Natural ways to relax curls are plenty and the list here will help you give your tight curls a slightly looser pattern without all the health risks and hair damage associated chemical treatments. A natural relaxer of course, isn’t as potent as a chemical one and will require some patience and a few applications for the results to show, but it will nurture your hair and as a bonus, give you a soft, strong mane to be proud of!
Alternatively, for anyone who feels that relaxing curls is too much work, achieving lush, straight hair is always an option with no glue wig products from Nadula.
But if you are set on relax your own curls naturally as well as pick up a few potent deep conditioning treatments do take a look at the following natural ways to relax curls.
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1. Panthenol
Quite beneficial for both skin and hair, panthenol might be one of the least known natural ways to relax curls and the best thing about it is that the effect is easily reversible, which means you can have your tight curls back whenever you want them. This common ingredient of many skin and hair care products acts like a natural silicone, coating your strands, giving them a smoother texture that results in relaxed curls or even waves. The down side is that your hair might feel drier, which is why it’s best to do a deep conditioning treatment first. Don’t worry though, as most ladies agree, the dry feeling goes away and the natural curls return after the hair has been cleansed with a clarifying shampoo.
How to: Panthenol is water-soluble, which means you can add it to your shampoo, conditioner or mix it with water to make a “curl relaxing” spritz. It builds up like crazy, though, which means that the more you use it, the straighter your hair gets.
Pro Tip: To avoid the feeling or dry or lank hair, wash it with a clarifying shampoo before doing any deep conditioning treatment or applying hot oils for curly hair This will ensure all the panthenol build-up is removed, allowing the hair to soak up all the nutrients.
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Panthenol is a widely used ingredient in many skin and hair care products, as it has many beneficial properties. It is a natural silicone, which coats the hair strands, making them smoother and more manageable. This can result in relaxed curls or even waves. It is also easily reversible, so you can have your tight curls back whenever you want.
However, there are some downsides to using panthenol for hair. It can make the hair feel drier, so it is important to do a deep conditioning treatment before using panthenol. Additionally, panthenol can build up quickly, which can lead to straighter hair the more it is used.
To avoid the feeling of dry or lank hair, it is important to wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo before using panthenol. This will ensure that all the panthenol build-up is removed, allowing the hair to absorb all the beneficial ingredients from the deep conditioning treatment or hot oils for curly hair.
2. Coconut Mask
Fresh coconut milk and lemon juice will do wonders for your hair and their repeated use is also said to make hair straighter! Whoa, two birds with one stone and not a single chemical to worry about – now if that doesn’t sound like a nice natural way to relax curls worth trying out I don’t know what does. All you have to do is harvest fresh milk from one coconut, mix it with half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and leave the mixture to chill until it turns thick and creamy.
How To: Apply this mask to your hair and let it sit for an hour, repeating the process two to three times per week until the desired result is achieved.
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Coconut milk has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for hair care. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and helps to nourish the scalp and hair. It also helps to moisturize the hair and make it softer and more manageable.
Lemon juice is a great natural way to relax curls because it helps to soften and loosen the curl pattern of the hair. It also helps to reduce frizz and add shine to the hair. In addition, lemon juice helps to reduce dandruff and scalp irritation.
When used together, coconut milk and lemon juice can be a great way to naturally relax curls. To make a coconut mask, mix together one cup of fresh coconut milk and half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This mixture should be left to chill until it thickens and becomes creamy.
Once the coconut mask is ready, it should be applied to the hair and left to sit for one hour. This process should be repeated two to three times per week until the desired result is achieved.
Frequently asked questions
You can relax curls using methods like finger combing with conditioner, using a wide-tooth comb, applying natural oils, trying a milk and honey mask, doing a hot oil treatment, using aloe vera juice, making a banana and avocado mask, rinsing with apple cider vinegar, and using fabric softeners like a silk pillowcase.
Yes, using conditioner can help relax your curls. Apply it in the shower and gently finger comb to detangle and soften your curls.
Natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil can moisturize and relax your curls. Warm them up for a hot oil treatment for even better results.
A milk and honey mask can add moisture and make your curls softer. The proteins in milk can help strengthen hair, while honey is a natural humectant that retains moisture.
A hot oil treatment involves warming natural oils and applying them to your hair. It moisturizes your hair deeply, which can help relax tight curls.
Yes, aloe vera juice can help relax curls because it's hydrating and has a pH level similar to hair, making curls more manageable and less frizzy.
Mash a ripe banana and avocado together, apply the mix to your hair, leave it for about an hour, and then wash it out. This mask can deeply condition and relax your curls.
Yes, an apple cider vinegar rinse can balance hair pH and close the hair cuticle, making curls less tight and more defined.
Using a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce friction and help prevent tangles, which may help keep your curls more relaxed and defined.
Yes, simple daily tips include using a leave-in conditioner, avoiding heat styling, sleeping with your hair up in a loose bun or pineapple, and not over-washing your hair.
Frequency depends on your hair type and condition, but generally, deep conditioning treatments like masks can be done weekly, while oil treatments and apple cider vinegar rinses can be done bi-weekly or monthly.
3. Easy Twist Bun
Still wondering how to relax your curls with a hairstyle? Well, here’s an interesting and surprisingly easy way to do it! Simply twist your wet hair until the twists folds onto itself, securing the bun with bobby pins. You can then wear the bun until your hair is completely dry or sit under a hood to speed up the drying process.
How To: If your hair is long enough for this to work, you can simply section it off and create small buns. All you’ll need to do afterwards is release your hair and finger comb your waves.
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This easy twist bun is the perfect way to relax your curls without having to use any heat styling tools. All you need is a few bobby pins and some patience. Start by sectioning off your hair and creating small buns. Once your hair is completely dry, loosen the buns and finger comb your hair to give it a more natural look. This style is great for days when you want to give your hair a break from heat styling and still look put together. With this style, you can enjoy your natural curls without having to worry about damaging them.
4. Milk and Honey Mask
Doesn’t it sound tasty? Well that’s a good reason to try this nurturing natural relaxer that won’t only leave your hair feeling incredibly soft, but will loosen up the wave pattern as well. One application will reveal the truth of the first and, as for the relaxing part, well… you will have to repeat this process once or twice a week until the desired result is reached and keep it up to make sure your loose curls stay that way.
How To: Mix two to five tablespoons of powdered milk on the length of your hair) with enough water to form a thick paste then drop a teaspoon of honey into the mixture,mixing well until all the ingredients have blended. Apply to your hair, allow it 20 minutes to work its magic, then shampoo off and let your hair dry.
Pro Tip: You can use this mixture whenever you like as it will not damage, but nurture your hair, relaxing your curls bit by bit after each use.
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This natural hair relaxer is a great option for anyone wanting to loosen their curls without harsh chemicals. Milk and honey have both been used for centuries to nourish hair and promote hair growth. The combination of the two in a mask can help to loosen the wave pattern of the hair while leaving it feeling incredibly soft. To use, simply mix two to five tablespoons of powdered milk (depending on the length of your hair) with enough water to form a thick paste, then add a teaspoon of honey and mix until blended. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for 20 minutes before shampooing off. For best results, use this mask once or twice a week and continue to use it until you achieve the desired result.
5. Olive Oil Conditioner
Mixing olive oil and your standard conditioner happens to be one of many popular natural ways to relax curls so, if you haven’t heard of it until now, you might want to reach into your cupboard and give it a shot. Nothing to lose anyways, except maybe an hour of your time, a bit of conditioner and some olive oil. Three parts of olive oil and one part conditioner to be precise.
How To: Heat olive oil as if you were going to make a hot oil treatment, let it cool off a bit then add conditioner, mixing the mask well and allowing it to go from hot to slightly warm before applying it on your hair. Let it sit for about half an hour, then rinse with water (no need to shampoo) and let your hair dry naturally before styling.
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Olive oil is one of the most popular natural ways to relax curls. It is a great choice for those with curly hair who are looking for a natural alternative to harsh chemical treatments. Olive oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it helps to nourish and condition the hair. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce frizz and make the hair more manageable.
When using olive oil to relax curls, it is important to use a quality, cold-pressed olive oil. This ensures that the oil is free of any additives or preservatives. To make the conditioner, mix three parts of olive oil with one part conditioner. Heat the olive oil until it is warm, then add the conditioner and mix it well. Allow the mixture to cool off before applying it to the hair. Leave it in for about half an hour, then rinse with water and let the hair dry naturally.
6. Whole Milk Spritz
In case all of the benefits a natural way to relax curls don’t seem so grand in the light of all that mixing and concocting, my next recipe might prove to be perfect for you. I know, I know…not all of us are born with a DIY bone or have the patience and time to pull off the whole Martha Stewart act. So, here it is, a quick easy recipe that won’t take a lot of your time or require an admirable set of cookware!
How To: Fill up a spray bottle with whole milk and give your hair a good spray covering every strand and spritzing until your hair is completely soaked. Let it sit for about 20 to 40 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
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This Whole Milk Spritz is the epitome of simplicity meets effectiveness. Chock full of lipids and proteins, whole milk can help to soften and smooth out unruly curls with ease. The milk’s natural properties are believed to aid in taming frizz and adding hydration to thirsty locks. Perfect for the busy bee who doesn't have the luxury of time for extensive hair treatments. Simply wash it out afterwards and you're likely to notice your hair feels silkier and appears less frizzy. Plus, it's a quick fix that's easily accessible from your kitchen!
7. Caramel Relaxing Mask
Next on my list of natural ways to relax curls is a recipe for something you may feel tempted to wrap in a few layers of phyllo dough and bake rather then apply to your hair. Don’t let your cravings get the best of you, though, as this mask is said to be the most effective one for really tight curls and I have a strong feeling eating it won’t work nearly as good.
How To: Combine a cup of honey and a half a cup of each olive oil, lemon juice and caramel into a bowl. Give it a good stir to make sure all the ingredients have blended well, then apply on your curls and let it sit for about half an hour. Shampoo and condition as usual.
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The Caramel Relaxing Mask is an easy and effective way to relax tight curls. This mask is made up of honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and caramel, which all work together to soften and relax curls. Honey is known for its hydrating properties and helps to lock in moisture, while olive oil helps to strengthen and nourish the hair. Lemon juice helps to balance the pH levels of the hair and scalp, while caramel adds shine and definition to the curls.
To use this mask, simply combine one cup of honey, half a cup of olive oil, half a cup of lemon juice, and half a cup of caramel into a bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended, then apply to the curls and let it sit for about half an hour. After the time is up, shampoo and condition as usual. For best results, use this mask once a week.
The Caramel Relaxing Mask is a great way to relax tight curls and is a great addition to any natural hair care routine. It is easy to make and use, and is a great way to keep curls soft and manageable. For those with tight curls, this mask is definitely worth trying.
8. Blow Dry
What could be more natural than air? Often, air drying your hair and giving it a gentle comb with your fingers periodically can help tame those curls. If that doesn't work, try blowing it dry with your blow dryer. It's completely natural and won't require any chemicals or anything to get the job done.
How To: Attach a comb attachment to your blow dryer. Aim it at your strands, working in small sections from the roots to the tips. Gently work the comb through as the air blows each section. What you should end up with is loose waves.
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Blow drying is a great way to relax and tame your curls without using any chemicals or styling products. It's important to use the right tools to get the best results. Start by attaching a comb attachment to your blow dryer. Then, work in small sections from the roots to the tips. Gently comb through each section as the air blows. This will help to create loose, relaxed curls.
It's also important to use the right technique when blow drying your hair. Always aim the blow dryer at your strands and keep it moving. This will help to avoid any heat damage. Additionally, make sure to use the lowest heat setting possible to avoid any damage to your hair.
You can also use a heat protectant spray before blow drying your hair. This will help to protect it from the heat of the blow dryer. Additionally, you should always use a diffuser when blow drying your hair. This will help to disperse the heat and keep your curls looking natural.
Finally, make sure to use a leave-in conditioner after blow drying your hair. This will help to keep it hydrated and healthy. Additionally, it will help to keep your curls looking beautiful and relaxed.
9. Braid It
Again, this technique won't require any product and can be done in mere minutes. A loose braid helps relax your tight curls without getting rid of them entirely. By putting in a braid before you go to bed at night, you can wake up to just the look you want and crave. It's as easy as having a hair elastic on hand.
How To: Wash your hair then wait until it's still slightly damp, but not wet. Separate your strands into three sections, loosely braiding them from just about your ears until you reach the end of your hair. Secure with a hair elastic and go to bed. When you get up, remove the elastic and give your hair a shake to remove the braid. Easy, right?
Have you ever considered giving some of these natural ways to relax curls a shot and are there any other good natural relaxer recipes you’d like to share? Do tell! I’m still in this phase of trying to get my hair to curl tighter but I’m sure plenty of super-curly ladies out there would really appreciate the info!
This article writtten in collaboration with editor, Eliza Martinez
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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge
Where can I buy the panthenol from
If you want tighter curls, try using a different size comb or brush. You could also do a twist or braid out (;
I mean the panthenol i want to try but dont know where to get it
Di I apply the mixture to wet or dry hair?
Should I brush after I rinse the olive oil treatment.
which one works best?
Comments
Mariam:Where can I buy the panthenol from
Ciarra:If you want tighter curls, try using a different size comb or brush. You could also do a twist or braid out (;
Shy:I mean the panthenol i want to try but dont know where to get it
Susan:Di I apply the mixture to wet or dry hair?
Felicia:Should I brush after I rinse the olive oil treatment.
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