Let’s Talk Hair Relaxers and Risk: Real Talk, No Chaser

Hey ladies! So we all know there’s been a whole lotta buzz about hair relaxers lately, especially about whether they’re linked to cancer. Remember back during the pandemic when salons were closed, and we all went natural? Now that things are back to normal, some of us are missing our creamy crack, but those cancer lawsuits got us shook!

I was right there with you, sis! I went natural thinking it was the healthiest option. But let’s be real, natural hair can be a whole time commitment…and I don’t have time for that every single day!

So, I did some digging and found out some interesting stuff about relaxers and cancer. The tea is, the ingredient they used to put in relaxers that was linked to cancer? It’s been gone for years!

Now, before you run back to the salon, hold up! I’m breaking this down into two parts so you can make the best decision for your crown. This post is all about understanding relaxers, and next week we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of natural hair vs. relaxers.

Understanding Hair Relaxers: What You Need to Know

Okay, so relaxers can give you that silky-smooth look and make styling a breeze, but we gotta understand what they do before we put them in our hair.

What Exactly is a Relaxer?

Basically, relaxers are chemical treatments that permanently change the structure of our naturally curly and coily hair to make it straight.

Types of Relaxers: Lye vs. No-Lye

Lye Relaxers: These are the ones most people use. They have sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and work really well to straighten even the tightest curls. They get the job done fast, but you gotta be careful because they can burn your scalp if you’re not careful. Always, always use that protective base!

No-Lye Relaxers: These use different ingredients and are supposed to be gentler. But, they might not be strong enough for thick-haired women. And watch out for buildup, which can make your hair dry and brittle.

Girl, let me tell you, I’m team lye all the way! No-lye can leave your hair feeling like straw due to the calcium that builds up on the hair strand.

The Science Behind Relaxers

Breaking those Bonds: Our beautiful curls and coils come from bonds in our hair shaft called disulfide bonds. Relaxers break these bonds, which is how they straighten our hair.

The Downside: This breaking-bond process can weaken our hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. And because relaxers strip away natural oils, our hair can end up looking dull and frizzy.

Relaxer Myths, Busted!

Myth #1: Relaxers Make Your Hair Grow Faster – Girl, please! Hair growth starts at the scalp. Relaxers don’t do anything for that. Good scalp care and a healthy diet are the real MVPs for hair growth.

Myth #2: You Can’t Grow Long Hair with Relaxers – Okay, so relaxers can make your hair break off easier, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have long hair. You just gotta take extra care of it! Use the right strength relaxer, get regular touch-ups, deep condition religiously, and trim those ends.

Myth #3: All Relaxers are Created Equal – We just talked about lye and no-lye relaxers, and how different they are. Don’t believe the hype that all relaxers are the same!

Real talk: Most of the time when our hair is dry and damaged from relaxers, it’s because the strength was too strong. Remember, it’s called a relaxer for a reason! A mild strength is all most of us need.

Safety Tips: Relaxing Like a Pro

Before You Relax:

Strand Test is a Must: If this is your first rodeo with relaxers, do a strand test first! This will show you how your hair reacts to the chemicals before you put it all over your head.

Read the Directions, Queen! I know, I know, instructions are boring. But seriously, read them carefully!

Healthy Scalp is Key: Don’t even think about putting a relaxer on a scalp that’s already irritated or damaged.

During Application:

Protect Yourself: Gloves are your best friend! Protect your skin and eyes from those chemicals.

Section and Apply Evenly: Work in sections and apply the relaxer evenly so you don’t overprocess any parts of your hair.

Timing is Everything: Don’t leave that relaxer on for longer than the instructions say!

After Treatment:

Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Get all that relaxer out of your hair!

Neutralize: Use a neutralizing shampoo to balance your hair’s pH levels.

Deep Condition: Show your hair some love with regular deep conditioning treatments and protein masks to keep it strong and moisturized.

Alright, sis! Now you know the basics of relaxers, their effects, and how to stay safe. Remember, relaxers can give you that straight hair you want, but your hair’s health should always come first. And if you’re not sure about anything, talk to a professional stylist who can guide you.

Stay tuned for next week’s post when I’ll discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly to natural and relaxed hair.