Take your hair texture into consideration before choosing a relaxer. How 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. Is it safe to relax hair at home?

What are the 3 strengths of a relaxer?

Relaxers typically come in three strengths: Fine, Regular, and Super. If your hair texture is fine, opt for the Fine strength formula.

How can I reduce the strength of my relaxer?

1) Weakening the relaxer by adding a few teaspoons of oil or conditioner. Do not add any essential oil. Only carrier oils such as olive, coconut, almond, castor oil etc, should be added.

Which relaxer is good for strong hair?

#PreviewProduct1SaveOptimum Care by SoftSheen Carson Care Defy Breakage No-lye Relaxer, Regular Strength for Normal Hair…2SaveSoftsheen Carson Optimum Multimineral Relaxer, Regular3SaveSoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer – Super

Which relaxer is the best in Nigeria?

• Vitali Olive Oil Anti-Breakage No-Lye Conditioning Relaxer. …
• ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Hair Relaxer. …
• Natures Gentle Touch Herbal Blend No-Lye Kit Relaxer. …
• Creme of Nature Argan Oil Relaxer. …
• Dr. …
• Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss. …
• Originals Africa’s Best Conditioning Relaxer System.

What is the difference between regular and super relaxer?

The amount of active chemical (sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide) determines the strength of the relaxer. Regular is for most people with normal hair, super for very coarse or resistant hair and mild for fine, damaged or over-porous hair.

What is better lye or no-lye relaxer?

Lye relaxers have a higher potential for scalp damage if left on for long, and thus it is best to seek a professional’s help for the process. However, no-lye relaxers are gentler and more suitable for those with sensitive hair and scalp.

What is an alternative to relaxer?

Molasses. Diva Smooth is a natural alternative to traditional chemical relaxers. The finely tuned mixture of natural ingredients when applied together with a flat iron create smooth, shiny hair without breakage or hair loss.

What is the best hair relaxer in South Africa?

• Sunsilk Hair Relaxer for Coarse Hair. The main stand-out feature of the Sunsilk Hair Relaxer for Coarse Hair is its price. …
• Dark and Lovely Precise Diamond Relaxer Cream. …
• Revlon Realistic Conditioning Crème Relaxer. …
• Black Silk Hair Relaxer.

What happens when you stop relaxing your hair?

No lye relaxers can still harm the scalp if left on long or applied on to the scalp instead of the hair. … 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.

Article first time published on

Do relaxers damage your hair?

Because hair relaxers contain lye, they can damage your hair and scalp if used incorrectly, and even cause hair loss. … 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.

How often should you relax your hair?

“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.

Is it better to relax or straighten hair?

When you flat iron your hair, you remove curls/frizz by first mechanically forcing hair straight and then removing the water with heat. It works just like an iron on clothes. … Both relaxing and flat ironing damage hair but relaxing is much worse because it actually degrades hair proteins.

When should I deep condition my relaxed hair?

If you’re diligent about conditioning and always use a leave-in after shampooing, you probably won’t need deep treatments more than once or twice a month. If you apply a lot of heat to your hair, however, you may need to deep condition at least once a week.

Why is my relaxed hair so dry?

While our relaxed hair needs protein we have to be careful to not give it too much which is called protein overload. When our hair has too much protein the protein can keep moisture from getting to our hair strands leaving them feeling dry and brittle.

Is Mega growth good for relaxed hair?

MegaGrowth Anti-Breakage Strengthening Growth Lotion It can be used on relaxed, natural, braided, weaved and dreadlocked hair.

What's the difference between texturizer and relaxer?

A texturizer usually does not completely straighten the hair, while a relaxer does. Hair texturizers are designed to stay on the hair for less time and contain chemicals that are less harsh than hair relaxers. A texturizer also does not need to be applied as often as a relaxer. Hair relaxer must be combed in.

Are all hair relaxers the same?

There are three types of relaxers; sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate. Sodium hydroxide relaxers are commonly called lye relaxers. Lye relaxers can be used on wavy, curly or coily hair. … Regular strength is for normal hair.

Do all relaxers contain lye?

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. Most relaxer kits made for home use are no-lye formulas.

Does lye stop hair growth?

Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, is caustic enough to kill the cells that generate hair growth. With the root knocked out, the hair does not grow back.

What are the most common types of chemical hair relaxers?

Hydroxide and Thio are the most common types of hair relaxers. Hydroxide relaxer types include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and guanidine hydroxide. These relaxers can be marketed as base and no base relaxers.

How long should you go in between relaxers?

Although eight weeks is the standard recommended time frame to go between relaxer touch-ups, some people just seem to not want to wait that long.

How far from the scalp should a virgin relaxer be applied?

Virgin Application Only Apply relaxer ¼ inch to ½ inch away from the scalp (distance from the scalp will be determined during hair shaft analysis) and up to the porous ends (CAUTION: DO NOT APPLY RELAXER ON THE CLIENT’S SCALP).

What is a coarse hair?

Naturally coarse hair has strands that are thicker and wider in circumference than other hair types. It’s often confused with thick hair, which refers to the density of hair follicles you have on your head. If treated and managed properly, coarse hair can hold a style well.

What does black silk relaxer do?

Black Silk Hair Relaxer Mild 225ml leaves hair soft, yet strong enough to be styled. Its formulation is gentle and nourishing, which helps your hair better withstand blow drying and styling heat.

How long does relaxer last after mixing?

Once No-lye relaxer base and activator product components are mixed, they must be used within 10-12 hours and then any unused portion discarded.

How can I make my hair straight without a relaxer?

1. Blow dry with cold air. …
2. Wrap your hair. …
3. Roll with plastic rollers. …
4. Use products meant to straighten hair. …
5. Sleep with your hair wet. …
6. Try a hair mask. …
7. Apply essential oils.

Is Texturising better than relaxing?

“Texturizers are less potent than traditional relaxers, so in theory, they are less damaging to the hair. Most texturizer products include a few key ingredients to help condition and restore the hair. However, it is important to remember that a chemical treatment, no matter how ‘lite’ is still a chemical treatment.

How long does it take to completely grow out a relaxer?

Whether you decide to do a big chop or gradually grow out a relaxer, it’s going to take at least three to four months to start to see real change. For some, it may be a full year before you’re completely chemical-free.

Why does my hair stick together after a relaxer?

It could be the relaxer was left in the hair for too long. Another reason could be the chemicals were left too close to the scalp, or there could be other underlying conditions, like scalp irritation. … Some people report that their hair stuck together after relaxing their hair.

Can relaxers make your hair grow?

A common misconception is that relaxers promote hair growth; this is false. Repeat: Relaxers do not make hair grow. It might seem like they do only because straightened hair shows the true length of your strands. A healthy scalp is key for growing tresses long and strong.