What Is a Relaxer for Hair?

For many people, the grass is always greener on the other side. If you have curly hair, you may want it straight. If you have straight hair, you may want it curly. A relaxer can help you if you want to go from a curly style to straight hair.

Identification

A hair relaxer is a type of chemical lotion or cream--often containing sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide--that works to straighten hair permanently. It is applied and allowed to stay on the hair until its texture has been altered. Once the relaxing process has taken place, the hair is rinsed of the chemical agent. Shampoo is then used as a neutralizer, as relaxers are typically alkaline--pH greater than 7--in nature. If a neutralizing shampoo is not used to restore the pH balance to the hair, it may swell and break.

Function

Most chemical hair relaxers are applied to dry hair.The relaxing agent is combed through the hair and then left on for an average of about 5 to 8 minutes. However, different relaxers call for different setting times. After the relaxer, the hair is usually conditioned well to prevent drying and breakage. Then it can be styled as desired.

Considerations

Though hair relaxers are considered permanent treatments, they do require additional trips to the hair salon or the repeated purchase of at-home relaxing kits. This is because the hair continues to grow, adding normally textured hair at the root. As new growth appears, it should be relaxed as well to match the previously straightened hair. This is typically done about once every 6 to 8 weeks, although the time between relaxing treatments varies, depending on the type of relaxing agent and the individual's rate of hair growth.

Types

Lye is an ingredient in many types of hair relaxers, as it helps with the straightening process. Unfortunately, however, it can burn the scalp. To prevent burns, some people choose no-lye relaxers. According to the FDA, any relaxer can cause burns if not used in an appropriate manner, but no-lye relaxers are considered gentler on the skin (see Resources below). Whether you choose lye or no-lye relaxers, the best protection against burns is following the manufacturer's directions.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent irritation when applying a hair relaxer, it may help to put petroleum jelly on your scalp beforehand. Avoid scratching or irritating your scalp by touching it with the brush or comb 2 to 3 days before you have your hair relaxed. Additionally, it is best to avoid both dyeing and relaxing your hair. If you must do both, use a semi-permanent dye, which may cause less damage.

Resources

• The FDA on hair relaxers