Conking hair, a popular hairstyle for African American men from the 1920s to the late 1960s, involved chemically straightening naturally curly hair. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of conking hair and offer helpful tips to achieve the relaxed, sleek look.

Before we begin, it’s essential to note that conking hair involves using potent chemicals that pose significant health risks if not handled correctly. Therefore, always consult a professional hairstylist or follow product instructions diligently.

Step 1: Preparation

Gather all necessary supplies before starting the conking process. You will need:

– Protective gloves

– A hair relaxer or straightening cream (lye or no-lye)

– Neutralizing shampoo

– Deep conditioner

– Comb and brush (wide-toothed and fine-toothed)

– Hair clips for sectioning (optional)

– Towel

– Oven timer or stopwatch

Step 2: Application of Relaxer

Wear protective gloves to avoid contact between your skin and the chemicals in the relaxer. Start by parting your damp hair into four sections using a comb. If you have longer hair, use hair clips to hold each section in place.

Carefully apply a generous amount of relaxer cream to one section of your hair with your fingers, starting at the roots and moving toward the tips. Be careful not to touch your scalp with the cream.

Step 3: Timing is Key

Set an oven timer or use a stopwatch to ensure you don’t leave the chemical mixture on your hair for too long. Follow the recommended time provided by the product manufacturer or consult a professional for guidance.

Step 4: Straightening Your Hair

As you wait for the relaxer to take effect, gently comb through each section with a wide-toothed comb. Use a fine-toothed comb for a smoother, straighter finish. Be gentle and cautious during this step to avoid damaging hair.

Step 5: Rinsing

Once the relaxer has been in your hair for the recommended time, rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water. Ensure that every trace of the chemical mixture is removed from your hair to avoid potential damage.

Step 6: Neutralizing Shampoo

After rinsing your hair, apply a neutralizing shampoo to halt the chemical process and restore the pH balance of your scalp. It is crucial to use ample amounts of neutralizing shampoo to remove any leftover relaxer from your hair.

Step 7: Conditioning

Now that your hair is relaxed and clean, you need to nourish and restore moisture. Apply a deep conditioner to your hair, work it through each section, and leave it on as directed by the product packaging.

Step 8: Rinse and Style

Finally, rinse the deep conditioner from your hair using lukewarm water. Towel dry or use a blow dryer on minimal heat, then style as desired.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully conked your hair. It’s important to take care of chemically-treated hair through regular conditioning treatments and gentle styling techniques. This ensures that your relaxed locks remain healthy and vibrant.