Does the thought of choosing the perfect relaxer for your natural hair feel like navigating a jungle with no map? You see shelves packed with boxes, each promising smooth, manageable results, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Many people with natural hair want a change in texture, but they worry about harsh chemicals, damage, or simply picking a product that won’t work for their specific hair type.
Finding the right relaxer is a big deal because it affects your hair’s health and how you feel about your look. You need something effective yet gentle. If you’ve ever felt frustrated staring at ingredient lists or confused by different relaxer types, you are not alone! This guide cuts through the confusion.
By the end of this post, you will understand the different types of relaxers available, what ingredients matter most, and how to select the best formula for your hair goals. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and confidently choose the relaxer that gives you the results you want. Let’s dive into the world of relaxers and find your perfect match!
Top Relaxer For Natural Hair Recommendations
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Model Number: 815155
- Item Package Dimension: 3.49999999643" L x 3.399999996532" W x 3.299999996634" H
- Item Package Weight: 1.0802650838 lb
- Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer: The next generation in healthy relaxing, this Relaxer kit helps preserve the 5 signs of healthy hair: Moisture, Shine, Strength, Softness and Body. For fine to regular hair
- Straight, Sleek and Shiny Hair: Now featuring 3 new components including Healthy-Gloss 5 Moisture Conditioner, Healthy-Gloss 5 Moisture Hair Crème and our exclusive Silk Keratin Serum for softness and body.
- Styling Products: We make an array of products for all types of curly hair, including moisture-sealing gels and leave-in sprays, rejuvenating oils, pomades, creams, butters and protective edge savers.
- Unique Looks: We help people of color celebrate Unique Looks and styles with an array of treatments, colors and styling products for all hair types: curly, wavy, natural, relaxed, transitioning and more.
- Softsheen-Carson: For over 110 years we have provided beauty to all consumers of African descent with our innovative, tailor-made, superior products and services specially designed for their needs.
- Kit Includes: 5oz No Mix Texturizer Cream
- 1oz Neutralizing Shampoo
- .35 oz Curls & Naturals Leave-In Conditioner
- For silky soft healthy straight hair
- Formulated with extra virgin olive oil
- Professional formula
- Made in the USA
- Protect hair
- Country of origin is United States
- Anti-Breakage No-Lye Relaxer System leaves hair softer
- Exclusively for children's delicate hair and sensitive scalp
- This product is Manufactured in United States
- This Product is Easy to use
- Mega Growth Anti Damage No Lye Hair Relaxer Regular Strength
- RENEW YOUR HAIR: With this Moroccan Argan oil penetrating hair oil care suitable for curly hair types, the hair oil helps seal in nourishment and shine, leaving hair strong and silky. Our formulas are the solution to loosening natural curl patterns and softening hair. This powerful, potent blend infused with Argan oil is the perfect antidote for coarse hair.
- SECURE WITH MORE NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Our products are made with natural Moroccan Argan oil, Abyssinian oil, and other natural ingredients that help soften hair and loosen the natural curl pattern.
- NOURISHES & MOISTURIZES HAIR: Our extra-powerful blend with Moroccan Argan oil helps revive, smooth, and restore luster to damaged, dry, and coarse hair. This powerful, potent blend infused with Argan oil is perfect for damaged, coarse hair.
- DETANGLE AND TEXTURIZE: With our curl softener kit, you can detangle those difficult curls and style your hair the way you want it. The curls & naturals hair & curl softener kit conditions and detangles curly hair, adding incredible definition and shine. Its unique formula, enriched with Abyssinian and Argan oil.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Natural Hair Relaxers
Choosing the right relaxer for your natural hair is a big decision. You want straight, manageable hair without causing damage. This guide helps you pick the best product for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
Good relaxers have features that protect your hair during the chemical process. Look for these important things on the box:
- Moisturizing Agents: Check for ingredients like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, or Aloe Vera. These keep your hair from drying out.
- Indicator Strips: Some kits include color-changing strips. These tell you if the relaxer is fully rinsed out. This is a big safety feature.
- Strength Level: Relaxers come in mild, normal, or super strengths. If your hair is fine or color-treated, choose mild. If your hair is very coarse, you might need normal or super.
- No-Lye vs. Lye: Lye relaxers (Sodium Hydroxide) work fast and are very strong. No-Lye relaxers (Calcium Hydroxide or Lithium Hydroxide) are gentler and often better for beginners.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
The chemicals in relaxers change your hair’s structure. Knowing the main ingredients helps you decide.
The active ingredient does the relaxing. For most home kits, this will be Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) or Calcium Hydroxide (No-Lye). Always read the full ingredient list. Healthy oils and conditioners should be listed near the top to fight dryness.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the relaxer affects your final result and your hair’s health.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Pre-Treatment or Post-Treatment Packets: High-quality kits include a protective cream to put on your scalp *before* applying the relaxer. They also include a deep conditioner *after* rinsing.
- pH Neutralizing Shampoo: This special shampoo is crucial. It stops the relaxing process completely and brings your hair back to a safe pH level.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Warning Signs):
- No Protective Cream: If the kit skips the pre-treatment, it increases the chance of severe scalp burns.
- Very Few Conditioning Steps: A cheap relaxer might just have the cream and the activator. Good quality includes several steps for moisture.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the relaxer matters as much as what you buy.
User Experience:
A good experience means the relaxer spreads easily. You want a smooth cream that does not drip everywhere. If the smell is overpowering, it can make the experience unpleasant, even if the product works well.
Use Cases:
- First-Time Users: Beginners should always pick a “Sensitive Scalp” or “Mild” formula. Always do a strand test first to see how long it takes to straighten one piece of hair.
- Maintenance Touch-Ups: If you are just relaxing new growth (the new hair near your scalp), buy a kit designed for touch-ups. Do not apply the relaxer to hair that is already relaxed, as this causes breakage.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Hair Relaxers
Q: What is the main difference between Lye and No-Lye relaxers?
A: Lye relaxers use Sodium Hydroxide. They work very fast but are harsher on the scalp. No-Lye relaxers use gentler chemicals and are safer for beginners or damaged hair.
Q: How long does it take for a relaxer to work?
A: It depends on the strength and your hair type. Mild relaxers might take 15 to 20 minutes. Stronger ones might only need 8 to 10 minutes. Never leave it on longer than the instructions say.
Q: Can I use a relaxer on hair that is already relaxed?
A: Only relax the new growth near your scalp. Applying relaxer to already straightened hair causes serious damage and breakage.
Q: What is a strand test, and why do I need one?
A: A strand test means applying the product to a small piece of hair. You do this to check how long it takes to straighten and to make sure your hair can handle the chemicals without breaking.
Q: What should I put on my scalp before relaxing?
A: You should apply a thick protective base cream (like petroleum jelly or the one provided in the kit) to your entire hairline and scalp. This acts as a shield against the chemicals.
Q: Is it okay to wash my hair right before relaxing?
A: No. Do not wash your hair for at least 24 to 48 hours before relaxing. Natural oils protect your scalp from burning.
Q: What is the most important step after rinsing out the relaxer?
A: The most important step is using the neutralizing shampoo. This stops the chemical from working and cleanses the hair.
Q: Will a relaxer change my natural curl pattern permanently?
A: Yes. Relaxers use chemicals to permanently break the bonds that create your curl pattern, making the hair straight.
Q: Can I color my hair after relaxing it?
A: It is best to wait at least one week after relaxing before coloring. Applying two strong chemicals too close together severely damages the hair shaft.
Q: Why does my hair feel brittle after relaxing?
A: Relaxers strip the hair of moisture. If you skip the deep conditioning step or do not moisturize enough afterward, your hair will feel dry and brittle.