Hair Relaxer Reviews

Before, we start our discussion on hair relaxer, here is some general info about hair relaxers. A hair relaxer is a product which helps in relaxing the curls, and thus makes them less curly. It is applied similar to a hair dye, and can come in a cream, lotion or serum form. Hair relaxing can be performed in a salon by a professional cosmetologist, or you can buy the home hair relaxer kits and use it yourself for relaxing your hair. Similar to hair dye, the treated part of the hair moves away from the scalp as the hair grows, and hence regular applications of hair relaxers which can be after every 6-8 weeks is required.

How Does a Hair Relaxer Work?

When the hair relaxing product is applied to your hair, it alters the hair's texture which is opposite to perming of hair. The active ingredient present in the hair relaxer is a strong alkaline chemical, which penetrates the cortex or cortical layer of the hair and loosens the natural curl pattern. The inner layer of the hair shaft of the hair gives the curly shape and strength and elasticity. Once you have applied a hair relaxer, the process is irreversible, and there are certain side effects like burning of scalp, dryness of hair and hair damage. Hence, it is important that people need to buy the right type of hair relaxer according to their hair type, and follow the directions exactly mentioned on the product label to avoid any hair relaxer side effects. Here are the various hair relaxer reviews, and the best products.

Types of Hair Relaxers & The Best Products

Lye Based Hair Relaxers
Products which are referred to as lye relaxers, contain the chemical sodium hydroxide, which is one of the strongest type of principal chemical used and gives long-lasting and dramatic effects. The strength of the product varies according to pH from 10-14. The greater the pH, the faster the straightening will take hold, however there are chances of more damage to the hair. Avoid strong products like motions relaxers, as many motions hair relaxer reviews say that it is a very strong hair relaxer and has damaged the hair.

• Affirm by Avon is a great product for relaxing hair. This product is best for stylists who prefer a slower application time hair relaxing treatment.
• Optimum Relaxer is a strong holding product, which is great for curly frizzy hair.

No-lye Hair Relaxers
Many women have switched using to no-lye hair relaxers, which also contain a chemical. But, the chemical used - guanidine hydroxide, is milder compared to sodium hydroxide, which means less potential damage to the hair. Special care should be taken while applying the no-lye hair relaxers.

• Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Built-In Protection No Lye Relaxer System (Extra Strength) is a good product. Many olive oil hair relaxer reviews on this product say that it helps to straighten curly frizzy hair quickly.
• Optimum Care Advanced Technology Conditioning No-Lye Relaxer System, is another product which conditions and restores hair bounce, and straightens hair fast with less damage. This is one of the best relaxers for black hair.

Natural Hair Relaxers
There are many natural ingredients which can also help to relax your hair. If you don't wish to use strong harsh chemicals, then using natural hair relaxers is a safe way to make your curly hair more manageable.

• Naturalaxer Kit-In-A-Jar is an organic natural product, which is free from chemicals. It helps to control frizz and noticeably relaxes hair.
• You can also use natural hair relaxer products like olive oil, coconut cream, milk or lemon to relax your hair.

These were the various hair relaxer reviews, and the basic types of hair relaxers. So, read the labels on the product to check if it matches your hair type and texture. You can consult a professional cosmetologist to relax your hair, or use a home kit to relax your hair at home.