Is there a way to wash out a relaxer and go back to the afro or do you just have to start all over?

I have a large afro that reacts to wind and ceiling fans (lol). When i get my hair braided, it would make it easier if my hair was a little straiter bc there is so much of it. I have heard of the Chi flat iron but irons seem too good to be true

Is there a way to wash out a relaxer and go back to the afro or do you just have to start all over?

Relaxers permanentely damage hair..so not it is impossible to wash out a relaxer. I gradually transitioned from relaxed from natural over the course of 2-3 years. however since i only had 3 relaxers my hair was still very thick.

Currently i have long hair and have been learning alot so...

i do not have a relaxer i stopped getting them 5 years ago ( and i've only have 3 relaxers in my life time so this is all natural) so i can show you how to take care of hair with or without a relaxer.

1. The shampoo, unfortunately many black women (or men) are using shampoos with alcohol and petroleum jelly. step away from them. Use Aveda's shampoo.. specifically the name is Brilliant...go to the website. I use it, i love it, it mouisterizes my hair and the products are natural. i have also heard that KeraCare's shampoo is great for relaxed hair.

2. Okay, step two condition it and then it is time to comb it out, Do not use a brush on you hair when it is wet,,it will hate you for it then break off in revenge. Put your your sections use a big tooth comb, to untangle it

3. Do a hot oil treatment atleast once a month with extra virgin olive oil...repeat..EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil..not the regular stuff. unfortunately i have yet to take this step however my hair is doing great. Protein treatment could also be good for you( do some research to find out about the technique) and deep conditioning.

4. Okay on the daily basis you need to pay close attention to your hair...i recommend conditioning your scalp(3-4 times a week) and your ends(everyday) so that they will not get dry and unhealthy Petroleum jellly and mineral oil are weapons of mass destruction ( in other words do not use grease) it does so much harm to your hair it cannot be all explained here. So you ask what do I use...well natural oils grapeseed oil ( use it for hair it deflects heat so it is good for flat iron users like us)

jojoba oil(i use this for my scalp), extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, emu oil, coconut oil...all these natural oils and more love you..i promise.

I also use Aveda's Brilliant ( the name of the brand) emollient for my ends.

5. Next,,if you want your hair straight but still be natural it is time to get a freakin good flat iron.,i have the Chi..it does the job but I recommend getting the Sedu because of the good reviews. make sure to protect your hair..i have so thermal protector from Aveda. When flat ironing your hair do not let the iron stay on your hair for too long, just 1-2 quick swipes.

I strongly advise against flat iron use for those with relaxers.

6. If you have a relaxer ( i have heard that Mizani and Affirm are the best relaxers) don't continue to relaxer all your hair everytime you go to the salon..just the new growth and try to stretch relaxers as long as possible. It is best for relaxers hair to do roller sets under a hooded dryer,with the lowest temperature possible.

7. You do not need to trim your hair everytime you go to the salon maybe every 3 to 6 months.

8. Wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf to prevent damage before you go to bed.

9. Eat healthy, drink lots of water,

10 take multivitamins, and fish oil pills you can get from GNC.

Follow these steps and life will be good..the best part about flat iron (which i do once a week or every two weeks not everday since it will kill your hair) is that it is not stringy but thick and healthy, yet straight and light enough to blow in the wind.

Is there a way to wash out a relaxer and go back to the afro or do you just have to start all over?

A relaxer is a permanent straightening process. You will have to start all over.

If you choose to use a flat iron, be sure to blow it out with a blow dryer for maximum results. You can also visit a stylist to have it pressed.

Good luck!

Is there a way to wash out a relaxer and go back to the afro or do you just have to start all over?

if you get a relaxer you start all over. flat irons, hot combs, blow dryers you'd be ok. A texturizer will release your curl a little bit and you could go between the 2.