Tips to Avoid Scalp Burning During Relaxer Touch-Ups

Today is the day. After 4 months of stretching your relaxer, it's finally time to get your relaxer touch-up. You actually enjoyed stretching your relaxer despite the tangles because you knew you were procrastinating the inevitable of having to deal with your relaxer touch-up burning your scalp!

When I had relaxed hair, no matter what I did, my scalp ALWAYS seemed to burn. I remember sometimes my scalp would get burned so badly that after a day or so, my hair would literally be stuck to my scalp due to the scabs that were forming. Then, a few days later, I'd have to start lightly scratching out the scabs that would form icky flakes on my hair.

Ahhh, I do not miss those days.

Still, relaxing hair can be a great way to manage extremely curly hair or even loosely curly hair to provide hair styling assistance. So how can you avoid those awful scalp burns?

Here are a couple of things you can try:

• Do not exercise for at least 48 hours before you get a relaxer.  When you sweat in your scalp, it opens up your pores making it very susceptible to burning.


• Never ever wash your hair prior to getting a relaxer.  Wait at least a week in between shampooing your hair before getting a relaxer touch-up.


• Avoid scratching your hair for at least 3-4 days.  If your scalp is itchy, gently rub it instead.


• Make sure your stylist bases your hairline - front, back, sides, and ears.  If you are extra-sensitive as I was, have them base your entire head.  This will cause the stylist extra time with you so sometimes they avoid doing it.  But remember, it's YOUR hair and YOUR scalp.  Speak up and let them know you must have your entire scalp based!


• Pay attention to the clock as you're getting your hair relaxed.  Don't let the stylist walk off and forget you while she lets the relaxer "sit."  You'll notice that the first area that received the relaxer will most likely start burning first.  


• When the stylist smooths the relaxer through the new growth, make sure they are using the BACK of a comb or their hands so that they are not disturbing the scalp.  Some styliststs incorrectly use the teeth of a comb to smooth and thus scratches the scalp letting the relaxer come in contact with the fresh skin - casuing burning!


• Know your hair.  Pay attention to the relaxer the stylist is using on your hair.  Did they suddenly switch to new relaxers at this salon?  Turn your head and check out the label on the tub they are using.  Are you used to getting the sensitive scalp formula and notice this one says "Regular strength?"  Does your stylist go to the back and get relaxer and put it in a tub with no indication of what it is?  Then ask.  I cannot stress enough the importance of speaking
  up when visiting a stylist.


• Another odd tip I heard when I was relaxed is to not drink any type of citrus drink such as orange juice.  Supposedly, the acid can make your scalp susceptible to burning.  Doesn't hurt to try, right? Especially if you're super sensitive like I was.

Now, what can you do once you start burning?

• Most importantly is to let your stylist know you are burning!  Your stylist cannot look at your hair and see that you are burning so it's important that you speak up.


• If you know you burn easily, make sure that you alert your stylist before she even gets started.  This can help her to know to work faster or to be more careful in keeping the relaxer off your scalp.


• Let your stylist know and if she's followed the typical pattern of applying a relaxer - going from back to front - she can rinse out the area of hair that is burning to relieve it some while she continues to work.


• If your hair is burning in a specific area, the stylist can spray a little bit of oil sheen on that area.  This will relieve the burning temporarily.

Lastly, what can you do if you do get scalp burns?

• Don't let the stylist spray hairspray or anything that contains alcohol on your hair.  It WILL burn! I can't believe the times stylists would try to spray this stuff on my hair after a relaxer.  Hello!?  So, before they could even get their finger on the spray tip - I'd shake my head "No thanks!"  


• Be gentle when combing your hair for the next few days to avoid further harming your scalp.


• Apply a little vaseline to the area  if it continues to bother you.  Once it starts to scab, continue with the vaseline and it will help the scab to fall off more easily.


• Don't not play with the scab and pick at it.  You could pull out of your hair along with the scab.  It's best to let the vaseline work through it so it softly falls off.


• Lastly, remember what happened to cause you to burn in the first place.  And of course, keep those in mind for your next relaxer!

Next time you're ready for a relaxer touch-up, you should be better prepared to avoid the awful burning that makes this salon experience so unpleasant!

Do you have additional tips to share to avoid scalp burning during relaxer touch-ups?