How to Choose the Right Relaxer
Relaxers are hair products that help to relax curly hair and make the strands straighter. Sometimes a flat iron might still need to be used after relaxing, but hair will be significantly straighter after a relaxer is used. Choosing a relaxer can be difficult, and a test strip is always recommended before proceeding with a full treatment. Also, hair must be shampooed with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of all of the build up on your hair so that the hair is not damaged during relaxing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Speak with a trusted hair stylist to see which kind of relaxer would be best for you. Different ethnicities have different textures of hair. There are several varieties of relaxers geared toward Caucasian and African American hair. There are also different levels within the varieties for the intensity of the relaxer. Someone can choose to use one or the other depending on the texture and color of her hair.
-
2
Check the label to see whether the relaxer is a lye relaxer or a non-lye relaxer. Lye has a higher pH level and is normally only purchased by professional hair dressers.
-
-
3
Perform a test strand in a non-conspicuous place. The underside of the hair is probably best. See how the relaxer reacts with your hair and what kind of neutralizing time is needed.
-
4
Neutralize the acidity or alkalinity of the relaxer after treatment. This is important because this is where the majority of hair damage will come from. This type of damage is harsh, causing split ends, shedding, and making your hair difficult to style. Apply the neutralizer to hair as directed by the label and leave on for at least five minutes. The more time the better because the neutralizer has to break through three layers of hair shaft to completely return your hair to the proper pH level.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
pH levels indicate whether a substance is an acid, base or neutral. Water is a neutral, having a pH balance of 7. The more acidic a substance, the lower its pH number. The more base a substance, the higher the pH number.
Do not use hair products in any other way than as directed. To do so may result in serious injury and/or poisoning. Call poison control immediately if ingested.
