Relaxed hair is damaged hair. That’s a pretty strong statement, huh? Well, chemical relaxing damages natural hair to some degree just through the bond-breaking-and-restructuring straightening process. The amount of damage can be minimized with proper hair care techniques and products.
For my own relaxed hair, I wanted to add a product to my relaxing regimen that would replenish moisture and help restore the condition of my newly relaxed tresses. Since the hair cuticle is generally opened during the relaxing process, it seemed logical to search for a conditioner that could be applied before the relaxer was neutralized. The challenge would be finding a product that could condition and simultaneously begin neutralizing the relaxer so that hair does not end up over-processed and fried.
Already a fan the Affirm relaxer, I opted to try their new FiberGuard Sustenance. Affirm Sustenance from Avlon is the third step in the FiberGuard Relaxing System. The creamy light-green colored formula has a dreamy slippery-lotion feel. It is designed to help strengthen relaxed hair just before neutralization and it also a great deep conditioner for post-shampoo conditioning.
I prepped my hair with Affirm’s Protecto protecting serum then relaxed my hair with Affirm relaxer. After application and smoothing, I rinsed well with luke warm water and then applied the Affirm FiberGuard Sustenance. Immediately, a soothing, cool sensation spread across my scalp. I was certain that the 4.5 pH conditioner was already neutralizing any relaxer residue. I waited 5 minutes then rinsed.
My hair held a creamy softness that, immediately following a relaxer, was unusual. I neutralized several times with Hawaiian Silky’s Neutralizing Shampoo, allowing the shampoo to rest on my hair at least 7 minutes between rinses to ensure there was no hint of pink left the foam. I used a bit more of the FiberGuard Sustenance for a deep post-relaxer conditioner, rinsed again and towel dried.
The resulting feel of my hair was lusciously soft and strong. After about 9 months of use, I’ve depleted my first bottle of Affirm Sustenance and ordered more. This is one of the best conditioners I have ever used, and my hair looks and feels much healthier after adding the sustenance step to my relaxer process.