Can relaxer permanently damage hair?

Author: Francisca Friesen Sr.  |  Last update: Saturday, April 12, 2025

It can even burn your skin, cause permanent damage to the scalp and lead to hair loss. Hair relaxers have been in use since the early 1900s and are one of the most popular styling products among African American women.

Does your hair go back to normal after a relaxer?

Relaxers are permanent, so whatever parts of your hair that have been in contact with a relaxer will never grow back naturally. Therefore, at some point in time your hair must be cut off to above the demarcation line. If you're not willing to go for the big chop, the next step is to do regular trims of your hair.

How to fix damaged hair from a relaxer?

To help repair hair damaged by a relaxer, I recommend the following steps: Deep condition regularly. Use a rich, moisturizing deep conditioner 1-2 times per week to intensely hydrate and strengthen the hair. Look for formulas containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil. Avoid heat styling.

Will hair grow back after a relaxer burn?

If the chemical burn caused by your hair relaxer was severe, it may also leave scars across the scalp. In this instance, the burnt areas are unlikely to fully regrow hair and may result in areas of permanent baldness where the follicles have been destroyed.

Is hair loss from relaxers reversible?

You might also get sores on your scalp following a relaxer session, in addition to the burning. That difficult situation may result in infection or permanent hair loss due to relaxer use.

The TRUTH About Hair Relaxers

What happens to your hair when you stop getting relaxers?

Once you fully transition, you will find your natural curls may become drier much faster than your straight relaxed hair. Even though your relaxed ends will eventually go, it is still important to keep your strands from top to bottom moisturised. After all, your hair is still on your head.

Does hair grow back after drug induced hair loss?

Drug-induced hair loss is usually reversible after interruption of treatment. The prevalence and severity of alopecia depend on the drug as well as on individual predisposition.

What does damaged relaxed hair look like?

Is your client's relaxed hair showing the danger signs of damage? You'll know them when you see them: dryness, split ends, excess frizz and, worst of all, breakage.

How long does it take for a relaxer to grow out of your hair?

Some people grow their hair out to a certain length, while other cut the relaxer off sooner. On average most people transition for 6 months to 2 years.

Can relaxers permanently damage hair follicles?

One of the immediate dangers of hair relaxers is the potential for chemical burns and scalp irritation. These products can cause permanent damage to the scalp and hair follicles, leading to hair loss and scalp infections.

How do you permanently remove relaxer from hair?

Since relaxer cannot be stripped from your hair, the only way to get rid of it right away is to cut it all off.

Can perm damaged hair be repaired?

Since the perm method uses chemicals to bend hair, it is not possible to fundamentally eliminate damage. However, it is possible to reduce the dryness that causes damage. Use treatments with moisturizing and repairing effects both before and after perms.

How to tell if your hair is overprocessed?

Over processed hair often lacks elasticity, making it more prone to breakage and damage. Healthy hair has good elasticity, while over processed hair may feel stiff, brittle, or prone to snapping when stretched.

Can you reverse relaxer damage?

1. Protein treatments: Relaxers can strip the hair of its natural proteins, so using a protein treatment can help to strengthen and repair the hair.

How to relax your hair without a relaxer?

Hair Relaxer Alternatives: Safer Ways to Straighten Your Hair and Protect Your Health
  1. Blow-drying. Rather than using a hair relaxer, blow-drying your hair might prove helpful. ...
  2. Heat styling. Simple and easy-to-do, heat styling is also a reliable way to straighten hair. ...
  3. Keratin treatments. ...
  4. Oil treatment. ...
  5. Silicone cream.

What does Coca-Cola do to relaxed hair?

Apparently, Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, a very low pH. So when you apply it to your hair, the cuticle tightens, which makes your strands look smoother and your curls look more defined. Others say the sugar adds build-up to your hair, making it look fuller.

Can relaxed hair go back to natural without cutting?

If maintaining length is your preference, know that it is possible to transition to natural hair without doing a big chop. But whether you decide to cut or not, mentally prepare for it to take some time for your natural curls to come in and shape up.

Can relaxed hair be healthy?

The answer is YES✅ Hair will break and get damaged if it's not properly taken care of and properly maintained whether it's your real hair in its natural or relaxed form or even if it's a wig.

Is getting your hair relaxed permanent?

The results are permanently straightened hair. As your hair grows out you will need touch-ups to the new growth to maintain your new texture, usually every six to eight weeks. Relaxing your hair removes the natural kinks and bends that cause most of your knots and tangles.

How do you know if your hair is damaged beyond repair?

5 Signs of Damaged Hair
  1. Noticeable Split Ends - Split ends are a tell tale sign your hair may be damaged. ...
  2. Extremely Dry Hair - Dry hair can be a sign of damage as the natural oils may not be able to coat the full length of your strands. ...
  3. Dull Appearance - Dull hair could mean you're suffering with damaged locks.

Why is my hair so rough and hard?

Lack of Moisture and Hydration: Not drinking enough water or a poor diet lacking essential nutrients can reflect in the hair's health, leading to dull and dry hair. Genetics: Some individuals naturally have hair that's more prone to dryness due to genetic factors.

Will my hair fall out if I relax it?

Because hair relaxers contain lye, they can damage your hair and scalp if used incorrectly, and even cause hair loss.

What brings hair follicles back to life?

A hair loss medication may be the solution to your dying hair follicles. There are several types of options available. First, there is minoxidil, a type of topical treatment you can purchase over the counter. This one works by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, which can help revive dying follicles.

What pill makes your hair grow back?

Finasteride (Propecia).

This is a prescription drug for men. You take it daily as a pill. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show new hair growth.

Can biotin regrow hair?

Despite its popularity in the media and amongst consumers, biotin has no proven efficacy in hair and nail growth of healthy individuals. Only 1 study has shown decreased levels of biotin in healthy individuals, though this data was confounded by multiple factors, including patient history.

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