Can I do hair relaxing at home?

Relaxing your hair can be a tedious process, especially when you can’t make it to the salon to get it professionally done. Getting your relaxer done in a salon, in the hands of a professional you trust, is the best way to go about this process, but it can also be done at home.

Do natural hair relaxers work?

There is no product completely free of chemicals that will permanently straighten highly textured hair. The reason that traditional, lye-based relaxer is still around is because there’s no suitable, non-chemical replacement if you want to straighten tresses without reversion at the first sign of moisture.

Is texturizer the same as relaxer?

Unlike a relaxer, which straightens your hair, a texturizer is a chemical process that smooths and de-frizzes your hair while maintaining some of your natural curls.

Is Lye relaxer better?

A lye relaxer works more quickly to straighten hair than a no-lye relaxer. Some people note that it produces better results in addition to working faster. This is because it contains a stronger chemical than the no-lye alternative.

Where can I get a relaxer for my hair?

You can go to a professional stylist, or you can purchase a hair relaxing kit to be used at home. NaturallyCurly talked to Texas-based stylist Latara Porch to learn more about relaxers and some frequently asked questions about the process.

How do I know if a relaxer is right for me?

A professional can perform a “strand test,” which will test the strength of your hair in order to further assess which type of relaxer is best for you. Porch added that professionals have better, stylist-approved hair products that can help specially treat your hair.

Can I use a relaxer on textured or heat damaged hair?

In general, fine textured or heat damaged hair will need less relaxing time than course hair. Always do a strand test before using an at-home relaxer, even if you have used the same relaxer before. Consult a professional before relaxing color treated or previously relaxed hair.

What are the side effects of hair relaxers?

Porch said the process may also result in chemical burns on the scalp and other areas — with some women have also complained of scalp irritation, scalp damage or hair loss. Remember that hair relaxers are stripping your hair of its natural oils, so be very attentive to your hair if you decide to relax it.