
- A light coat of petroleum jelly is applied all over the scalp as a ‘barrier’ to protect it from chemical burns.
- In virgin hair, the relaxer is applied to the ends of the locks first as they take longer to process.
- It is then worked the way up to the roots, and the strands are smoothened throughout the step.
What are relaxers really do to your hair?
- Abra McField is the founder of Abra Kadabra Hair & Healing.
- Tippi Shorter is the Global Artistic Director of Mizani.
- Al Campbell is a professional hairstylist, specializing in textured hair.
What is the best relaxer for hair?
- Best Overall: Motions Classic Formula Hair Relaxer Mild.
- Best Budget: Softsheen-Carson Optimum Car No-Lye Hair Relaxer.
- Runner-Up, Best Budget: Revlon Professional Relaxer Super Conditioning Cream.
- Best for Frizzy Hair: Phyto PhytoSpecific Phytorelaxer Index 2.
Does having a relaxer damage your hair?
Yet another dangerous aspect of relaxers your natural hair, the hair straightening chemicals in relaxers can not only damage your hair, but they can seriously damage your scalp as well. Most women who use relaxers have had at least one bad relaxer that has caused serious burns on the scalp.
What is the best relaxer for hair growth?
Whether you’re styling hair into a low bun, high ponytail, or braids, there’s one thing you must do to pull the entire hairstyle together—style those baby hairs! That’s where the best edge control ... which encourages hair growth and strengthens ...

How long does a hair relaxer last?
six to 12 weeksHow long do relaxers last? “Depending on your hair texture and growth, relaxers last from six to 12 weeks before needing a re-touch,” says Sanders.
What are the benefits of getting your hair relaxed?
Relaxer removes the kinks and bends from natural hair that are responsible for tangles and knots. Your hair's new smoother texture means easier combing and less breakage from working out the tangles. Very curly hair has a tendency to shrink and requires stretching to unkink the curls and give you some length.
Which one is better relaxer or keratin treatment?
Keratin treatment minimizes frizz and gives lustrous hair, lasting for 3-6 months. In relaxers, the structure of the hair is altered with special chemicals to give you silky, glossy hair. Keratin treatment lasts for 3 to 6 months, while relaxers last for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on hair care habits.
Does a relaxer get rid of frizz?
First, a texturizer is a moderate form of a relaxer. It's easy to apply and it's perfect for getting rid of frizz. If you have a sensitive scalp, a non-lye relaxer is the best type of relaxer to use. A lye relaxer is also an option, but it won't make your hair look natural.
Does a relaxer straighten hair?
By definition, a hair relaxer is a lotion or cream that makes the hair easier to straighten and manage. It reduces the curl by breaking down the hair strand and chemically altering the texture.
What are the cons of a relaxer?
Cons of Hair RelaxersChemicals weaken the hair which increase the chance of regular breakage.Chance of permanent damage to the scalp and hair.Can become limp.Easier to manage but harder to maintain healthy hair.
How much is relaxing your hair?
The procedure is costly and time-consuming. It can cost between $400 and $950 and take up to seven hours.
Is a Brazilian blowout the same as a relaxer?
Brazilian blowout is free of all aldehydes and carcinogens and the results of the treatment fade away after 12 weeks of washing; leaving the hair in its natural state again. It is not a relaxer but a smoothing treatment that removes frizz and damage.
Is Relaxing same as smoothing?
Smoothening gives the same results as straightening but makes hair look natural soft, shiny and less frizzy. Relaxing on the other hand is used to untighten the curls. Relaxed hair as well gives the look of having straight and unfuzzy hairs. Straightening is the process of trying hair to look almost straight.
Why is my hair still curly after a relaxer?
Causes of Under-Processed Hair Rinsing your relaxer out way too early. Not smoothing the relaxer through your new growth. Coating your hair with too much product before you relax. Changing the relaxer you normally use.
Which is worse keratin or relaxer?
"The chemicals with keratin are a little less harmful than those found with other straightening treatments, like a relaxing treatment, which is very harsh." "The main difference between a keratin treatment and a relaxer is how long they straighten the hair," explains Cooper.
What does relaxer do to white girls?
Anyone who uses hair relaxers regardless of their ethnicity or race will straighten their hair. It does not matter whether one is black, white or yellow. Hair relaxers are chemicals that permanently change the hair texture and as a result leave them straight.
How long does it take for a hair relaxer to work?
After 10-15 minutes of processing time, the relaxer is rinsed out of the hair with warm water. A good conditioner is applied to rebalance the pH level. Then, the alkalizing chemical process is deactivated by using a neutralizing shampoo several times.
What is the best hair relaxer?
Types of Relaxer. The best relaxer is chosen by matching the relaxer’s strength with the type and texture of hair. A ‘strand test’ is helpful in assessing compatibility. Typically, there are three kinds of chemical hair relaxers: Sodium Hydroxide Relaxers (Lye Relaxers) – Strong alkaline for fast results that can cause scalp inflammation too.
What is keratin treatment?
In Keratin treatment, a special blend of hydrolyzed keratin is infused deep into the hair cuticles, which are the layers of the overlapping cells forming your hair strands. It smoothens down these cuticles by adhering to them, which makes the hair strands relaxed at the sub-cuticle layer.
What to do if your hair is weak?
If you do not mind turning your hair weak and restructured for a permanent straightening solution, the chemical relaxer is the way to go. But if you are not ready to play with the chemical composition your hair, stick to keratin treatment and enjoy its temporary outcomes.
What is the best treatment for curly hair?
Hair Relaxer or Keratin Treatment – Choosing the Right One. Both chemical hair relaxer and keratin straightening are professional hair treatments that can make curly hair softer, smoother, and straighter. But trying to distinguish between these two can be really tricky until you consult an expert and have all the right information in hand.
What is the building block of hair?
Being the building block of our hair, keratin is widely used in hair care products, supplements, and treatments. The protective protein is rich in a certain amino acid called ‘cysteine’, which makes the hair super strong and highly elastic, thus turning it healthier and less prone to breakage.
How to maintain moisture balance in hair?
Maintain its moisture balance by applying lightweight yet deep-penetrating oils and leave-in conditioners regularly. For extra hydration of the hair, deep condition it once every week by alternating a protein and moisturizing mask. Steer clear of heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, etc. to avoid dryness.
How to know if you're using a relaxer?
A good way to know if you’re using a decent relaxer is the price. Go for the higher priced products, they usually have more conditioners and oils to help buffer the chemical and are less harsh on the scalp. Never, never, never get hair extensions on freshly relaxed hair.
Can you use color after a relaxer?
Never use color after a relaxer if you’ve experienced burning during the application. (Always use a color that is safe to apply the same day of relaxer application.) Make sure you use a relaxer system that is of a higher grade. A good way to know if you’re using a decent relaxer is the price.
Can you mix and match shampoo and conditioner?
Don’t mix and match the neutralizing shampoo, conditioner, stabilizer and relaxer itself. Most relaxers turn out best when you use all the products recommended. It’s kinda like a cake. If you leave out the flour, eggs, sugar, or some other ingredient, it doesn’t turn out quite right.
Can you get extensions on relaxed hair?
Never, never, never get hair extensions on freshly relaxed hair. The chemical makeup of the hair strand has been altered and is in a weaker state. Always get extensions when it’s time for a relaxer touch up. If you’re leaving some of your own hair out, just relax the part that will be visible.
How long does it take for hair relaxers to work?
These lotions or creams work by chemically altering the structure of the hair for temporarily (usually about six to eight weeks) sleeker strands. It sounds intimidating, but the good news is ...
How to keep hair from burning when using relaxer?
You might have become accustomed to burns from relaxers, but burning and scabbing are not a good sign. Apply a base cream on your scalp and hairline to protect it from the chemicals.
How long does a texturizer last?
The reversible system lasts for up to six weeks, allowing you to straighten your hair less and experience less reversion. Some users are happy with the way it loosens curls while others are disappointed that their tighter texture didn’t return, so only use this product if you’re ready for a looser curl pattern .
Does lye help with curls?
Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is found in many relaxers because it works to break down curls, but it can also cause burns and has a less than pleasant smell. This no-lye relaxer kit puts the health of your hair first and comes with six easy steps (from pre-treatment to conditioner) to ensure up to 90% less breakage than traditional relaxers.
Can you put relaxer on your scalp?
You should also be sure to pretreat your hair with a protective base and be sure to never apply the relaxer directly to the scalp.
Does relaxer leave hair smooth?
You don’t have to settle for dry, brittle hair just because you choose to relax. This transformative relaxer leaves hair smooth and more manageable while also hydrating with shea butter, cocoa butter, and honey. It comes with a protective pre-treatment to prevent burns, and users rave that it washes it out easily.
Can you relax your hair in the 90s?
It sounds intimidating, but the good news is that hair relaxers have come a long way since the 90s. You can definitely have healthy relax ed hair," says Lyonisha Sanders, hairstylist, and owner of Lavish Salon & Extensions Bar.
Why does my hair get dry after a relaxer?
One mistake many people make after relaxing their hair is to simply keep washing and styling it as they normally would . This is most likely the reason your hair becomes super dry after a relaxer treatment. The good news is that this can easily be prevented!
How long should I wait before using a hair relaxer?
Rather use a gentle detangling brush if you are going to give it a proper brushing and don’t want to damage your hair. Step 05. Wait 8-16 Weeks Before Your Next Relaxer.
Why is my hair so dry?
Your normal cotton pillowcase could be one of the biggest culprits behind your dry hair! Since your hair has recently been relaxed, it is at its most vulnerable. Tossing and turning on your pillowcase causes friction between your hair and the casing, causing your hair to become very dry and frizzy when you wake up .
What is the difference between lye relaxer and no lye relaxer?
The main difference between the two is the type of chemicals used. In lye relaxers, the active ingredient is sodium hydroxide. In no-lye relaxers, the main ingredient is calcium hydroxide. Comparing the two, the no-lye- relaxer is usually the milder option and is ideal for those who have sensitive scalps.
How to get rid of build up in hair?
Invest in a Good Shampoo & Conditioner. Going forward, you will need to invest in a good shampoo and conditioner that won’t dry your hair out or cause build-up. Remember, you cannot use your clarifying shampoo regularly, as this will strip your hair of all its natural oils and leave it extremely dry.
What is the benefit of wrapping your hair?
One benefit of wrapping your hair is that your hair will remain straight and tangle-free when you wake up! Step 03. Avoid Using Chemical Hair Dye. If you’ve just treated your hair to a relaxer treatment, you’ve already put it under a significant level of stress.
Why is my hair so dry after a relaxing treatment?
If your hair is super dry after a relaxing treatment, it’s most likely because there is a surplus build-up of protein in your hair because of the calcium found in the treatment.