Hair Relaxer Dangers

A hair relaxer's job is to straighten a tight curl. To maintain that look, relaxers must be reapplied every six to eight weeks. However, because hair relaxers are chemically reactive products, they can be dangerous.

Destructive Ingredients

Most hair relaxers contain lye, which is commonly used in drain openers. No-lye relaxers have potassium hydroxide, which is only slightly less potent than lye.

Damaging When Used with Dye

Hair damage could occur if you apply a hair relaxer on the same day that you dye your hair. First relax, wait at least a week, then dye.

Hair Breakage

Protein makes hair strong. Lye and no-lye hair relaxers break down the protein structure of the hair. Unfortunately, hair breakage can be the end result.

Scalp Irritation

If a protective coat of petroleum jelly isn't applied around the hairline and on the scalp, the relaxer can cause the scalp to become sore or even burned.

Eye Injury

Although you'll never intentionally put hair relaxer in your eye, it can harm your sight if it gets in there accidentally.

References

• What are the Dangers of Potassium Hydroxide?
• Can I dye and relax my hair at the same time?
• The Truth About Perms/Relaxers

Resources

• How does a relaxer work?
• Skin Deep: Hair Relaxer Safety Reviews