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Applying relaxer will be painful if your scalp is already irritated in any way. For this reason, it’s best to not wash your hair or scratch your head at all for at least the week leading up to application. If you do accidentally scratch your scalp, the relaxer will likely make your head tingle. You’ll be working with dangerous chemicals that can harm your skin and possibly damage your clothes. Get a hairdresser’s cape and plastic gloves and put them on before handling the relaxer to prevent any harm or damage. Keep a towel or two on standby in case you have any spills. The chemicals you’re dealing with may stain clothing, furniture, and other things they touch, so it’s best to clean any spills up immediately. Because relaxer can irritate your skin, it’s a great idea to apply a base cream directly to the scalp to protect it. Part your hair in multiple places and apply the base to your scalp. Don’t forget to apply the base to your hairline and around your ears as well. Petroleum jelly is also a sufficient protective base option. Use a comb to divide your hair evenly into 4-6 different sections. Secure the sections with plastic hair clips or rubber bands. Avoid any hair ties or clips that have metal.

Summary:
Don’t shampoo or scratch your scalp before relaxing your hair. Put on gloves and a cape. Get out a couple of towels in case of spills. Apply a protective base cream to the scalp and hairline. Divide your hair into 4-6 sections.