Relaxed Hair
Chemical Curl & Texture Family
Relaxed hair has been permanently straightened with a chemical relaxer. Lye relaxers use sodium hydroxide; no-lye relaxers usually use guanidine hydroxide. The treated hair stays straight, and the new growth is touched up every few months.
Distinguishing characteristics
Unlike a silk press or press and curl, a relaxer changes the hair's structure permanently, so washing does not bring the curl back. A texturizer is the same kind of chemical left on for less time to loosen rather than fully straighten the curl. "No-lye" does not mean chemical-free.
Advantages
Straight hair that stays straight through washing and humidity, with quick daily styling.
Considerations
Chemical burns, breakage and thinning are risks. In the NIH Sister Study, frequent users of chemical straighteners had a higher rate of uterine cancer, an association rather than proof of cause.
Warning signs
Burning, scabs or sores on the scalp, or hair breaking off, need prompt attention from a stylist or doctor.
Preparation
Have a licensed stylist do a strand test and check your scalp first. Don't scratch, brush hard or wash right before the service, and tell the stylist about any recent colour or previous relaxer.
Daily Care
Relaxed hair is more fragile: moisturise the lengths, handle gently, and use heat sparingly.
Night Care
Wrap the hair or sleep on satin to reduce friction and breakage.
Washing
Use moisturising shampoo and conditioner made for chemically treated hair, with regular protein-and-moisture balance.
Scalp Care
A protective base on the scalp, hairline and ears reduces contact during a relaxer; report any burning at once.
Refreshing
Touch-ups go on new growth only. Overlapping relaxer onto already-relaxed hair causes breakage.
Removal
A relaxer cannot be washed out. Going back to natural hair means growing it out and trimming the relaxed ends (transitioning) or cutting them off.
Styling tips
Wraps, roller sets, silk-press-style flat ironing at low heat, bobs and updos all work on relaxed hair.
At a glance
- Looks
- 3 looks
Looks
- Relaxed Bob
- Texturized Short Hair
- Relaxed Hair with Wrap
FAQs
- Is a no-lye relaxer safer than a lye relaxer?
No-lye does not mean chemical-free. Lye relaxers use sodium hydroxide and no-lye relaxers usually use guanidine hydroxide; both can cause burns and breakage. A licensed stylist should do a strand test and protect your scalp, hairline and ears.
- What is the difference between a relaxer and a texturizer?
A texturizer is the same kind of chemical as a relaxer, left on for less time so it loosens the curl rather than fully straightening it. Both change the hair permanently.
- How do I go back to natural hair from relaxed hair?
A relaxer cannot be washed out. Either grow your hair out and trim the relaxed ends over time (transitioning), or cut the relaxed hair off.