Treatment FAQ

what is a relaxer treatment

by Ollie Ankunding IV Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

A relaxer treatment is a chemical processing treatment used to straighten and “relax” the natural curls in your hair. Relaxers reduce the texture of the curls from the inside of your hair strand, leaving the hair permanently straighten.

Full Answer

What is the best Relaxer?

Jan 26, 2022 · Muscle relaxers, or muscle relaxants, are medications that treat muscle spasms or muscle spasticity by decreasing the body’s muscle tone. Muscle spasms, commonly referred to as cramps, are quick and unexpected contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. Muscle spasticity is a continuous spasm that causes muscle stiffness or tightness.

How to loosen curls without 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.

What is the most gentle hair relaxer?

Feb 04, 2020 · Taking proper care of your relaxed hair is essential to keep it in tip-top shape, and here are the ways: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair without stripping off its natural oils Maintain its moisture balance by applying lightweight yet …

What are relaxers really do to your hair?

Apr 04, 2022 · A keratin relaxer is a professional hair treatment that promises to tame frizz and encourage straight, silky locks. 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. Once the protein has a chance to soak into hair strands, it strengthens them, …

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What's the difference between a relaxer and keratin treatment?

"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 long does 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.Feb 16, 2022

Is a hair relaxer permanent?

Unlike Keratin treatments — which are temporary and wash out after about three months — chemical relaxers are permanent, and last until your hair grows out.

Is it good to relax your hair?

Relaxing your hair allows for a more manageable hair type that gives you a more straightened look. The hair relaxing formula breaks down even the tightest of curls and alters your hair texture to that smooth silty look. Hair relaxing is frizz proof and is usually used by clients who have curly, hard to manage.Apr 2, 2021

Does a relaxer wear off?

Most women who decide to get their hair relaxed have curly hair who want it to be stick straight without any frizz. The results vary depending on your hair type, but usually a hair relaxer will leave your hair straight for about six to eight weeks.Sep 18, 2018

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 chemical straightening ruin your hair?

It changes the internal structure of your hair, effectively breaking the bonds which hold your hair together. This chemical change makes the effect permanent but damages your hair in the long term. It can even cause short term immediate damage.Aug 21, 2017

What happens if you stop relaxing your hair?

Relaxers are irritants and need to be placed on the hair with care. Chemicals need to be avoided when there are other underlying problems with your scalp. Many clients who stop relaxing their hair who have flaky scalp, notice less itching and dryness once they stop using relaxers.Oct 8, 2019

Can relaxers damage natural hair?

Breakage. The chemical processes of relaxing hair can leave your hair very brittle with increased breakage as it loses its distinct elasticity. Relaxing increases scalp sensitivity which may lead to severe irritation, chemical burns, scarring and permanent hair loss as reported by almost 100 participants.Dec 9, 2020

Can relaxers cause hair loss?

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.

When should you not relax your hair?

Don't relax any sooner than eight weeks. Stretch the frequency of each relaxer. Relaxing the new growth often can cause the hair to be over-processed, which can lead to breakage.Oct 27, 2020

What's the difference between lye and no lye relaxers?

The difference is in the type of chemicals used. In lye relaxers, the active ingredient is sodium hydroxide. In no-lye relaxers, the active ingredient is calcium hydroxide. No-lye relaxer is usually a little milder and good for sensitive scalps, but the calcium can cause hair to be slightly drier.

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 .

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.

What is the active ingredient in lye relaxer?

There are two types of relaxers: Lye-based relaxer: This is the stronger formulation and is generally used by professionals.The active ingredient is sodium hydroxide.

Why do you need to touch up your hair?

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.

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 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.

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.

How does keratin relaxer work?

Blow drying and straightening curly hair usually requires a lot of time and product application. Keratin relaxers work to smooth or “relax” the hair, which makes everyday styling much simpler. Most of the time, keratin hair treatments are marketed as temporary avenues to picture-perfect hair.

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.

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.

Does formaldehyde help keratin relaxers?

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.

Does keratin help with frizz?

Keratin itself adds protein strength to hair, which has been shown to help combat frizz. Formaldehyde is believed preserve that straightness by temporarily altering the amino acid structure of the strands.

Can keratin relaxers be used on hair?

Keratin hair treatments may be used to treat damaged hair. There are a number of health concerns with formaldehyde, and critics caution against the use of keratin relaxers that contain it. Even occasional exposure can have substantial health risks, particularly if inhaled.

How to use hair relaxer at home?

Here is how to use them: Coat your hair with petroleum jelly to prevent scalp and hair damage. Apply the relaxer (cream or lotion) to the hair ends and work your way up the strands. Leave the relaxer on for 15 minutes and rinse it out with warm water.

What is the best relaxer for curly hair?

Lye relaxers or sodium hydroxide relaxers (suitable for wavy, coily, and curly hair) No-lye relaxers or calcium hydroxide relaxers (suit all hair types) Ammonium thioglycolate relaxers (suit fine, wavy, and curly hair) The difference lies in the strength of the chemicals used in these relaxers.

How to get rid of hair ph?

Leave the relaxer on for 15 minutes and rinse it out with warm water. Wash your hair with a neutralizing shampoo and condition it to balance the pH levels of the scalp. Apply a hair moisturizer. For touch-ups, follow the same process.

What is keratin treatment?

It is a semi-permanent process that focuses on hair strengthening without disrupting its texture. Keratin is a protein essential for your hair’s structural strength.

How long does it take to get keratin out of hair?

The semi-dry hair is saturated with the keratin protein solution. The solution is left undisturbed for 30 minutes.

What is the pH of hair relaxers?

Hair relaxers have a pH between 9-12 and are incredibly harsh on your skin. They may ( 4 ): A study also indicated a close link between hair relaxers and uterine leiomyomata (cancer) ( 5 ). However, further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

How long after keratin treatment should I wash my hair?

After-Care. Do not wash, style, or tie your hair for at least 72 hours after the treatment. Use sulfate-free hair products to wash and condition your keratin-treated hair. Avoid excess UV and chlorinated or salt water exposure to prevent any damage.

WHAT IS RELAXED HAIR?

So, what exactly is relaxed 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.

WHAT IS A HAIR RELAXER AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Now that you’ve got some background info, you may be wondering how curly hair relaxers work. First, let’s cover what hair relaxer is. A study from the NCBI states that chemical-based hair relaxers are broadly classified as “lye” relaxers, no-lye relaxers, and “thio” relaxers.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE RELAXING HAIR

Phew—that’s a lot of info! Now that you know all about how curly hair relaxers work, you may have some questions popping up in your head. Here are a few things to know before relaxing your hair. First, it’s important to remember that relaxing your hair is a chemical process, and relaxers should only be used as instructed.

IS A HAIR RELAXER PERMANENT?

Since chemical processing is known to have long-term effects, you’re probably wondering if hair relaxers are permanent. And the simple answer is no. According to the AAD, curly hair relaxers should be repeated every eight to 10 weeks to keep strands straight. If not, hair will go back to its natural state.

IS HAIR RELAXER BAD FOR YOUR HAIR?

All chemical processing, including using curly hair relaxers, can damage your hair. The AAD shares that having a hair relaxer and another chemical service can wreak havoc on your strands, which is why they recommend just one service at a time.

HOW TO CARE FOR RELAXED HAIR

Last but not least, we’re sure you want to know how to care for relaxed hair! Keep in mind, maintaining relaxed hair is a process just like anything else. According to a study from the NCBI, relaxed hairstyles can be covered with a scarf while being active as a method for maintaining your straight style.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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