I am overdue for a touchup. I don’t even remember the last time I got one, but my hair is thick and it’s getting difficult to manage. So, I know it’s time. If you’re like me, you like your hair super, duper straight. However, if you’re like me, you also want your hair to be healthy. So, no matter what, I never get a touch up any earlier than 8 weeks. In most cases, I don’t get a touchup for 4 or 5 months, or longer whenever I can.

Regardless to when I get a relaxer, there are some things that I do the week prior to getting it.

• I use ApHogee 2-step Protein Treatment for Damaged Hair. After shampooing, I apply the protein conditioner, sit under the dryer WITHOUT plastic cap, until hair is hard and then rinse. Then I apply ApHogee Moisturizer to hair & scalp. The bottle says to leave it on for only 2 minutes, but I mix mine with Humecto and leave it on for 20 minutes or longer. My hair comes out soft, silky and strong.
• I do NOT scratch or irritate the scalp; that’s just asking for trouble come the day your relaxer is applied.
• The day before my relaxer, I base my scalp. I used to skip this step, but I use Mizani and it tends to work extremely quickly. So, I no longer skip this step.
• I apply ample amounts of CHI Silk Infusion Reconstructing Complex directly to my hair, covering everything from scalp to ends. While some consider this product to be expensive, I consider it a necessity. I only use it the night before a relaxer, so it’s worth it.
• Then I rollerset, blow as usual.
• I workout a lot, sweat hard and heavy, but the week prior to a relaxer, I avoid the gym, especially if it’s been a really long time since my last touchup. This prevents my roots from becoming unruly, which means my stylist won’t have to pull, or work as hard and the touchup goes smoothly. No pun intended.