Relaxers are chemical treatments used to straighten curly or coily hair.
They work by breaking down the protein bonds in the hair, which allows the hair to be reshaped and straightened.
Once these bonds are broken, they cannot be repaired or restored, and the hair will remain straight until it grows out and new, curly, or coily hair grows in.
While hair relaxers can help people achieve straight, smooth hair, the overuse or misuse of hair relaxers can lead to dryness, breakage, and hair loss.
If you’re considering getting a hair relaxer, there are several things you should know beforehand.
Consult with a professional hair stylist who specializes in hair relaxers.
They can assess the condition of your hair and determine if a relaxer is the best option for you.
They can also recommend the ideal type of relaxer and guide aftercare.
Remember, hair relaxers contain strong chemicals that can cause damage to your hair and scalp if not used correctly.
Some of the risks associated with hair relaxers include hair breakage, scalp burns, and hair loss. Make sure you understand the risks before proceeding with the treatment.
There are two main types of hair relaxers: lye and no-lye. Lye relaxers are stronger and can cause more damage to your hair and scalp, but they are also more effective at straightening curly hair.
No-lye relaxers are gentler but may require more frequent touch-ups.
Before getting a hair relaxer, check if your hair is healthy and in good condition.
Avoid harsh chemicals or heat styling tools, and deep condition your hair regularly.
After getting a hair relaxer, take good care of your hair to minimize damage and maintain your new hairstyle.
Use gentle shampoos and conditioners, avoid heat styling tools as much as possible, and deep condition your hair regularly.
Hair relaxers will eventually grow out, so you need to know when to touch up your roots.
How long does relaxer stay in your hair?
Optimally, touch-ups are needed every 6-8 weeks, but this can vary depending on your hair type and the relaxer you used.
Still, if you’re looking for a more temporary solution you can consider hair straightening treatments or natural hair care methods.
The length of time that a relaxer lasts can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of relaxer used, the texture of the hair, and how well the hair is maintained after the treatment.
How long does hair relaxer last?
On average, a relaxer can last from 6 to 8 weeks before new growth appears at the roots.
However, the effects of a relaxer weaken over time, especially if the hair is not properly cared for.
Always follow a consistent hair care routine that includes regular conditioning treatments and protective styling.
Avoid excessive heat styling and other practices that can damage the hair and cause the relaxer to break down more quickly.
Applying a hair relaxer can be a complicated process that requires attention to detail and caution to avoid damaging your hair or scalp.
Before applying a relaxer, you should clean your hair.
First, free your hair of styling products or oils. Shampoo your hair at least 24 hours before applying the relaxer to avoid irritation or damage to your scalp.
Apply a protective barrier, such as petroleum jelly or a barrier cream, around your hairline, ears, and cover and protect your neck to prevent the relaxer from touching your skin.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the relaxer. You should wear gloves and avoid inhaling the fumes since some relaxers contain harsh chemicals.
Divide your hair into sections using a tail comb, and apply the relaxer to each section, starting from the back of your head and working your way to the front.
Apply the relaxer evenly, using a brush or your gloved fingers. Avoid applying the relaxer to your scalp, since it can cause irritation or burning.
The amount of time you leave the relaxer on your hair will depend on the product you are using and the texture of your hair. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for timing.
After the recommended time has elapsed, rinse the relaxer out of your hair thoroughly with warm water.
Apply a neutralizing shampoo to stop the relaxing process and restore the pH balance of your hair. Leave the shampoo on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it thoroughly.
Apply a deep conditioner to your hair to help restore moisture and prevent damage from the relaxer.
Once your hair is rinsed and conditioned, you can style it as desired. It’s best to avoid heat styling tools immediately after relaxing your hair to prevent further damage.
If you are unsure how to apply a relaxer, consult a professional hair stylist.
Follow the instructions carefully and to use a high-quality relaxer to minimize the risk of damage.
Remember, hair relaxers are not one-size-fits-all. Choose the right strength for your hair type and to avoid over-processing the hair.
Keep in mind that relaxers should not be used on damaged hair.
If your hair is damaged or weakened from previous chemical treatments or heat styling, using a hair relaxer can make the problem worse.
Once you’ve used a hair relaxer, take care of your hair to maintain its health and smoothness.
It may include using a deep conditioner regularly, avoiding heat styling, and protecting the hair from the sun and other environmental stressors.
If you’re concerned about the chemicals in hair relaxers, you can try natural alternatives that can help loosen curls and waves without damaging the hair.
These include using aloe vera gel, coconut milk, or a vinegar rinse.
How long does relaxer last after opening?
Most hair relaxers will have a shelf life of about 2–3 years if stored in a cool, dry place and unopened.
However, once you open the relaxer, its shelf life will be significantly shorter.
The length of time a relaxer will last after opening will depend on the specific product and its storage conditions.
The shelf life of hair relaxers will depend on factors such as exposure to air, moisture, and heat.
Always check the expiration date of your hair relaxer before use, and discard any product that has passed its expiration date.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage and use of the product. Avoid using any relaxer that has an unusual color, odor, or texture.
The use and characteristics of hair relaxers
As we already mentioned, relaxer is a chemical treatment that is used to straighten curly or kinky hair.
The process involves applying a relaxer cream to the hair, which breaks down the protein bonds in the strands, allowing them to be reshaped and straightened.
Once the relaxer cream is applied, it is typically left on the hair for some time, depending on the strength of the relaxer and the texture of the hair.
After the desired amount of time has elapsed, the relaxer is washed out of the hair, and the hair is neutralized to stop the chemical process.
We recommend waiting at least 48–72 hours, or 2-3 days, after getting a relaxer before washing your hair.
It will give the chemicals in the relaxer enough time to fully penetrate and set into your hair, which will help ensure that the results are long-lasting and effective.
Washing your hair too soon after getting a relaxer can cause the chemicals to become diluted and potentially weaken the strength of the relaxer, which may result in the hair not being as straight as desired or even causing damage to the hair.
Always follow the instructions given by your stylist and take proper care of your hair after a relaxer treatment to maintain its health and appearance.
While a relaxer can permanently alter the structure of the hair, the hair with a relaxer will continue to grow from the scalp in its natural curly or kinky texture.
However, the new growth will have a different texture from the previously treated hair, which may result in a noticeable difference in the overall appearance of the hair.
The process of transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair varies for each individual and can take anywhere from several months to a few years.
It depends on factors such as the length of your hair, the frequency of relaxer applications, and how well you take care of your hair during the transition.
During the transition, you may experience a noticeable line of demarcation between relaxed and natural hair.
Going natural is not a one-size-fits-all process. Some people choose to do a big chop, which involves cutting off all the relaxed hair and starting fresh with a short natural hairstyle.
On the other hand, others prefer to gradually trim off the relaxed ends as their natural hair grows out.
We introduce the different types of hair relaxers, so keep reading.
Lye hair relaxers are a chemical treatment used to straighten and relax curly or coily hair.
The main active ingredient in lye relaxers is sodium hydroxide, which breaks down the protein bonds in the hair, allowing it to be reshaped and straightened.
Lye relaxers are effective at straightening curly or coily hair, resulting in a sleek and smooth look.
The effects of lye relaxers can last for several months, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
Lye relaxers can be applied at home or at a salon.
On the other hand, lye relaxers can be damaging to the hair and scalp if not applied correctly or left on for too long. It can result in hair breakage, scalp burns, and irritation.
Lye relaxers can cause the hair to become brittle and dry if they are overused or applied too frequently.
Lye relaxers can be harsh on the hair and may not be suitable for people with sensitive or delicate hair.
Before applying a lye relaxer, do a strand test to ensure that the product is compatible with your hair type and texture.
Follow the instructions carefully, paying close attention to the recommended processing time and application technique.
Protect your scalp by applying petroleum jelly or a protective cream to the hairline and scalp before applying the relaxer.
After applying the relaxer, rinse the hair thoroughly with cool water and wash with a neutralizing shampoo to restore the hair’s pH balance.
To maintain the health and strength of your hair, use a deep conditioning treatment regularly and avoid over-processing or overusing relaxers.
No-lye hair relaxers are hair products used to straighten curly or wavy hair.
They are an alternative to lye-based relaxers, which contain sodium hydroxide, a caustic chemical that can be harsh on the scalp and hair.
No-lye relaxers use a different active ingredient, calcium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide, which is less harsh on the scalp and hair.
These ingredients break down the protein bonds in the hair, which allows it to be straightened.
No-lye relaxers come in two main types: no-mix and mix.
No-mix relaxers are pre-mixed and ready to use straight out of the container, while mix relaxers require the user to mix a base cream and an activator before use.
No-lye relaxers are less harsh on the scalp and hair than lye-based relaxers.
They are also less likely to cause chemical burns or scalp irritation, especially when used correctly.
Aside from that, no-lye relaxers can be used on all hair types, including color-treated hair.
Before applying no-lye hair relaxer, wash and condition your hair to remove any dirt, oils, or product buildup.
Apply a protective barrier cream or petroleum jelly around the hairline, ears, and neck to prevent the relaxer from getting on your skin.
Mix the relaxer according to the package instructions, if necessary.
Section your hair into four or more parts, depending on its thickness and length.
Apply the relaxer to your hair, starting at the back and working up to the front. Use a comb to distribute the relaxer evenly through each section.
Leave the relaxer on for the recommended time, usually between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the product and the texture of your hair.
Rinse the relaxer out of your hair thoroughly, then shampoo and condition your hair with a neutralizing shampoo and conditioner to help restore your hair’s natural pH balance.
Olive oil hair relaxers are a type of hair treatment that uses olive oil as a key ingredient to straighten curly or wavy hair.
Olive oil relaxers may not be as effective at straightening hair as stronger chemical relaxers.
Depending on the specific product and application method, olive oil relaxers may take longer to work or require more frequent touch-ups.
Some people may experience allergic reactions or other adverse effects from using olive oil relaxers.
If you’re considering an olive oil relaxer, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable product from a trusted brand.
Follow the instructions carefully, and do a patch test before applying the relaxer to your entire head of hair.
Be prepared for some maintenance after the treatment, as relaxed hair may require more frequent washing and conditioning to keep it healthy.
Consider consulting a professional stylist for help with the application process and ongoing hair care advice.
If you want to maintain relaxed hair and improve its results, do touch-ups 6–8 weeks after relaxing.
Touching up relaxed hair involves applying a relaxer to the new hair growth at the roots to straighten it and match it with the previously relaxed hair.
Touching up the new growth of hair ensures that the relaxed hair and new growth match, maintaining a consistent look.
It is easier to style relaxed than natural hair, and touching up ensures that the hair remains straight and is easier to manage.
Touching up is quicker than relaxing the entire head of hair.
On the other hand, touching up relaxed hair can be expensive, especially if you visit a salon.
Touch-ups should be done every six to eight weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows.
Apply petroleum jelly to the scalp before applying the relaxer to protect it from chemical burns.
After applying the relaxer, wash your hair with a neutralizing shampoo to stop the chemical process.
Use a deep conditioning treatment after the touch-up to restore moisture and prevent breakage.
Overlapping the relaxer onto previously relaxed hair can cause breakage, so apply the relaxer only to new growth.
If you are not confident in doing a touch-up yourself, visit a professional hairstylist to avoid damaging your hair.
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