How do you remove relaxer from hair naturally?

Author: Jennings Kulas  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

The only answer to this question is "no." "There really is no such thing as stripping relaxer from hair because once texture has been removed, you can't put it back," says Branch. "Any such process would significantly damage hair further.

How do you get relaxer out of your hair fast?

Since relaxer cannot be stripped from your hair, the only way to get rid of it right away is to cut it all off. This haircut, often called the big chop, removes all of your relaxed hair and leaves your natural hair to grow out on its own.

How to turn relaxed hair back to natural hair?

The first step is to stop relaxing your hair. It is that simple. There is nothing that you can buy and pour on your hair that will revert it to natural hair from relaxed hair. If you stop relaxing your hair, your new growth will be all natural. Over time, you can cut the new growth and Voila! you have natural hair.

How long does it take for your hair to go back natural after a relaxer?

Whether you decide to do a big chop or gradually grow out a relaxer, it's going to take at least three to four months to start to see real change. For some, it may be a full year before you're completely chemical-free.

What neutralizes a relaxer?

Neutralizing shampoos and lotions create an acid-alkali neutralization reaction to balance the high pH of hydroxide hair relaxers. This process produces water and a salt, restoring the hair's natural acidity and preventing damage. It is crucial for hair health and treatment effectiveness.

Big chop after 30 years of relaxing her hair | transitioning to natural

How long does it take for a hair relaxer to wear off?

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. If not, hair will go back to its naturally curly state.

How to remove perm from hair naturally?

If you want to undo the results of a perm, or relax a perm, wash your hair with Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and hydrate your hair, and to help relax your curls. Apply a deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment, cover your curls with a shower cap, and leave on for several hours.

What does vinegar do to relaxed hair?

The benefits

Apple cider vinegar is good to use on relaxed hair because of the B and C vitamins and potassium it has. Plus, it has anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties which can be helpful for the scalp.

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.

What happens when you stop relaxing your hair?

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.

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.

How to remove chemicals from hair naturally?

Baking Soda Treatment

Baking soda is another multi-purpose, everyday item that naturally removes product buildup from your hair. All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of baking soda into a small amount of shampoo, then wash and rinse your hair.

How to strip relaxer from hair naturally?

The only answer to this question is "no." "There really is no such thing as stripping relaxer from hair because once texture has been removed, you can't put it back," says Branch. "Any such process would significantly damage hair further.

Does relaxer damage your hair?

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

How long should I wait before washing off relaxer?

Wait one week after getting your relaxer.

Shampooing your hair too early will strip more of the moisture away. This is really a personal choice. If your scalp doesn't feel dirty, go ahead and delay washing your hair a few extra days. It's okay to go as long as 10 days before shampooing your scalp.

How to go back to natural hair after relaxer?

Here are three ways to transition to natural hair:
  1. The big chop (which you indicated won't work for you). For some people the big chop is the best way to go natural. ...
  2. Wear braids or twists. One way you can transition without doing the big chop is by wearing braids or twists. ...
  3. Press or flat iron the new growth.

Is hair loss from relaxer 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.

What is the best at home hair relaxer?

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.

Can relaxer be washed out?

When it comes time to wash the relaxer out, be thorough: rinse out as much as possible first, before using a neutralizing shampoo. This bit is important – you don't want to leave any of those chemicals on your scalp.

Does water neutralize relaxers?

No! Water may appear to neutralize the relaxer as you rinse all the relaxer off the scalp because any burning sensation ceases. The water also rinses away relaxer on the hair. However, it will not rinse away the relaxer that is in the hair.

What is a safer alternative to a relaxer?

Some of the non-toxic and safer alternatives that you can use to straighten your hair include:
  • Blow-drying. Rather than using a hair relaxer, blow-drying your hair might prove helpful. ...
  • Heat styling. ...
  • Keratin treatments. ...
  • Oil treatment. ...
  • Silicone cream.

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