RELAXER : Effects & Types

A relaxer is a special type of lotion or cream to relax the curls of hair. African American use relaxers to make their hair more manageable. Since African hair is thick and coiled, African Americans like to loosen up their hair before making styles.

As hair grows out, the bottom of the hair, which is not treated with a relaxer, needs to be treated. Otherwise, hair will return to its original state. Relaxers should be reapplied about every four to eight weeks.

Some African Americans call it perm. Since "perm" usually means making curls, it is some-what ironic to call a relaxer a perm, but the two terms are used interchageably. in this usage, perm is not short for "perm relaxer," which cont-ains perm salt in it.

Consistent hair relaxation often leads to the hair loss and damage experienced by many African American women.

There are four differant kinds available in Hair Plus Beauty Supply.

Lye Relaxers

It is reported that the alkaline relaxer was discovered in the 19th century when African Americans realized tht washing hair with lye soap helped straighten it. Proline, manufacturer of "Dark and Lovely," started manufacturing relaxers in 1971.

These relaxers are based on strong alkaline solutions such as lye, sodium hydroxide (soda lye), or potassium hydroxide (potash lye), mixes with petroleum jelly or mineral oil for consistency. Hair conditioners would be added to it.

Lye relaxers are the strongest in the hair relaxer group. Due to their strength, some people are allegic to them.Lye relaxers are also called as the no base relaxers. This kind is the second most popular relaxer in the current market.

No-lye Relaxers

No-lye relaxers contains calcium hydroxide, a lye sustitute. It is made for people allegic to lye relaxer, which is too strong for their sensitive sclaps. It is usually sold with an activator in the package. It is the most popular relaxer among consumers.

No-lye, No-mix relaxers

No-lye, No-mix relaxers contain lithium hydroxide. They are softer than no-lye relaxers, but are more convenient to use because they need no activator. It is not quite popular yet.

Perm Relaxers

Perm relaxers are thick creams containing perm salt. Hair needs to be shampooed about 20 to 30 minutes after being treated with these relaxers. Perm relaxers may be still uesed in some beauty salons, but is no longer popular to individual consumers.

Variation of Lye Relaxers

Texturizers: Soft lye relaxers withless alkaline solution added.

Blow-out Creams: Softer than texturizers, theses have even less alkaline solution. Thet are used to create a "soft afro" effect.

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- Manager Lee -