What Does Relaxer Do To Curly Hair?

Are you curious about hair relaxing treatments? Do you dream of having sleek, straight hair?

Hair Relaxer is a popular choice for people with naturally curly hair who want to reduce frizz and make styling their hair more manageable. But do you know what does relaxer do to curly hair? does hair relaxer damage hair?

Well, yes. It can also damage the hair, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Don’t worry! There are also several benefits of hair relaxing.

Today, we’ll discuss hair relaxers and explore their safety, potential dangers, and long term effects of hair relaxers.

What Is A Relaxer?

Hair relaxing is a chemical treatment that permanently straightens curly hair and breaks down the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft. These bonds are what give curly hair its shape. When the disulfide bonds are broken, the hair is able to straighten.

Relaxer Types

There are two main types of hair relaxers: hydroxide relaxers and thio relaxers.

Hydroxide relaxers are the most common type of relaxer and are made with sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or guanidine hydroxide. 

Thio relaxers are less harsh than hydroxide relaxers and are made with ammonium thioglycolate or sodium thioglycolate.

How Does Hair Relaxing Work?

The hair relaxing process is a two-step process. First, a relaxer cream is applied to the hair. The cream contains chemicals that break down the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft.

The cream is left on the hair for a period of time, depending on the type of relaxer used and the hair’s texture. Hydroxide relaxers typically need to be left on for longer than thio relaxers.

Once the cream has been on the hair for the appropriate amount of time, it is rinsed out. A neutralizing shampoo is then applied to the hair. The neutralizing shampoo helps to restore the pH balance of the hair and to close the hair cuticles.

Know If Hair Relaxing Treatment Is Right For You

Deciding whether a hair relaxing treatment is right for you can be a personal and sometimes challenging decision. It’s important to consider various factors to determine if hair relaxing aligns with your hair goals and preferences. 

Let’s explore some key points to help you make an informed decision–

Hair Type and Texture

Hair relaxers are primarily designed for individuals with curly or textured hair who desire a straighter look. Consider the level of curl or wave you have and how much you’d like to alter it.

Hair Health and Damage Risk

Evaluate the current health of your hair. Hair relaxers contain chemicals that can potentially cause damage. So it is important to have healthy hair before you get the hair salon treatment. If your hair is dry, brittle, or damaged, you may want to wait until your hair is healthier before getting a relaxer.

Your Lifestyle

Hair relaxing treatments require regular touch-ups, so you need to be prepared to commit to getting the treatment every 6-8 weeks. If you are not able to commit to regular touch-ups, a hair relaxing treatment may not be right for you.

Professional Consultation

Seek guidance from a professional hairstylist who can assess your hair, provide personalized advice, and recommend the most suitable approach for achieving your desired results.

The Pros And Cons of Hair Relaxing Treatment

There are both pros and cons to using a hair relaxer. Some of the pros include–

Pros

Easier styling: Hair that has been relaxed is easier to style and maintain.

Reduced frizz: Hair relaxers can help reduce frizz, making hair look smoother and more manageable.

Change in appearance: Hair relaxers can change the appearance of your hair, giving you a different look.

Cons

Some of the cons of using a hair relaxer include–

Damage to the hair: Hair relaxers can damage the hair, especially if they are not used properly. The damage can be in the form of breakage, dryness, and loss of elasticity.

Commitment to regular touch-ups: Hair relaxers need to be touched up regularly as new hair growth occurs.

Inability to wear your hair naturally curly: Once you have relaxed your hair, you will not be able to wear it naturally curly.

Tips for Caring For Your Hair After A Relaxer Treatment

It is important to care for your hair properly after a relaxer treatment to help prevent breakage and damage. Here are some tips for caring for your hair after a relaxer treatment:

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
• Avoid using heat styling tools on your hair.
• Get regular trims to remove any split ends.
• Be patient! It can take some time for your hair to adjust to the relaxer treatment.

Conclusion

Now that you know what does relaxer do to curly hair, remember, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to hair relaxing.

It is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration of the pros and cons. 

If you are considering getting a hair relaxer, be sure to talk to your hairstylist about the best option for your hair type.

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