What are the disadvantages of relaxing your hair?

Author: Archibald Hand PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

Lye relaxers' active ingredient is sodium hydroxide, whereas no-lye straighteners rely on sodium hydroxide's byproducts to do the work. Both of these aggressive chemical agents can create a highly alkaline (high-pH) environment that can be harmful to the human body.

How damaging is relaxing your hair?

Hair relaxers have also been known to cause extreme dryness and hair breakage due to brittleness or the inability to maintain moisture, and the more adverse results include permanent hair loss, chemical burns, bald patches, and scalp infections.

Which is better, natural or relaxed hair?

The Benefits and Challenges of Natural and Relaxed Hair
  • 1) Natural hair that is well cared for is structurally stronger and healthier that relaxed/texlaxed hair that is well cared for.
  • 2) Natural hair has a high level of elasticity which helps it fight breakage.

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.

Is it better to relax or straighten hair?

It's to do with the bonds in the hair, straighteners only break and reform the hydrogen bonds in your hair whereas chemical relaxers reform disulphide bonds which are much stronger and aren't reversed just by adding water so the straightening effect lasts longer.

WATCH this BEFORE you Relax your Hair! ...Are you Really Ready?

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.

Is a silk press better than a relaxer?

Silk Press is the better option if you are worried about using chemicals or want to keep your hair natural. The benefit to the Silk Press is that you can enjoy a straight hairstyle with no heat damage and still go back to your natural hair after.

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.

What can I use to relax my hair naturally?

Natural Alternatives for Relaxing Hair

If you prefer a more organic approach, there are natural alternatives to chemical relaxers, such as coconut cream, olive oil, and milk. These natural ingredients can help moisturize and nourish your hair, reducing frizz and leaving it soft and manageable.

What happens if 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.

How many times a year should I relax my hair?

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 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 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.”

Do relaxers cause hair thinning?

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

How can I relax my hair without damaging it?

Before going through the relaxer process, here are a few things to do:
  1. Do not agitate the scalp. ...
  2. Base the scalp.
  3. Only Apply Hair Relaxer To New Growth. ...
  4. Follow Timing Instructions. ...
  5. Use Neutralizing Shampoo.
  6. Wait at least 6 to 8 weeks before relaxing again. ...
  7. Maintain a good hair routine.

How can I make my hair soft and silky permanently?

Here are a few changes that you can incorporate into your lifestyle and hair care regimen to get soft and silky hair.
  1. Choose hair care products as per your hair type. ...
  2. Do not shampoo your hair daily. ...
  3. Always apply a conditioner. ...
  4. Oil your hair regularly. ...
  5. Use hair masks. ...
  6. Do not wash your hair with hot water.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

What can I use in my hair instead of 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.

What's better than a relaxer?

The major difference between keratin treatment and relaxers is on how long the treatment can straighten the hair. Keratin is less damaging compared to Relaxers.

Is there a perm that doesn't damage hair?

Pin curl perm

This type of perm doesn't use harsh chemicals—but this also reduces how long the style lasts. Pin curl perms typically last about 3-6 months.

Do you relax clean or dirty hair?

No matter what your regular cleansing routine is, do not shampoo your hair for at least one week before applying relaxer. In some circumstances, however, you might want to condition before your relaxer. "In addition to conditioning the hair after a relaxer service, a small amount of conditioner such as Olaplex No.

What is a Dominican blowout?

In the Dominican Blowout, direct heat is used for the blowdry portion of the straightening. This is done on dry hair, which limits the risk of damage. Your hair's level of resistance will determine the exposure to heat, as resistance affects how long it takes your hair to be blown straight.

What is the best brand for hair straighteners?

Here is the list of winners that earned the highest marks during our testing period.
  • Best Hair Straightener Overall: T3 SinglePass StyleMax.
  • Best Value Hair Straightener: Chi Original 1-Inch Ceramic Iron.
  • Best Luxury Hair Straightener: GHD Platinum+ Styler.

When should you not use a silk press?

“You can get a silk press every two to three weeks if you choose to,” says Dumornay. Keep in mind, though, that frequent silk presses can cause heat damage. If you notice your hair drying out or breaking off easily, take a break from silk presses and visit your hairstylist for a deep moisture treatment.

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