Things You'll Need:
- A no-lye relaxer kit
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Step 1
Guanidine hydroxide is the active ingredient in this type of relaxer. This is the chemical which lifts the cuticle of the hair shaft, and enters the cortex of the hair shaft.
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Step 2
When it enters the cortex of the shaft, it re-arranges the disulfide bonds from an alternating arrangement, which causes the hair to curl, to a straight arrangement, which permanently arranges the hair in a straight configuration
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Step 3
Often, this type of relaxer is sold in a box kit, which comes with a relaxer cream, activator solution, neutralizing shampoo, conditioner, instructions for use with plastic gloves, and a spatula stick for mixing the cream and activator.
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Step 4
Open the kit to make sure all of the items are included. You may want to add additional neutralizing shampoo or neutralizing conditioner (such as Roux Corrector and Conditioner or Motions Moisture Plus) if the kit does not provide enough neutralizer
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Step 5
Add the activator into the relaxer cream and mix until smooth. Relaxer cream should be applied within 2 hours of the initial mixing, so wait until you are ready to apply the relaxer to mix it.
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Step 6
Part hair into 4 sections. Part hair into 1 inch sections and apply grease, oil, or base to the scalp.
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Step 7
Review timing instructions. Decide how long it will take your hair to process, and set an egg timer for that length of time. Put on plastic or latex gloves.
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Step 8
Apply relaxer to your hair, starting in the back and working towards the more delicate edges of your hair. Only apply the relaxer to your new growth and smooth with your fingers. For greater precision, use a relaxer/color applicator brush. Do not comb through.
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Step 9
Be mindful or the time throughout the process. If you go over the time allotted you run the risk of overprocessing your hair.
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Step 10
Rinse the relaxer cream from your hair quickly and thoroughly. Apply neutralizing shampoo and shampoo the hair. If the shampoo has color alarm, continue to apply shampoo, lather, and rinse until the suds are white and stay white for 5 minutes. If there is no color alarm, shampoo the hair at least 4 times, and allow the shampoo to remain in the hair at least 5 minutes. The longer the neutralizer is in the hair, the better.
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Step 11
Apply conditioner to the hair and allow it to remain in the hair at least 30 minutes. You should not experience any hair loss, breakage or shedding following the relaxer process. If so, the hair was overprocessed or not neutralized properly.
