Abstract: A method of relaxing naturally curly hair that comprises: A) carrying out a hair treatment session that comprises the steps of: i) applying to the hair, an alkaline hair relaxer comprising an active hydroxide, ii) allowing the relaxer to remain on the hair for a total period of less than about 10 minutes; iii) removing the relaxer from the hair; and B) repeating the treatment session described in part (A) to attain a desired degree of hair relaxation, with the interval between individual treatment sessions ranging from about 3 to about 20 days.