Benefits of Using Hair Relaxers
The Pros and Cons of Chemical Hair Straightening
Black women with extremely curly hair have two options: to use a relaxer or stay natural. This article explores the pros and cons of both choices.
Most black women with naturally curly hair are often faced with a difficult choice when it comes to hair care: to straighten their hair with a chemical relaxer (also known as a chemical straightener) or to keep it natural. Neither choice is easy and both require a considerable amount of upkeep.
A relaxer, as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, is “one that relaxes, as a chemical solution used on tightly curled hair to soften or loosen the curls.” According to United States Patent 5476650, modern relaxers work by using a strong alkalline agent (such as calcium hydroxide) to break down the protein structure of the hair follicule which straightens the hair. You can go to a salon to have a relaxer applied by a licensed professional or purchase one at a drugstore and apply it at home under your own supervision.
Pros of Chemical Straightening:
- Better manageability. A relaxer works to “relax” the curl, which makes the hair straighter and easier to detangle.
- More flexibility. More options for various sleek and straight hairstyles that are difficult to maintain with curlier, frizzier hair.
Cons of Chemical Straightening:
- Overall maintenance. To maintain the straight look, you must touch-up any new hair growth anywhere from every six weeks to three months. If you choose to get your hair relaxed professionally, this can become quite costly.
- Hair damage. Relaxers irreversibly alter the natural pH balance and chemical breakdown of your hair thereby weakening each strand. Hair breakage and scalp irritation are very common side effects from improper application and/or maintenance.
- More attention. Relaxed hair demands ample conditioning and hydration.
- More caution. Certain chemical reactions with certain chemicals (such as hair dye and chlorine from pools) can cause more damage to delicate, chemically straightened hair.
Pros of Natural Hair:
- Healthier Hair. You’re not permanently stripping your hair of its natural texture with harsh chemicals.
- More freedom. Your hair is stronger so it can withstand other chemical processes, such as hair dye.
Cons:
- Increased daily maintenance. The downside is that tightly curled hair may be more difficult to manage daily due to detangling and general unpredictabilty. It is far more difficult to just "get up and go" with natural, tightly curled hair.
- Less flexibility. Modern sleek hairstyles are extremely tough to uphold, as curly hair has a tendency to frizz in humidity.
Either choice should be made based on your own personal preferences, comfort level and desires. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to how you wish to wear your hair. Remember the best hair is hair that is properly taken care of. Consider pros and cons of both options before making your decision.
