size (8.45 oz) may not last long if you have long hair or wash frequently
- Some users with certain hair types reported no noticeable benefits
2. Mizani Moisture Rich Shampoo
For ultra-dry relaxed strands craving serious hydration, Mizani Moisture Rich Shampoo brings the TLC with cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and honey. This trio seals in moisture, restores shine, and smooths out frizz while you wash.
Your curls will feel soft and bouncy, detangling becomes a breeze, and you won’t get that stripped, straw-like feeling. It’s gentle enough for frequent use and rinses clean without residue.
The only catch? At $36, it’s a bit of a splurge for your wash day routine.
| Best For | People with ultra-dry, relaxed, or natural curly hair (including 4C and low porosity types) who want deep hydration and easier detangling. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | Mizani |
| Size | 33.8 Fl Oz |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | No |
| Additional Features |
|
- Hydrating formula with cupuaçu butter, argan oil, and honey locks in moisture and restores shine
- Leaves curls soft, bouncy, and way easier to detangle without that stripped feeling
- Gentle enough for frequent use and rinses clean without buildup
- Pricey at $36—definitely a splurge for regular wash days
- Honey scent might be too strong for some people
- May need extra combing through hair to get the best results
3. Redken Bonding Shampoo And Conditioner Set
If you’re dealing with serious damage from color or heat, Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate set steps in with citric acid and a bonding care complex to rebuild weakened hair bonds. It’s sulfate-free, strengthens breakage-prone strands, and keeps your color vibrant wash after wash.
Your hair gets smoother, more manageable, and noticeably stronger over a few weeks. The downside? At $72, it’s the priciest option on this list, and some find the results don’t quite match the investment.
| Best For | Anyone with bleached, color-treated, or heat-damaged hair who wants professional-grade repair and doesn’t mind paying a premium for it. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry, all |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | Redken |
| Size | 10.1 ounces |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Rebuilds damaged hair bonds with citric acid and bonding care complex for noticeably stronger, smoother strands
- Sulfate-free formula protects salon color from fading while reducing breakage and split ends
- Works on all hair types and is vegan-friendly, making it suitable for various hair care preferences
- At $72, it’s significantly more expensive than most drugstore alternatives
- Some users report the product doesn’t last long, requiring frequent repurchases
- Results may not justify the high price point for everyone, especially if you’re used to budget-friendly options
4. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo
Sometimes relaxed hair needs a reset from all that product buildup, chlorine, and hard water gunk. Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo strips away the mess without stripping your moisture, thanks to argan oil, keratin, and avocado oil working together.
Use it once or twice a month—more if you swim regularly or pile on styling products. It’s color-safe and sulfate-free, making it gentle enough for chemically treated strands. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll dry things out fast.
| Best For | People with relaxed or chemically treated hair who need to remove product buildup, chlorine, or hard water residue without losing moisture. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Damaged |
| Item Form | Cream |
| Brand | Moroccanoil |
| Size | 33.8 Fl Oz |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | No |
| Additional Features |
|
- Deep-cleanses without stripping thanks to argan oil, keratin, and avocado oil
- Color-safe and sulfate-free, so it won’t mess with treated hair
- Removes stubborn buildup from styling products, chlorine, and hard water
- Can dry out hair if used too often—stick to once or twice a month
- Needs a good conditioner afterward to avoid dryness
- Pricier than some clarifying shampoos with similar results
5. Phyto Moisturizing Shampoo
Dry, damaged relaxed hair craves serious hydration, and Phyto Moisturizing Shampoo delivers with plant-based moisturizing agents that lock moisture deep into every strand. Its creamy texture rinses clean without that heavy, greasy feel some rich formulas leave behind.
The mild surfactants cleanse gently—no harsh stripping here—while smoothing cuticles and taming frizz. It’s perfect for bringing back softness, shine, and manageability to stressed-out strands. Just know it runs pricier than drugstore picks, and that floral scent might be too strong if you’re sensitive.
| Best For | People with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair who want deep hydration and frizz control and don’t mind spending a bit more. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Dry, Dull, Fine, Frizzy, Thick |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | PHYTO |
| Size | 8.45 Fl Oz |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | No |
| Additional Features |
|
- Deeply moisturizes without leaving hair heavy or greasy
- Gentle enough for daily use and won’t strip color
- Smooths frizz and brings back shine and softness
- More expensive than most drugstore shampoos
- Strong floral scent might bother sensitive scalps
- Some users found it too rich or said their hair felt dry after
6. Better Natured Damage Repair Conditioner
Relaxed hair that’s been heat-styled or chemically processed to death? Damage Repair brings strands back from the brink with 95% naturally-derived ingredients and a triple plant milk blend of coconut, Tahitian palm, and white orchid.
This vegan formula strengthens hair to be three times less prone to breakage, restoring shine and softness without parabens or silicones. The fruity-floral scent is gorgeous, though some find it a bit strong. At 10.1 fl oz, it’s pricier but worth it for seriously distressed hair.
| Best For | Anyone with heat-damaged or chemically treated hair who wants to rebuild strength and shine with mostly natural ingredients. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Damaged, Frizzy, Curly, Coily |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | Garnier |
| Size | 10.1 Fl Oz |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | No |
| Additional Features |
|
- Makes hair three times less breakable with a plant milk blend that actually works
- 95% naturally-derived formula without parabens, silicones, or other harsh stuff
- Restores softness and manageability to seriously stressed-out strands
- The fruity-floral scent can be overpowering for some people
- Shipping issues sometimes cause leaks since bottles don’t always have seals
- Higher price point and may not cut it for extremely damaged hair
7. Tea Tree Special Shampoo
Looking for a deep cleanse that wakes up your scalp? Tea Tree Special Shampoo from Paul Mitchell brings that spa-like tingle with tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender.
It cuts through buildup and excess oil like nobody’s business, leaving your relaxed hair shiny and smelling fresh. The cooling sensation is real—some people love it, others find it intense.
Available in 300 ml and 500 ml bottles, it’s a solid pick when your hair needs a proper reset without harsh residue.
| Best For | People with oily hair or scalp buildup who want a deep-cleansing shampoo that refreshes and removes impurities without stripping their hair. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All hair types |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | Tea Tree |
| Size | 16.9 fl. oz. |
| Moisturizing | No |
| Sulfate-Free | No |
| Additional Features |
|
- Deep cleans the scalp and cuts through oil and product buildup effectively
- The tea tree, peppermint, and lavender blend leaves hair smelling amazing
- Works for all hair types and gentle enough for daily use
- The tingling sensation can be too intense for some users
- Pricier than most drugstore shampoos
- Burns if it accidentally gets in your eyes
8. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey Hair Shampoo Conditioner
Need a moisture boost that feels like a warm hug for your relaxed hair? SheaMoisture’s Manuka Honey duo delivers 8X more moisture with certified organic fair trade shea butter, manuka honey, and yogurt extract.
The sulfate-free shampoo gently cleanses without stripping oils, while the conditioner seals in hydration with baobab and mafura oils. You’ll get soft, shiny hair that’s easier to detangle and manage. Just know the shampoo barely lathers—that’s the gentle cleansing at work—and it might feel heavy on very fine strands.
| Best For | People with Type 4, coily, curly, or damaged hair who need serious moisture and don’t mind a low-lather shampoo. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Damaged, Frizzy, Curly, Coily |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | SheaMoisture |
| Size | 13 Oz Ea |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Delivers 8X more moisture with organic shea butter, manuka honey, and yogurt extract
- Sulfate-free formula won’t strip natural oils from your hair
- Makes detangling easier and leaves hair soft, shiny, and healthier-looking
- Shampoo barely lathers, which might feel weird if you’re used to foamy washes
- Can feel too heavy for fine or thin hair types
- The conditioner doesn’t work equally well for everyone
9. Pantene Sulfate Free Shampoo Conditioner Kit
Want salon-quality results without the salon price tag? Pantene’s Sulfate Free Shampoo Conditioner Kit gives you both gentle cleansing and moisture in one budget-friendly package. The shampoo uses mild surfactants with Pro-V nutrients and panthenol to strengthen your relaxed strands, while argan oil adds softness. Plus, it’s paraben-free and dye-free.
The conditioner detangles like a dream and leaves hair manageable. Just heads up—the 8.5 oz bottles run smaller than typical Pantene products, and dense coily textures might need something richer.
| Best For | People with relaxed or naturally curly hair who want a gentle, sulfate-free option that softens and detangles without harsh ingredients. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | Curly |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Brand | Pantene |
| Size | 8.5 & 8.4 fl oz |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | Yes |
| Additional Features |
|
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and dye-free formula that’s gentle on processed or textured hair
- Argan oil and Pro-V nutrients hydrate and strengthen strands while adding shine
- Works well for detangling and leaving hair soft and manageable
- Smaller bottle sizes (8.5 oz and 8.4 oz) compared to other Pantene products
- Higher price point than standard Pantene lines
- May not provide enough moisture for very dense or coily hair types
10. KeraCare Hydrating Shampoo
If detangling feels like a battle, KeraCare Hydrating Shampoo might be your new best friend. This sulfate-free formula creates a rich lather that actually helps unknot strands while you wash—no more wrestling with wet hair.
It’s pH-balanced to close cuticles and calm frizz, plus botanical extracts keep moisture locked in. Perfect for relaxed, permed, or color-treated hair that craves hydration. The 8 oz bottle features a floral scent (some love it, others don’t), and while the lather isn’t super thick, the detangling power speaks for itself.
| Best For | People with tangled, knotted hair (especially relaxed, permed, or color-treated) who need a gentle shampoo that detangles while it cleanses. |
|---|---|
| Hair Type | All |
| Item Form | Cream |
| Brand | KeraCare |
| Size | 8 oz |
| Moisturizing | Yes |
| Sulfate-Free | No |
| Additional Features |
|
- Makes detangling way easier—even knot-prone hair combs through without the usual fight
- Sulfate-free and pH-balanced to lock in moisture and smooth frizz
- Works on different hair types, including wigs, permed, natural, and curly hair
- The floral scent isn’t for everyone
- Lather is thinner than some people expect from a shampoo
- Some users have reported packaging problems with delivery
Benefits of Using Specialized Shampoos
You’ve probably noticed that relaxed hair needs a little extra TLC, and that’s where specialized shampoos come in. They’re not just fancy marketing—these formulas are built to tackle the specific challenges your chemically treated strands face every day.
Let’s break down exactly what the right shampoo can do for you.
Hydration and Moisture Retention
The secret to soft strands? Water retention. Moisturizing shampoo with humectant benefits pulls water into your cortex, while occlusive properties lock it in.
Sulfate free formulas keep that moisture balance intact without stripping your hair bare. When you nail hair hydration and moisture with the right hair moisturizer, you’ll see less breakage and way more bounce.
Strengthening Chemically Treated Hair
Beyond hydration, protein therapy rebuilds what relaxers break down. Bond restoration formulas loaded with keratin and ceramides patch up your hair fiber repair needs after chemical damage.
They reinforce those weakened disulfide bonds in chemically treated hair, boosting elasticity by up to twenty percent. Think of it as physical therapy for your strands—sulfate free strengthening that makes relaxed hair tough enough to handle daily styling without the snap.
Reducing Breakage and Damage
Strong hair means less breakage, plain and simple. Specialized shampoos for relaxed hair offer damage control through protective ingredients that prevent hair breakage before it starts.
Regular trims every six to eight weeks paired with wide-tooth combs reduce split ends and mechanical stress. Heat protectants with silicone barriers and moisture-sealing oils cut edge splitting by twenty percent, giving you real hair protection and restoration without the guesswork.
Tips for Washing Relaxed Hair
Washing relaxed hair isn’t rocket science, but doing it the right way makes all the difference between healthy strands and dry, damaged ends.
You need a solid game plan that protects your chemically treated hair while keeping it clean and moisturized. Here’s what you need to know to wash your relaxed hair like a pro.
How Often to Shampoo
Finding the right shampoo frequency for relaxed hair is all about balance. Wash your hair one to two times per week to keep it clean without stripping moisture.
If your scalp gets oily fast, every four to five days works great. Overwashing causes dryness and breakage, while skipping washes leads to product buildup that clogs your scalp and dulls your shine.
Proper Shampoo Application Techniques
How you lather shampoo can make or break your relaxed hair care routine. Using your fingertips, gently massage your scalp in small circular motions—this lifts buildup without scratching treated roots.
Work from hairline to crown in sections for even cleansing. Two to three minutes of lathering is plenty. Then rinse thoroughly to wash away all suds, preventing residue that weighs hair down.
Importance of Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning isn’t optional—it’s the lifeline your relaxed hair needs. This hair treatment and repair step boosts moisture restoration by delivering emollients deep into each strand, improving hair resilience for up to 72 hours.
It seals cuticles while soothing your scalp, locking in hair moisturizing and hydration. Make it part of your relaxed hair care routine weekly for lasting hair protection and nourishment.
Maintaining Healthy Relaxed Hair
Getting the right shampoo is just the first step—keeping your relaxed hair thriving takes a bit more than wash day.
You’ll want to build habits that lock in moisture, protect your strands from damage, and keep your hair looking strong and smooth. Here’s what you need to focus on to maintain healthy hair.
Daily and Weekly Care Routines
Your relaxed hair care routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Daily moisture with a light leave-in conditioner keeps ends sealed and frizz at bay.
Weekly clarifying removes buildup every 4 to 6 weeks, followed by a deep conditioner to restore strength. Don’t skip scalp health—gentle massages boost circulation.
Sleep protection? Grab a satin bonnet to lock in hydration overnight.
Protective Styling and Heat Protection
Think of protective styling and heat protection as your relaxed hair’s armor against daily wear. Braids and twists cut down friction, while thermal barriers shield chemically-treated hair from temperatures up to 450°F.
Here’s your heat protection game plan:
- Use a heat protectant spray before every blow dry or flat iron session
- Set tools to low or cool to preserve hair hydration and moisture
- Deep condition the day before heat styling to boost resilience
- Section hair into small portions for even heat exposure and less damage
- Apply product to mid-lengths and ends where hair damage prevention matters most
Just remember: loose styling tension prevents traction alopecia, and pre-styling prep makes all the difference for hair care for damaged hair.
Regular Trims and Moisture Sealing
Snipping away split ends every 6 to 8 weeks keeps your relaxed hair healthy and reduces frizz by up to 40 percent.
After each trim, lock in moisture with a lightweight oil followed by a heavier butter—that sealing method protects your strands for up to 72 hours. Sharp scissors and proper sectioning make all the difference for scalp health and hair nourishment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is sulfate free shampoo good for relaxed hair?
Yes, sulfate free shampoos are excellent for relaxed hair. They provide gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils, supporting moisture retention and protein balance while reducing frizz—essential care for chemically treated strands.
How do I keep my relaxed hair healthy?
Keep your strands thriving with gentle cleansing, moisture balance, and hair nutrition. Use moisturizing shampoo designed for relaxed hair care.
Seal in hydration weekly, minimize heat, and trim ends regularly to combat relaxer damage.
How often should I shampoo my relaxed hair?
Most relaxed hair thrives with shampooing once or twice weekly—but your scalp health, hair porosity, and lifestyle matter more than any rulebook.
Listen to your strands, adjust wash intervals accordingly, and keep moisture balance front and center.
What is the best shampoo for relaxed hair?
The best shampoos for relaxed hair combine gentle cleansing with moisture balance—sulfate-free formulas enriched with hydrating oils and proteins.
They protect damaged hair while supporting hair repair and restoration without stripping essential moisture.
What is the best oil for men’s hair?
For men, jojoba benefits include balanced oil production, while argan oil fights frizz.
Coconut tips: use sparingly for deep conditioning. Castor uses support thickness, and rosemary effects stimulate growth when diluted properly.
What is the best shampoo for African American relaxed hair?
Look for sulfate-free shampoos with moisturizing oils like argan or coconut to combat dryness.
Protein-enriched formulas help strengthen chemically treated strands, while pH-balanced cleansers reduce scalp sensitivity and prevent product buildup without stripping moisture.
What should I look for in a shampoo for relaxed hair?
Your hair craves gentle cleansing yet needs serious strength—that’s the paradox.
Prioritize sulfate-free shampoos with moisture balance around pH 5 to 5, plus hydrolyzed proteins and nourishing oils for ideal relaxed hair care.
What is the best damage repair shampoo for relaxed hair?
Redken Bonding Shampoo stands out for damage repair, targeting broken bonds from relaxers.
Its protein therapy formula restores weakened strands, promotes moisture balance, and prevents breakage—giving your relaxed hair the TLC it desperately needs.
What is the best shampoo for hair growth?
Growth boosters like caffeine and biotin strengthen strands while scalp stimulation from rosemary extract fosters follicle care.
You’ll want formulas with keratin for hair thickness and niacinamide to promote hair density and healthier growth cycles.
What is the best shampoo to use after a relaxer?
Right after a relaxer, your strands need TLC. Reach for a sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoo packed with moisturizing oils and proteins—think Mizani Moisture Rich or Redken Bonding—to protect chemically treated hair and lock in moisture.
Conclusion
Think of your relaxed strands like silk that’s been through the wringer—they need specialized care, not one-size-fits-all solutions.
The best shampoo for relaxed hair isn’t about trends or fancy packaging; it’s about ingredients that actually rebuild what relaxers broke down. Your hair’s been through enough already. Give it the targeted hydration, gentle protein, and pH balance it deserves.
Strong, healthy relaxed hair starts with what you wash it with.
