Does relaxer help hair growth?

Author: Prof. Giovanni Runte  |  Last update: Saturday, December 20, 2025

A common misconception is that relaxers promote hair growth; this is false. Repeat: Relaxers do not make hair grow. It might seem like they do only because straightened hair shows the true length of your strands. A healthy scalp is key for growing tresses long and strong.

Can your hair be healthy with a relaxer?

Can Relaxed Hair Still Be Healthy? Relaxed hair can be healthy if you adjust your routine to account for the damage done during the process.

What are the benefits of hair relaxers?

Purpose: A relaxer is used to straighten curly or wavy hair, making it smoother and more manageable. Process: A chemical solution is applied to the hair, which breaks down the bonds that hold the hair in its natural curl pattern.

Do relaxers cause hair thinning?

Relaxers have been known to improve hair condition; however, they could also lead to hair loss.

What will happen to my hair if I stop relaxing it?

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.

Pro Hair Relaxers vs. Box Kits: Which One Is Better for Your Hair?

Does relaxer make hair grow faster?

While it's a myth that relaxers make hair grow faster, the truth is they can actually hinder hair growth in several ways: Making hair weaker and more prone to breakage: The chemicals in relaxers weaken your hair's natural structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and split ends.

Can relaxed hair go back to natural?

Yes, as long as you do not continue to process your hair with any chemical treatments. According to Medical News Today, hair grows at the equivalent of 0.2 to 0.7 inches per month. As a result, your natural hair texture will eventually come back after a relaxer. This hair is sometimes called “new growth.”

Will my hair grow back after relaxer damage?

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.

Which relaxer does not damage hair?

The ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Hair Relaxer system infuses hair with moisturizing olive oil and natural herbs to help to protect the hair from damage during processing. The result is smoother, softer, stronger hair with impeccable Add Shine.

How do you know if your hair is falling out from medication?

Signs of drug-induced alopecia

Other early signs of alopecia include a noticeable increase in the number of shed hairs in hairbrushes, shower drains, and on pillows.

Which relaxer is best for my hair?

8 best hair relaxers to use at home
  • Just For Me No-Lye Conditioning Creme Relaxer Kit. ...
  • ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer Extra Strength. ...
  • Soft Sheen Carson Care Optimum Care No-Lye Relaxer. ...
  • Avlon Affirm Hair Relaxer. ...
  • TBC No Base Creme Hair Relaxer. ...
  • Luster's ShortLooks Color Relaxer.

How often should I relax my hair?

Since chemical processing is known to have long-term effects, you're probably wondering if hair relaxers are permanent. The simple answer is no. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, curly hair relaxers should be repeated every two to three months to keep strands straight, and only to new growth.

What are the disadvantages of relaxing your hair?

The scalp burns and unpleasant smells of lye-based hair relaxers, along with growing evidence of cancer risks, have led stylists and cosmetics companies to search for safer alternatives.

What is a healthy alternative to hair relaxer?

A nonchemical hair relaxer may use oils or products like shampoos, conditioners or serums to straighten hair, allowing added freedom with styling. These products can allow for straighter hair with minimal damage or harmful chemical exposure. Heat is another main nonchemical relaxer for natural hair.

Why is my relaxed hair puffy?

Frequent conditioning is key for relaxed hair so it's possible that the fuzziness is due to a lack of moisture in the hair. Plus, don't forget about protein. Hair that needs strengthening from protein tends to frizz because the hair cuticles don't lie flat, but have lifted scales due to chemical and/or heat abuse.

Is it better to go natural or relaxed hair?

Hair and scalp health – When it comes to health between relaxed hair vs. natural hair health, natural wins. If not used properly, relaxing chemicals (even lye-free formulas) can easily create scalp sores, burns, and inflammation. And even when used correctly, relaxers carry the risk of hair breakage and dry texture.

Can you relax your hair without damaging it?

If you want to relax your hair, we recommend working with an experienced professional. Having them apply the treatment will ensure that you avoid damaging your hair and scalp in the process. That said, if you do decide to relax your hair yourself, you should make sure your hair is healthy and your scalp is undamaged.

Do relaxers thin your hair?

There are many potential causes of thinning hair that may not be related to your relaxer, Alexander explains. Still, relaxer damage and over-processing can contribute to hair thinning over time if maintained incorrectly.

How do you keep your hair healthy with a relaxer?

Relaxed Hair Health Tips for All Year Round
  1. Protein Treatments. During the relaxing process, protein bonds in the hair shaft get broken down. ...
  2. Deep Conditioning. Once a month, good. ...
  3. Only Relax When Needed. ...
  4. Moisturize. ...
  5. Go for protective styling. ...
  6. Work out on wash day. ...
  7. Use dry shampoo. ...
  8. Wear a swim cap.

Does chebe oil really grow hair?

Conclusion. Chebe Oil is an effective remedy for promoting hair growth and strengthening hair follicles specifically for afro-textured hair. It can be used once per week as part of a regular hair care routine to help keep your hair hydrated, moisturized and nourished.

Can your hair still grow when relaxed?

Hair is an integral part of our identity and for those who opt for relaxed hairstyles, ensuring healthy growth is paramount. Proper relaxed hair care not only maintains the smoothness of the locks but can also promote its growth.

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 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.

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