How to Style Relaxed Hair

Co-authored by Shona Williams and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: May 30, 2023 References

Relaxing, or chemically straightening, hair results in straight, silky locks. There are endless possibilities for styling relaxed hair, including buns, braids, and more! When your hair begins to grow out and show your natural texture at the roots, there are several techniques you can use to blend the 2 textures together for a chic style.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing Your Hair Down

1
Keep your hair straight for a sleek, chic look. You can straighten your hair and wear it slicked back. This style works well for an everyday look as well as for a night out on the town. Use a shine serum to add glossiness and tame flyaways.^{[1]
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- Dress up a straight, slicked back style with a headband.^{[2]
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2
Braid damp hair and let it dry overnight for tight curls. This is a great no-heat way to style your tresses. Dampen your hair and work in a setting lotion or mousse with your fingers. Then, divide it into 6 to 8 sections. Tightly braid each section, then allow your hair to air dry overnight. Undo the braids the following day, then gently loosen the curls with your fingers.^{[3]
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- If the ends are too straight, curl them with a thin curling rod so they blend in.
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3
Use foam rollers to create heat-free large curls. Even though your hair is relaxed, you can still curl it to add volume and texture. You can use sponge or rod rollers. First, dampen your hair and apply a setting lotion or mousse. Then, roll 1 inch (2.5 cm) sections of your hair up in the rollers. Allow your hair to air dry or speed things up with a drying hood. Take the curlers out, then shape the curls using your fingers and a little bit of hair oil.^{[4]
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- Do not brush or fluff the curls out or they may get frizzy. Instead, leave them tight and springy.
- You could also curl your hair using a curling iron with a 2 inches (5.1 cm) barrel. Finger-comb your hair to get soft, voluminous waves.^{[5]
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4
Try a faux hawk or side hawk for an edgy look. If your hair is chin-length or shorter, pull all of it up on top of your head and secure it with a long banana clip. This style looks great on relaxed hair that has been curled, as well. Use your fingers to shape and position the curls as desired.^{[6]
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- If you don't have a banana clip, use overlapping bobby pins instead to keep the faux hawk in place.
5
Switch things up with a side part. If you usually wear your hair parted down the center, use the handle of a rat-tail comb to give it a deep side part instead. Begin the part above one of your eyebrows, then angle it towards the back-center of your crown. You can combine this look with long, loose hair, ponytails, or even braids.^{[7]
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- This looks especially chic when paired with short, jaw-length bobs.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Updos

1
Try a top knot for a sleek and chic look. Moisturize your hair with coconut oil or olive oil, then smooth it down with a boar bristle brush. Pull it up into a high ponytail, then twist it until it starts to coil in on itself. Finish coiling the rope into a bun, then secure it with another hair tie at the base.^{[9]
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- If you have any flyaway hairs around your hairline, apply an edge-control product to keep them in place.
2
Put your hair in a messy bun for something quick and easy. Gather all of your hair at the back of your head in 1 of your hands. You may need to squish or crunch it so it all fits. Using your other hand, wrap a hair tie around your hair until it is secure.
- Another alternative would be to do a bun using a bun maker, a bun form, or a rolled up sock (sock bun). You can find a bun maker or form at your local beauty supply store or department store.^{[10]
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3
Try a side-swept ponytail for an effortless look. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a deep side part that starts above one of your eyebrows and angles towards the back-center of your crown. Pull your hair back into a loose, low ponytail. Position it to 1 side of your nape and secure it with a hair tie.^{[11]
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- Give the ponytail more volume by teasing it with a rat-tail comb.
- Dress the ponytail up with a pretty hair accessory.
4
Braid your ponytail if you have long hair. Pull your hair into a high or low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Split the ponytail into 3 sections, then braid it. When you get to the end of your hair, secure it with another hair tie. This style is a great way to keep your hair out of your face while exercising or doing other activities.^{[12]
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- You can also try variations on the classic braid, like the fishtail braid.
Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Use a large curling iron to curl the ends under the ponytail to give it some bounce and volume. Wrap a thin strand of hair around the hair tie to conceal it, then secure the strand with a bobby pin.^{[13]
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6
Add length to a ponytail with extensions. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Get a ponytail extension that matches your hair color, then secure it to the base of your ponytail. How you secure it depends on whether it has a claw clip or drawstring attachment.^{[14]
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- You can find these types of extensions online, in wig shops, and in well-stocked beauty supply shops.
- You can also lengthen a ponytail by using hair-extension wefts. Wrap the wefts around your ponytail until you reach the thickness and length you like best. Cut the wefts, secure them with bobby pins, and wrap a bit of your hair around the pins to conceal the extensions.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Hiding Your Roots

1
Straighten your roots with a flat iron to maintain a sleek look. As your roots begin to grow out, their texture will differ from the rest of your hair. You can hide the difference by straightening your roots with a flat iron. You don't have to straighten all of your roots if you don’t want to—concentrate on the visible ones around your part and hairline.^{[15]
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- Go to your salon for a trim and a new straightening treatment every 6-8 weeks.
Hide regrowth with a scarf or turban. This is a great alternative if you are having a bad hair day, need something to complete your outfit, or simply don't feel like doing much with your hair. Depending on your hair length, pull it up into a ponytail or bun first. Next, choose a silk or satin scarf that matches your outfit, then wrap it around your head.^{[16]
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3
Camouflage your roots with a Dutch or French braid. This will not only protect your hair, but also help conceal any regrowth. Smooth down the hair around your hairline with edge control first using a boar-bristle brush or a fine-tooth comb, then comb your hair back. Do a Dutch braid or a French braid, then finish off with a regular braid. If you have bangs, you can leave them out for a more stylish look.^{[17]
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- Be sure to pull the ends of your hair under the elastic to protect them.
- If the ending braid looks thin, fold it under itself, towards the nape of your neck, then tuck it into place.
4
Opt for a protective hairstyle to keep your hair healthy. A protective style includes things like box braids, twists, buns, Marley twists, and braided crowns. Not only will your hair look stylish, these options will also help conceal regrowth while keeping your hair protected and healthy.^{[18]
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- If you are doing a braid out, consider doing it while your hair is wet. This way, you can take the braids out the next day and have beautiful curls!^{[19]
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5
Cut long, straight bangs if you want a change. Long bangs that skim the top of your eyebrows look great on every face shape. Styling your bangs can also help you hide your roots! You can give them a slight curl with a large round brush and a blow dryer or a large-barrel curling iron. Or, smooth and straighten them with a flat iron.^{[20]
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- Keep in mind that you will need to trim your bangs every couple of weeks to maintain their length.
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Can you put braids in relaxed hair?

Shona Williams
Hair Stylist
Shona Williams is a Hair Stylist and Owner of Divine Design Hair Studio in Lemon Grove, California. Shona has over 18 years of hair styling experience and has been a salon owner for 10 years. She offers hair washing, hair styling, hair extensions, hair relaxing, and braiding services, specializing in cutting and styling clients' natural hair.

Shona Williams

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Sure, but you don't want to leave those protective styles for a long time. If the braids are too tight or stay on for too long, they will create unnecessary stress on the hair, and you might end up pulling it out and breaking it off.

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Tips

Use pomade or edge control cream around your hairline to tame any frizz or wisps.

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Always apply a heat protectant before using flat irons or curling rods.

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