Whether you already have or are now considering a hair relaxer [1], you should know this process can make ends more prone to dryness and breakage, and extra care is needed [2] after it's done. And, as someone who currently has relaxed hair that's also colour-treated, I know all too well how multiple chemical treatments can only multiply the potential problems.
Now my hairstylist uses a milder, no-lye relaxer [3] to account for my sensitive scalp, and this does leave me with curls straight out of the shower (as opposed to bone-straight results [4]). I do still limit how often it's styled with hot tools (even more so now with salon closures [5]), so there are products I use when I want to slick it back before air-drying [6], others I opt for when I'm wearing wearing it curly [7], and some I choose when I do pick up a flat iron [8].
Since not all products work for all three things, I've rounded up some of my favourite hair care [9] found right at Sephora. From hydrating shampoos and conditioning masks to protective oils and smoothing creams, ahead are the ones I like best for relaxed hair.
Mizani True Textures Cream Cleansing Conditioner
Mizani True Textures Cream Cleansing Conditioner [10] ($26) is a low-poo conditioner [11] meaning it's a conditioner that also cleanses — a.k.a. co-washes — in lieu of a traditional shampoo. Some shampoos can dry out relaxed hair, but this product's very moisturising and also frizz-fighting, thanks to the combination of coconut, marula, and olive oils inside.
Kérastase Discipline Sulphate Free Smoothing Shampoo
Kérastase Discipline Sulphate Free Smoothing Shampoo [12] ($35) is a gentle shampoo that won't strip already dry, damaged, or chemically processed hair as it washes. This sulphate-free, keratin-safe product is more powerful at cleansing a scalp than a traditional co-wash [13], but it still leaves hair more manageable, soft and, of course, clean.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub
For hair that hasn't seen water in a while, this Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub [14] ($36) really tackles dirt, dead skin cells, and other buildup by using an alpha-hydroxy-acid blend more commonly found in skincare. Scalps are left incredibly clean [15] and marula oil adds back in some necessary moisture (though the plant-based scrub isn't too harsh or overly drying anyway).
Kiehl's Since 1851 Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak
Because chemical processes (like relaxers and colour treatments) can make hair more brittle, these styles often benefit from an intense moisturising treatment to bring back necessary hydration. This Kiehl's Since 1851 Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak [16] ($25) is tops because it strengthens weakened, dry hair so that it looks shinier short-term, but also makes it healthier in the long run as using it frequently helps prevent damage moving forward.
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Strength + Moisture Leave-In Spray Hair Mask
While the Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask [17] ($36) is a top-rated deep conditioner meant to be used once a week, this Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair!™ Strength + Moisture Leave-In Spray Hair Mask [18] ($28) is much lighter for more frequent use, as needed. The spray is especially good at detangling before braiding to air-dry, and also boosts shine with a formula rich in argan oil, algae, and biotin.
Kérastase Discipline Oleo Relax Anti-Frizz Mask
This deep conditioning Kérastase Discipline Oleo Relax Anti-Frizz Mask [19] ($62) can work de-frizzing miracles on thick, unruly hair as the rich cream softens with shorea butter as it seeps in. Plus, a little goes a long way: Oleo Relax products were discontinued a few years ago, so I stretched out what I had left as long as I could. Once I saw this mask return, I've never been without it.
Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Ageing Rapid Blowout Balm
Since relaxers can leave hair more susceptible to heat damage, it's key to keep styles protected before reaching for hot tools [20]. This Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Ageing Rapid Blowout Balm [21] ($30) features an age-control complex to strengthen chemically-treated hair that's been weakened over time, plus cuts down on blow-drying time, too.
Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Ageing Smoothing Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter
Similarly, this Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Ageing Smoothing Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter [22] ($34) also offers heat protection, but that also includes a proprietary climate shield complex to fight humidity that may traditionally lead to frizz. Of course, it's also got the brand's amino-acid-rich caviar extract to help smooth the hair shaft for sleeker styles with less breakage.
Mizani 25 Miracle Cream
This leave-in Mizani 25 Miracle Cream [23] ($22) adds hydration with coconut oil, whether hair is air-dried or blow-dried (and there's heat protection inside if choosing the latter). It's also great for summer [24] as there's UV protection in there, too.
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat and UV Protective Primer
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat and UV Protective Primer [25] ($13-$28) packs in a blend of six oils to help condition coarse, chemically processed styles fresh out of the shower. But, while that's all great, this product also refreshes, smoothes, and protects already-dry hair at any time necessary.
Bumble and bumble Bb. Curl (Style) Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil
This Bumble and bumble Bb. Curl (Style) Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil [26] ($30) works well with milder chemical relaxers that still result in curls post-shampoo and scrunching. When summer humidity hits, its blend of nourishing oils and cupuacu butter really defines and holds curls without a crunchy finish that some gels offer, and leaves hair shiny, too.
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo
The sulphate-free Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Hydrating Shampoo [27] ($24-$58) can actually nudge out curls in chemically straightened hair as it cleanses and hydrates. Among the moisturising ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil, there's also tomato fruit ferment which helps hair dry evenly so curls form more uniformly (instead of parts of the hair drying faster or frizzing up first).
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner [28] ($24) works to bring definition to frizzy curls and adds in lightweight moisture with sweet almond oil. This product can also be lightly rinsed out (so some product stays in as an impromptu leave-in), or mixed with coconut water to spritz and scrunch after hair's fully dried.
Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
There are also no stripping sulphates in this argan-oil-packed Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream [29] ($14-$34). The cream helps activate curls, but also features hydrolyzed vegetable protein to coat split ends and restore smoothness.
Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion
Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion [30] ($17) is a lower-hold styling product that helps curls form, but leaves more of a softer finish than a gel or oil. Because it's lightweight, this lotion won't weigh hair down so it turns limp or its curl pattern loses definition.
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