- 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?
Natural hair relaxers, also known as chemical straighteners, are chemical lotions or creams applied to natural hair to give it a sleek, straight appearance by “relaxing” your curls.
How to condition hair after using a relaxer?
A relaxer, also known as a perm for Black hair, is a chemical treatment that straightens curly hair by breaking down the bonds in the hair shaft. How Do Relaxers Work? Hair relaxers have been around for over a century and are used to chemically straighten hair by getting into the cuticle and cortex layers of the hair.
How to reverse a hair relaxer?
Feb 04, 2020 · A hair relaxer is a chemical-based cream or lotion applied to coarse and kinky curls to turn them softer and straighter. As a result, it reduces frizz and makes the hair more manageable. However, relaxers do not make the hair straight, and you may wish to go for further straightening after undergoing the procedure.
How to get straight hair without a relaxer?
Feb 16, 2022 · This relaxer is infused with olive oil and shea butter and enhanced with the HydraStrength Vitamin & Protein Complex to condition and strengthen while straightening your hair. Long story short, it doesn’t just make hair more …
How long does hair relaxer last?
about six to eight weeksThe results vary depending on your hair type, but usually a hair relaxer will leave your hair straight for about six to eight weeks. Unlike other permanent straightening methods, relaxing your hair will require touch-ups from time to time.Sep 18, 2018
What does a relaxer treatment do?
By definition, a hair relaxer is a lotion or cream that makes the hair easier to straighten and manage. Relaxers reduce the curl by breaking down the hair strand thus chemically altering the texture. Most women who decide to get their hair relaxed have curly hair and want it to be stick straight and frizz free.
Is it better to relax or straighten hair?
The Beauty Brains Bottom line: Both relaxing and flat ironing damage hair, but relaxing is much worse. However, it does give some added benefits so you might decide hair relaxing is worth extra damage.Jul 10, 2008
Is relaxing treatment good for hair?
Hair relaxing is best for frizzy hair since it smoothens the hair and makes it make manageable and straight. It also does not look too unnatural, but it may have a brittle or coarse texture.Aug 27, 2021
What is the difference between a Brazilian blowout and 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.Mar 27, 2013
What is the difference between a perm and relaxer?
Chemical Perm vs. "A chemical perm and relaxer are two totally different directions. A relaxer is designed to straighten your curl pattern, so if you want your hair straight or to loosen your natural hair, relaxers are for that. A perm is designed to create curl, waves, and texture that is not natural.Feb 10, 2022
Does hair relaxer damage hair?
Hair relaxers straighten hair by penetrating the cuticle and the cortex layers of the hair shaft to loosen the natural curl pattern. This process leaves the hair weak, brittle and prone to breakage. It can even burn your skin, cause permanent damage to the scalp and lead to hair loss.
What are the side effects of relaxing your hair?
Side Effects of Hair Relaxing:It contains Lye: All relaxers have chemicals in them. ... Chemical Burns: The corrosive ingredients in chemical relaxers can burn your scalp, and in some cases, it may cause permanent hair loss. ... It can make hair brittle and dry.More items...•Mar 10, 2019
When should you relax your hair?
8-10 weeks"I recommend anywhere from 8-10 weeks on average for touch-ups," says Wauchope. While eight weeks between touch-ups is recommended, some may feel the need to apply relaxers more frequently.Dec 26, 2021
What is the difference between relax and rebond?
In brief, the main difference between relaxing and rebonding is that hair relaxing does not involve fully straightening the hair and requires further styling whereas rebonding involves fully straightening and resetting the hair bonds.Sep 1, 2021
What is the difference between a keratin treatment and a relaxer?
"The main difference between a keratin treatment and a relaxer is how long they straighten the hair," explains Cooper. "A keratin treatment temporarily loosens your curl pattern, and fades out over time. Your hair texture will eventually return to its natural state. With a relaxer, that is not the case at all.Jan 20, 2022
How much does it cost to relax your hair?
$60 – $250. The average cost for a perm is $80 with most people paying between $60 and $250. The price can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code). Get free estimates from perm stylists near you.
What is a relaxer for black hair?
A relaxer, also known as a perm for Black hair, is a chemical treatment that straightens curly hair by breaking down the bonds in the hair shaft.
How long after a perm can you use a relaxer?
Rinses can be applied on the same day as a perm, but other color processes should be used a minimum of two weeks after .
Who is Del Sandeen?
Del Sandeen is a contributing writer with over 20 years of experience in editorial. She has an expertise in natural hair and Black women's issues. Nigella Miller is a NYC-based natural hair and grooming expert with over 13 years of experience.
How to grow hair long and strong?
A healthy scalp is key for growing tresses long and strong. Avoid frequent hair washing, if possible. Scal p massages are great, too—level that up with a dollop of coconut oil for ultimate nourishing. Hair that's both relaxed and colored requires a lot of TLC.
How long does a perm last?
Perms last anywhere from six to eight weeks. After this time, you'll need to have a touch up to avoid major damage and breakage to your hair. If you relax your hair too often, it will get damaged, but if you wait too long in between touch-ups, your hair risks major breakage between the relaxed parts and the new growth.
Can relaxers cause hair loss?
Relaxers have been around for decades, and home relaxer kits are easy and inexpensive; but if not used correctly, they can cause serious, sometimes irreversible damage to the hair and scalp. 1 There are times when you should steer clear of this chemical process altogether.
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.
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 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 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 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 get straight hair?
Performed in the salon by hair experts, this time-intensive procedure for getting straight, smooth hair involves the following steps: Your hair is prepared by washing thoroughly. It can either be blow-dried or left wet for the next step.
Where is keratin found?
Keratin is the structural protein of our hair, nails, and skin. It is also found naturally in our internal organs and glands and can be derived from nails, horns, feathers, and wools of animals as well. Being the building block of our hair, keratin is widely used in hair care products, supplements, and treatments.
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 ...
What is the difference between lye relaxer and no lye relaxer?
Relaxers that use lye have sodium hydroxide as the primary ingredient. These relaxers tend to be stronger and have more of a potential for burns, so they are typically applied by a licensed professional. However, they tend to be easier on the hair, since they don’t leave behind a mineral deposit. Most at-home relaxers are no-lye relaxers that use calcium hydroxide. These tend to be a bit milder on the scalp but could result in calcium buildup and dryness if not used properly. Whichever you choose, be sure to check in with a stylist regularly to ensure your hair’s health.
What are the five signs of healthy hair?
The results are consistent and the formula claims to protect the five signs of healthy hair: moisture, shine, strength, softness, and body. The kit is also super easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for newbies.
How to keep hair healthy?
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. Celebrity Hairstylists Say These Are the Best Conditioners for Natural Hair.
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.
How long does a texturizer last?
If you’re not quite ready to permanently relax your hair but are interested in wearing your hair straighter for longer, this texturizer kit is a great option. 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.
What is keratin relaxer?
A keratin relaxer is a professional hair treatment that promises to tame frizz and encourage straight, silky locks. It works through the direct application of keratin, a natural protein.
What is neutralizing shampoo?
A neutralizing shampoo is typically used during the process of relaxing the hair. Adding formaldehyde helps keratin relaxers work more effectively and also helps the results last longer. Keratin itself adds protein strength to hair, which has been shown to help combat frizz.
Where did keratin hair treatments originate?
Keratin hair treatments originated in Brazil, and are marketed as “Brazilian keratin treatments” in some places. They represent an alternative to strictly chemical hair relaxer products, in large part because keratin is a naturally derived protein compound. Most keratin treatments also contain some chemicals, however.
How long does keratin treatment last?
Keratin treatments often take several hours to apply, but results usually last for several months. Some keratin relaxers are formulated to help tame curly hair. A neutralizing shampoo is typically used during the process of relaxing the hair. Keratin hair treatments may be used to treat damaged hair.
