How Long Does a Hair Relaxer Stay in Hair?
Hair relaxers are chemicals used to straighten coarse, kinky and curly hair. They are essentially very mild forms of depilatories (hair removal creams) that work by softening hair until it can be easily shaped. The length of time hair relaxers spend in the hair depends on a number of factors, including the type and amount of hair relaxing chemical being used and the frequency with which it is applied. It is best to have a hair care professional apply hair relaxers, as misuse can often result in unpleasant side effects. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Types of Hair Relaxers
-
There are two main types of hair relaxers: sodium hydroxide-based or lye relaxers, and guanidine hydroxide-based or no-lye relaxers. Lye relaxers are extremely powerful, and the chemical they are made of (sodium hydroxide) is commonly used in drain cleaners. It has high pH levels, which means straightening occurs rapidly. No-lye relaxers have a misleading name, as they too use powerful chemicals. However, they are often less damaging to hair than lye relaxers. Both types of relaxers working by attacking the inner layer or cortex of hair shafts, which provide the hair with its curl pattern as well as its stability and strength.
Application
-
The first step in the application of hair relaxers is covering the scalp in a base cream, which is often in the form of petroleum jelly. Then the relaxing chemical is applied to the hair, and left to set for the proper amount of time (each hair relaxer will have a different set-time, and it is important to follow directions precisely). After the chemical is rinsed out, a neutralizing formula and conditioner are applied.
-
Duration
-
After a hair relaxer has been applied for the first time, touch-ups will be necessary, which entails applying more chemical. According to SkinBiology.com, touch-ups should only be performed every six to eight weeks, depending on the condition of hair and its growth rate. This does not mean, however, that hair relaxers only remain in the hair for this six to eight week period. The chemical applied to hair will remain in varying amounts until the processed areas have been physically cut off. Since hair grows roughly half and inch per month, it would take a person with 12 inches of hair close to two years before a relaxer completely grows out.
Complications
-
A common complication with hair relaxers is overprocessing, which entails using too much chemical or adding chemical to already processed hair. The chemicals used in hair relaxers can be unpredictable, and all are known to burn the scalp if misused or overused. Excessive usage of hair relaxer can also result in weak and damaged hair.
Tips
-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that those using hair relaxers should never leave them in for longer than instructed. Seeking the advice of a hair care professional if considering the use of hair relaxers is also highly recommended.
-
