You are here: Home

Hair Beauty

The Deal With Relaxers and Perms

Ready for a new style? A relaxer or perm could be the answer. It’s important to know the pros and cons when it comes to introducing your hair to such chemicals. Everyone can’t use relaxers and perms and the chemicals they contain aren’t always good for your hair. Despite the downside, it is possible to use relaxers and perms to give you the hair you’ve always wanted.

Chemical Hair Relaxers

Simply put, the difference between chemical hair relaxers and perms is that relaxers straighten and perms curl. Chemical hair relaxers can be done professionally in a salon or using an at-home kit that can be purchased at any beauty supply store.

If you have naturally curly hair, using a relaxer can get you the sleek, straight strands you desire but if you’ve never put chemicals into your hair before, it is important to think things through. Relaxers come in two versions: lye and no lye. Lye is the name given to relaxers that use sodium hydroxide. This ingredient provides more dramatic and long lasting results. However, this chemical is extremely potent. No lye relaxers use guanidine hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide. Although this type of relaxer is less damaging, it can still cause problems if used incorrectly. The best way to know whether you should choose lye or no lye relaxer is to talk to a hair care professional.

Chemical hair relaxers use potent ingredients to physically change the basic structure of the hair shaft. Because the ingredients are so powerful, the hair can become weak and susceptible to breakage. However, many relaxers do contain moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, which helps protect the hair and scalp.

Having a healthy scalp is extremely important when it comes to getting a chemical hair relaxer. Avoid putting in a relaxer if your hair or scalp is already damaged. Although there are relaxers made for young children, it is best to wait until your child is older to avoid permanently damaging their hair. Allow your child to grow their hair out and style it naturally, then determine whether you want to take the chance of putting a chemical relaxer in.

Just like hair dye, over processing should be avoided at all times. The effects of a relaxer don’t last forever. New growth and the presence of sweat and heat on your scalp can also cause your hair to transform back to its naturally curly state. This is when a touch-up is required. Most hair care professionals don’t recommend getting a touch-up sooner than 6-8 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. Ignoring these guidelines will put your hair at risk for over processing and with the strong chemicals relaxers contain, even the healthiest hair and scalp can be damaged. Virgin relaxers are also available for hair that has never been introduced to chemicals. This type of relaxer is best when done professionally.

When getting a relaxer, it is important to protect the scalp and your skin. A base cream such as petroleum jelly should always be applied to the scalp and around your hairline to prevent the chemicals from coming into contact with your skin. After the relaxer has been applied to your roots, it must sit for a certain period of time to allow the chemicals to take hold. After this step, the relaxer is removed from the hair by washing it with warm water and using a special neutralizing shampoo and/or conditioner, which works to repair and prevent the hair from breaking.

Tags: Add more tags...,
or Close

Bookmarker