what is the best hair relaxing treatment

Reviews of the 11 Best Hair Relaxers of 2021

1. PHYTO SPECIFIC Relaxer Index 2 Botanical No-Lye Relaxer. A no-lye relaxer formulated with naturally derived ingredients to maintain hair’s strength and elasticity.
2. TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer with Protein and DNA. ...
3. ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer Extra. ...
4. Avlon Affirm Sensitive Scalp Conditioning Relaxer. ...
5. Hawaiian Silky no base relaxer. ...

More items...

Full Answer

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 are the dangers of relaxing hair?

Your Relaxer Could be Damaging Your Hair

• Burning. Some people believe that "beauty is pain," but that doesn't have to be true, and definitely shouldn't apply to any burning sensation you feel from relaxer chemicals.
• Unbalanced Scalp pH. ...
• Sores on Scalp. ...
• Follicle Inflammation. ...
• Thinning. ...
• Breakage. ...
• Dryness. ...

What is the best relaxer for natural hair?

• Coconut Cream. Coconut cream is very popular ingredient when it comes to relaxing your hair naturally.
• Olive Oil Hair Relaxer. One of the most common ingredient used for hair care is the Olive oil.
• Milk Can Do The Trick. Milk is a natural solution that is commonly used to soften and straighten the hair naturally.

How to relax natural hair without chemicals?

Here are some of the features:

• Creates a look of smooth, shiny, bouncy rejuvenated hair
• PH-balanced formula with hair strengthening ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein, pro-vitamin B5, and meadowfoam oil
• Smooths and fortifies damaged hair
• Naturally softens the texture and locks in moisture without the use of chemicals

Which treatment is best for relaxed hair?

Relaxers straighten the hair but weaken the hair shaft. Oils like coconut (that contain a trace of protein) work great for relaxed hair, as well as protein-free oils such as argan oil, shea oil, babassu oil, maracuja oil, sacha inchi oil, alone or combined.

What is the most commonly used hair relaxer?

1. Lye Relaxer. Lye relaxers are the most commonly used relaxers. The main active ingredient (sodium hydroxide) quickly breaks down the hair's bonds and makes the process much faster.

Which relaxer is best for hair growth?

10 Best Relaxers (Perms) For Black Hair (2022)TOP 10 PRODUCTSCHECK PRICEBest For Increasing Hair Strength: Hawaiian Silky No-Lye RelaxerCheck PriceBest Hydrating Formula: Miracle's New Growth No-lye RelaxerCheck PriceBest Natural Ingredients: ORS Olive Oil Organic Root Stimulator No-Lye RelaxerCheck Price7 more rows•Jun 2, 2022

Is there a relaxer that doesn't damage hair?

If you have hair that is thin, use a no-lye formulated relaxer or perm made with petroleum. You can choose between the Mizani, Affirm, African Pride and Phyto relaxers if you want to benefit from a great body and super shine. Phyto relaxers are deemed revolutionary if you want to try them.

What are the 3 types of relaxers?

There are three types of relaxers; sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate. Sodium hydroxide relaxers are commonly called lye relaxers.

Which is the safest hair relaxer?

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Avlon Affirm Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp Crème Relaxer. If you've been relaxing your hair for a while, you're likely no stranger to scalp burns—but this doesn't have to be the norm. This gentle formula is safe for color-treated hair and even the most sensitive scalps.

Do relaxers damage your 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.

Is relaxed hair healthy?

Relaxed hair is less maintenance in many respects, but it's also weaker than natural hair because of the chemical process used to break down the protein bonds. So if your goal is long healthy relaxed hair you still have to put in the work.

Is lye relaxer better?

Based off of the pro's and con's all in all, if you have sensitive skin No-Lye based relaxer is the right product for you. Although, if you do not suffer from sensitive skin or are not as easily burned, your stylist would most likely recommend Lye based relaxer because of the many benefits it offers your hair.

Is there an alternative to a relaxer?

Silicone creams are another viable alternative to hair relaxers. They help you in making your hair frizz-free and smooth without using any heat tools.

How can I make my natural hair soft without relaxer?

12 Remedies for Softer HairKnow your hair type. Understanding your hair type is important before trying any home remedies. ... Coconut oil. Coconut oil is becoming increasingly prevalent in beauty products. ... Olive oil. ... Argan oil. ... Use a weekly hair mask. ... Bentonite clay. ... Don't wash with hot water. ... Wash strategically.More items...

How can I straighten my roots without a relaxer?

0:093:24How to Straighten African-American Hair Without Relaxers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I'm going to do is use the thermal flat iron to press down the root area and make sure thatMoreSo what I'm going to do is use the thermal flat iron to press down the root area and make sure that she has straightness at the root area after that then I can take the flat iron and smooth the ends.

Why do we like hair relaxers?

Why we like it: This is a perfect hair relaxer for fine to medium types of hair. We like how manageable it makes hair, and how shiny it looks as it bounces on your shoulders while each strand is feeling nurtured and healthy on the inside. If hair relaxers had a soundtrack to the results they deliver, this one would scream “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown!

What is the best no lye hair relaxer?

The Optimum No Lye hair relaxer by Softsheen-Carson is the most dependable relaxer available, and it truly delivers the results it prides itself on. This product lives up to its “90% less breakage” promise that is printed on the box, which leaves your hair strong, smooth, and healthy.

What is a shea butter conditioner?

A shea butter conditioning relaxer that protects and replenishes the hair. A cream activator that activates the moisturizing ingredients in the formula.

How long does a hair relaxer last?

Unlike other products, these are not designed to last a day, or a week, or even a month: a good hair relaxer can keep your hair straight for 6 to 8 weeks!

Why does my hair float?

If the hair floats, your hair has low porosity. Its ability to absorb moisture or product is low, because there are fewer pores in your hair cuticles. Therefore, your hair will take longer to dry, as water or product will remain on the surface. If this is the case, make sure your hair is somewhat damp before you distribute product evenly through it. You’ll need a little bit more hair relaxer if your hair isn’t very porous, and you’ll need to pay extra attention to washing it all out.

What is Hawaiian Silky Hair Relaxer?

The Hawaiian Silky hair relaxer is a product that uses lye. The difference here is that instead of using the standard sodium hydroxide, this hair relaxer uses lithium hydroxide, which has a slightly lower pH level. The close to your hair’s natural state the pH level is, the healthier your hair will be.

What does it mean when you feel hair strands?

If you can feel the hair strand, but only slightly, it means you have medium or moderate hair. People with medium hair can typically use almost any hair relaxer, but they might want to stick with those that aren’t marketed towards any particular diameter.

What is the best hair relaxer?

Don't know where to start? Peep the 12 best hair relaxers of all time, below.

What is the best way to loosen curls?

If you're looking for something to loosen your curls instead of completely straightening them, you may want to opt for a texturizer. There aren't any chemical differences between the two treatments—texturizers are just left on for a shorter amount of time than relaxers. With this brand's formula, the combo of shea butter and hydrolyzed soy protein will make your curls super bouncy, shiny, and happy.

Can you relax your hair at home?

Here's the thing, though: Getting your hair relaxed by a professional is typically the best option, especially since relaxers are filled with super-intense chemicals that can lead to breakage and burning if used incorrectly. That means if you've never, ever tried a relaxer before, maybe don't experiment with it at home for your first time. That said, if you already relax your hair at the salon and just need to retouch your new growth, today's generation of at-home relaxers can get the job done, leaving your hair sleek, healthy, and hydrated.

Is there a no lye relaxer?

Because this relaxer is no-lye, the active ingredient is calcium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide. No-lye relaxers are perf if you want something a little gentler or if you have a sensitive scalp. This hair relaxer isn't harsh on your hair, but it's still strong enough to leave your texture straighter.

Can you use olive oil as a hair relaxer?

Hair relaxers can come at a steep price (I mean, they are pretty intense chemicals, so it makes sense) but you can still find a quality relaxer for basically no money. And because olive oil is the MVP in this product's formula, you won't have to sacrifice any softness or moisture to get your hair straight.

Is mild relaxer good for fine hair?

Perfect for fine to medium textures, this one-step mild relaxer is way easy to use and way less intense on your hair than a regular relaxer. There's also a built-in conditioner in the formula that hydrates TF out of your hair by targeting dry spots.

Is hair relaxer legit?

Sure, the phrase "strengthening hair relaxer" might sound like an oxymoron, but I swear this formula is actually legit. The magic is in the ceramides—an ingredient you may recognize from your moisturizer, but when it's placed in hair products, it works to keep your hair cuticle flat. And when your cuticles are flat, your hair is stronger, less prone to damage, shinier, and smoother.

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. According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), relaxers are used by more than two-thirds of African females to straighten hair for easier grooming and increased length.

WHAT IS A HAIR RELAXER AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

A study from the NCBI states that chemical-based hair relaxers are broadly classified as “lye” relaxers, no-lye relaxers, and “thio” relaxers. The main ingredient of “lye” relaxers is sodium hydroxide, no-lye relaxers contain calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate, and “thio” relaxers contain thioglycolic acid salts, according to the NCBI. This is where things get a little tricky, so we’ll try and keep it as short and sweet as possible.

What is the first step of hair processing?

According to a study from the United States Patent, the first stage of processing is referred to as the reduction stage , where the disulfide bonds of the hair fiber are broken. This is important because the presence of disulfide bonds is directly linked to how curly your hair is. Then the hair is thoroughly rinsed before moving onto the second stage, which is known as the neutralization stage. This step involves using a neutralizing agent to reclose the disulfide bonds into a new configuration, setting hair into the desired shape. Got it?

Can a hair relaxer damage 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. The NCBI also reveals that excessive chemical treatments can cause the hair cuticles to crack, which can ultimately lead to hair damage.

How to apply a relaxer?

Relaxer application begins with parting your hair and applying a “base.” The term refers to a petroleum-based product used to protect the scalp. “As relaxers are caustic chemicals that can cause severe scalp irritation and hair loss, a petroleum based protectant should be liberally applied throughout the scalp, nape, front hairline, and ears,” says Phills. “This process should never be skipped as it can greatly lessen or prevent scalp burns.” As celebrity stylist Kah Spence notes, “We were told that if the scalp is ‘burning,’ the relaxer is doing its job, but that’s actually incorrect.” Another misconception is that Vaseline is a perfectly fine base to use. While it has petroleum in it, “you don’t want to use anything that would adhere to these chemical processors and Vaseline could be a little too thick,” says Wallace. Instead, most relaxer kits, like Phyto above, come with a base you should use.

Do people get relaxers?

Natural hair gets most of the attention, but plenty of people still do get relaxers. This treatment chemically straightens the hair, typically with sodium hydroxide, which breaks down hydrogen bonds inside coily hair to produce a straighter strand. Like with any other chemical treatment ( hair dye or keratin), a relaxer can weaken and damage the hair. There has also been some research linking excessive use of certain relaxers to a higher risk of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Hair damage and potential toxicity are two reasons why so many women have embraced their natural curls. Still, last year Hampton, Virginia–based stylist Joie Wallace says she saw a reversal: an uptick in people getting relaxers. “A lot of people that were natural and having that maintained in the salon, felt like they couldn’t handle it themselves, so they actually put relaxers in their hair,” says Wallace. Many people find straight hair easier to care for and if you’re someone who regularly wears your hair straight, not having to iron out your coils every wash day makes that process much more simple. “I have a lot of clients who still have a relaxer and their hair is just as healthy as the natural-hair girls,” says Mika English, founder of Grew by M.E. It just has to be done properly.

Can I use a relaxer and color on the same day?

Lithium hydroxide is another type of straightener that Wallace says can be used in conjunction with low volume hair coloring, because “it won’t break the hair as much, and will be much more gentle on the hair and smooth the hair out,” but traditionally getting a relaxer and color on the same day is a no-no. Finally, ammonium thioglycolate won’t fully straighten the hair but will give it a permanent wave like a jheri curl or perm.

What is a natural hair relaxer?

Natural hair relaxers are basically deep hair moisturizers that weigh down the hair with extra oils and fat. While using these, your hair will be needing some additional heat treatment too.

How to choose a hair 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:

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.

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.

How long does a chemical relaxer last?

The straightening effects of a chemical relaxer last for approximately 6 to 8 weeks until new growth occurs. However, the change to your existing hair structure is permanent.

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.

What is the best treatment for frizzy hair?

Also known as the hair relaxer, this is truly the best anti-frizz hair treatment, particularly for women with unruly, coarse curly or wavy hair. A relaxing salon treatment for hair involves using chemicals to reduce the curls and bring your locks to an easier manageable state. A good post-relaxing treatment is a must in this case.

What is clarifying hair treatment?

A clarifying hair treatment at a salon, or a detox treatment, as we call it, is a ‘reset button’ for your scalp and locks that removes dirt and strips away product buildup. This is an extremely effective salon therapy that makes your hair thicker, way easier to style, and boosts its growth. If you see that your hair has become too weak, stringy, and completely lifeless, consider trying this procedure.

Why is it better to use a salon keratin treatment?

The reason why it’s better to go for a salon keratin treatment instead of doing it at home is that it usually involves formaldehyde-releasing components that may be dangerous if used wrong, and needs processing strands with high temperatures. To make the post-keratin effect longer you will need regular cuticle protection and moisture salon treatments. Warning! If your hair is extremely damaged, keratin treatments are not for you. Better opt for botox.

How to get rid of yellowish blonde hair?

If you’re blonde but want to get rid of the unwanted warm yellowish hues, try a toner treatment hair in a salon. That’s a very popular salon treatment for bleached damaged hair, which, however, only adds a tone over your natural hair color rather than permanently altering it. It doesn’t technically treat it, only making your locks look shinier and healthier. If you need repairing, several different treatments will be needed for the desired result.

How long does keratin treatment last?

A proper hair salon keratin treatment with the right maintenance yields amazing results lasting up to 6 months.

Is hot oil good for hair?

Doing a hair hot oil treatment salon session may be quite helpful for all hair types. It’s probably the best salon treatment for damaged hair you can get, as it brings life back to your locks by restoring the hair structure. Olive, castor, or coconut oil can serve as a great dry hair remedy, so go ahead, book a hair consultation, and nourish your hair! The procedure itself includes shampooing, applying oils to your hair and scalp if needed, heating, and washing oils out.

Is deep conditioning good for hair?

After all, the deep hair conditioning treatment is one of the most effective salon hair treatments available today. It might be the best hair treatment for people who’ve noticed their hair doesn’t look that soft, shiny, and hydrated as it used to. Such a hair hydration treatment must be scheduled at least once in several months for its maximum effect, and it’s suitable for all hair types.

What oils are good for smoothing hair?

If your tresses are in need of a little extra TLC, this is a must. A trio of oils—coconut, argan, and rosehip —not only offer the smoothing benefits but also add tons of hydration and protect from heat and other environmental stressors.

How long does smoothing hair last?

Apply this smoothing styler once (on damp hair, before blow-drying and flat-ironing) and reap the benefits for, wait for it, up to one week (or three washes). That’s right—the results last even after you wash your hair, making this the perfect alternative for times when you want a sleek look for days on end (think during a vacation), but don’t want to deal with daily styling.

How long does hair straightening spray last?

Enter the beauty of this straightening spray. Polymers and keratin proteins wrap around each hair strand, leaving it smooth and sleek for up to three days (or until your next shampoo). Still, it doesn’t feel heavy or stiff, so your strands will still be soft and touchable.

Is there a silicone in hair straightener?

This clean formula contains none of the silicones that are so commonly found in many other straightening products. Instead, it relies on jojoba oil and soy bran lipids to add moisture, smooth flyaways, strengthen the hair, and deliver heat protection without ever feeling greasy or heavy. There’s also no wrong way to use it. Apply it on damp hair before heat styling, on damp hair before air-drying, or as a finishing touch to seal in your sleek style.

Does shea butter help with frizz?

No matter your natural texture, a few spritzes of this formula will help smooth it out, fast. It’s especially great for humid weather since it’s ideal for locking out frizz—plus, it contains shea butter to impart plenty of moisture. It protects hair from temps up to 450 degrees, and, when paired with the accompanying shampoo and conditioner, leaves strands up to five times smoother.

Is coconut oil good for curly hair?

It smooths, protects, and imparts plenty of shine, thanks to a combo of coconut oil and coconut milk. It's also nice and hydrating, which is always a good thing for curls. FYI, it’s meant to be used on dry hair, so try using it post blow-drying but pre-flat ironing, or as the final step in your routine.

Is hydrating hair products good for curls?

It's also nice and hydrating, which is always a good thing for curls. FYI, it’s meant to be used on dry hair, so try using it post blow-drying but pre-flat ironing, or as the final step in your routine. The 16 Hair Products That Let Your Curls Live Their Best Life.

What is the best product for straightening hair?

This animal-friendly, cruelty-free hair-straightening product will make getting silky, smooth hair so easy. You can thank the straightening blend of vitamin E , pro-vitamin B5 , and glycerin.

What is the best cream for hair straightening?

Shea butter is the MVP of this lightweight hair-straightening cream. It seals the hair cuticles (aka no frizz or flyaways), smoothes the hair, and hydrates it without weighing it down.

How much does hair straightening spray cost?

You don’t need to ball out to get a hair straightening product that actually works. This drugstore spray from John Frieda only costs $12 and will 100 percent make your hair look super straight, smooth, and shiny.

Does hair straightening cream make your hair feel stiff?

While this hair-straightening cream will make sure that your hair actually lies down flat, it won’t leave it feeling heavy or stiff. It’s lightweight and packed with silk protein and vitamin E to keep your hair moisturized and flyaways in check.

Does almond oil help dry hair?

The combo of sweet almond oil, amino acids, and hydrolyzed keratin in this leave-in hair-straightening product are a miracle for dry hair . Not only will your hair be straight and smooth, but it’ll be so soft and moisturized you won’t be able to stop touching it .

Does Redken hair straightener mess up hair color?

If you’re worried that using a hair-straightening product will mess up your hair color? Try this color-safe option from Redken. It’ll give your hair that smooth finish you’re looking for (TY, dimethicone) without compromising color.

Does spirulina protein help with wavy hair?

If you always have trouble getting that one crease out of your wavy hair, this hair-straightening product is about to be your new go-to. Not only will it get rid of all those annoying creases and bumps, but it’ll also strengthen your hair thanks to spirulina protein.