How to Pick a Hair Relaxer

Hair relaxers straighten hair, the opposite of perms, which curl hair. Considering the strong chemicals relaxers contain, it is advisable to pick the best relaxer for your hair type. Pick the one that causes the least amount of damage and discomfort but that gets the job done.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knowledge of hair type

1. Decide whether to use a home relaxer kit or to consult a hair-care professional to apply the relaxer. Select a professional with a track record and experience in applying relaxers to your hair type. Ask friends and family for beautician recommendations.

2. Choose a home relaxer kit based on hair type and texture. Pick from various types with or without lye and various strengths from mild to super.

3. Make a decision between three basic types of chemical relaxers: sodium hydroxide (lye), guanidine hydroxide (no-lye) and ammonium thioclycolate (thio). There are also a few nonchemical relaxers available, such as Bodiphier.

4. Pick a lye relaxer for thick, course hair texture, typically virgin hair. This is the strongest type of relaxer and creates the most dramatic results by penetrating the hair's cortical layer and breaking the bonds that cause the hair to curl. Select the no-lye or thio relaxers for a less-caustic approach to straightening hair.

5. Use a mild formula for fine or color-treated hair and use regular strength for medium-textured hair. Super strength is best for coarse hair textures. Strength levels are applicable for all relaxer types.

6. Consider picking relaxers that incorporate conditioners and other nutrients, such as chamomile, as part of the relaxer system. These nutrients strengthen the chemically weakened hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Let a professional apply a relaxer to virgin hair.
• Wait 6 to 8 weeks between relaxer retouch applications.
• Do not relax and color hair at the same time. Relax hair first and then color hair 2 to 4 weeks later.
• Chemical relaxers can damage your hair and scalp if applied improperly or if they are too strong for your hair type.

Resources

• Visit Fresh Look Products for a nonchemical alternative.

[bellinha]

on 6/22/2009 I know of this realxer called Naat Relax which i think its the best out there. It conditions and gives it an intense shine to the hair. www.nunaat.com and there other stuff is amazing. Two thumps way up!

[brat011981]

on 1/1/2009 Bad advice, not through. It should be mentioned that if one does not like the relaxer they chose intionally they cannot just go from "nonchemical relaxer" or thio to lye or no-lye, but one can go from lye to no-lye and vice versa. Also it is never a good idea to overlap the relaxer onto previously relaxed hair... and a novice should go to a salon until they are comfortable and confident with self-relaxing.
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