Most hair relaxers do have carcinogens such as parabens, Bisphenol A, heavy metals, and formaldehyde that can be released when heated.
The safest chemical hair straightener is Keratin treatment which is a safe way to permanently straighten your hair as it does not rely on the use of harsh chemicals like permanent waves and hair relaxers do.
Hair relaxers takes on average of 10 minutes to kick in.
You should wait 2 to 3 months before getting another hair relaxer treatment because relaxing your hair toot quickly between the relaxers you risk over processing the hair which causes breakage.
The type of hair relaxers that hair salons use is a Lye Relaxer which is a sodium hydroxide based hair relaxer which is very effective at breaking down the hair's bonds and straightens the hair quickly.
The two most common types of hair relaxers are Thio and Hydroxide hair relaxes.
Hydroxide hair relaxers include potassium, hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and potassium and is marketed as base and no base relaxers.
Lye hair relaxers are the most commonly used hair relaxers.
The main active ingredient (sodium hydroxide) in Lye hair relaxers quickly breaks down the hair's bonds and makes the process much faster.
The stronger chemicals in this hair relaxer can cause severe damage to your hair and scalp if not applied by a professional.
There are 3 primary types of hair relaxers which include lye hair relaxers, no-lye hair relaxers, and natural hair relaxers that does not contain any chemicals.
Lye hair relaxers contain sodium hydroxide or NaOH in its chemical compound format.
It is one of the strongest chemicals used in hair relaxers.
For coarse hair, the recommended hair relaxer is ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Hair Relaxer Extra Strength—it straightens even the thickest strands.
And for those with sensitive scalps, look no further than Avlon Affirm Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer.
It gets hair sleek and straight while avoiding burns.
The active ingredient in a no-lye relaxer tends to be less irritating on the scalp, and formulated for people with sensitive scalps.
Although no-lye relaxers are less irritating than lye relaxers on the scalp, they can cause serious damage to your hair when used improperly by yourself or an untrained stylist.
Sodium hydroxide relaxer is also commonly known as lye or caustic soda.
A sodium hydroxide relaxer is an example of a chemical hair relaxer.
It is a chemical compound that has the formula NaOH.
Hair relaxers straighten hair by penetrating the cuticle and the cortex layers of the hair shaft to loosen the natural curl pattern.
This process leaves the hair weak, brittle and prone to breakage.
It can even burn your skin, cause permanent damage to the scalp and lead to hair loss.
Relaxers are permanent – hence, the alternative name “perm.”
However, the hair growth that grows in is your natural texture, requiring relaxer touch-ups every 6 to 12 weeks depending on your preference and how fast your hair grows.
If you want to have smooth straight hair, a relaxer is better for you.
However if you want to have curls or textured waves, go for a perm.
Both treatments can alter your hair structure and both give equally amazing results, especially when done properly.
However, both can also damage your hair a little.
Because hair relaxers are typically chemical, it can weaken the strands of your hair if you are not adequately taking care of it.
This is the same for hair dye or any other chemical applicant that alters the look of your hair.
Getting it done professionally is recommended for the best results.