5 Tips to Consider Before You Settle on a Hair Relaxer (2025)

Style July 11, 2017

If you have naturally curly hair, then you understand the struggle of keeping it straight. The cycle of damaging it by straightening it every day and then trying to repair it with hair masks and coconut oil is honestly tiring.

A hair relaxer can solve these issues.

If you prefer straight hair over your natural curls, a hair relaxer will straighten your strandsuntil your roots start growing out. Although it might be a pain to have to get your hair relaxed every time your hair grows, it’s not as bad (or damaging) as straightening it everyday.

This makes styling your hair easier every morning. And for that, we say Yes. Please. Anything to give us that extra 30minutes of sleep.

If you do choose to get your hair relaxed, here are some tips you should know before you go out.

1 Types of hair relaxers

There are ultimately three types of hair relaxers: sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate.

Sodium hydroxide hair relaxers can be used on wavy, curly or coily hair. Sodium hydroxide hair relaxers are also lye relaxers and are most commonly used by professionals because they straighten the hair quickly. But if you have a sensitive scalp, ask your stylist to op for no-lye relaxers because they have milder pH and chemicals.

One thing we should say, however, is that these relaxers can cause dry hair. At the end of the day, you’re dousing your hair with chemicals, so that gets pretty damaging. Fortunately, you can use a deep condition mask to restore the hydration in your hair.

2 Hair relaxer options for men

Hair relaxers aren’t just for women. Men also struggle with frizzy and curly hair. So if you’re a man who wants to relax your hair, there are a few different ways to go about it.

First of all, it’s best to consult a professional hair stylistbefore you relax your own hair at home. If you do choose to do it yourself, make sure it’s the best option for you.Here are three possible options:

• First, a texturizer is a moderate form of a relaxer. It’s easy to apply and it’s perfect for getting rid of frizz.If you have a sensitive scalp, a non-lyerelaxer is the best type of relaxer to use.
• A lye relaxer is also an option, but it won’t make your hair look natural. Also, it’s not very easy to do on your own.
• The bestoption, then, would be to use a texturizer or non-lye relaxer if you’rereally committed to the DIY method.

3 Hair relaxing at home

If you choose to relax your hair, getting it done by a professional is the best option. This way, you can avoid any mistakes, including the possibility of permanently damaging your hair.

When you go to a salon, your stylist is supposed to ask about your hair history to help choose the best treatment for you. But, we understand that salon visits are expensive. So if you do choose to apply a hair relaxing treatment at home, we’ve picked out some top-rated brands.

• The Butter Brand Relaxer by Mizani is a great hair relaxer for curly hair. It’s available at Walmart foronly $16.99.
• The Phytospecific Phytorelaxer Kit is perfect for delicate and fine hair. It contains a blend of keratin, cinchona and marshmallow root leaving you with a silky shine.
• The ORS Olive Oil Relaxer is a no-lye solution, which is perfect for sensitive scalps and it’s only $8.

4 Protecting Relaxed Hair

Yes, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.

When youover-relax your hair, you leave it weak, vulnerable and, in some cases, permanently damaged. In any case, it’s important to regularlydeep condition your hair to restore moisture and hydration. Using a deep conditioner or hair mask twice a week for two weeks before getting your hair relaxed can prepare for the process. And then once you get your hair done, deep conditioningonce a week after can ensure stronger hair.

5 Hair Relaxing Risks

When putting chemicals in your natural locks, of course there will be inherent risks.

As we’ve discussed, leaving relaxers on for too long can dry out your hair and leave it prone to breakage. Some of the chemicals may even inflame and irritate your scalp. So unless you’ve done it before, see a professional to save you the trouble.

But if you’re stubborn – and that’s fine, too – you can also always test the product on a strand of your hair so you can see how your hair will react to the chemicals. Regardless, best of luck on your road to straighter hair!