Many salon professionals have moved away from applying relaxers in the salon. However, relaxers have been and will continue to be a choice for many people. The once billion-dollar industry is not making as much money from the sale of relaxers like in the 80’s & 90’s. This fall in sales could be related to bad experiences many have suffered following a relaxer, and the role social media has played in promoting natural hair as a much better option.
There are many myths about relaxers. Some are true, some are not. Let’s talk about the myths. Is a relaxer a chemical? Of course that’s true. Can a relaxer give you cancer? There is no proof that relaxers cause cancer, but my advice is to keep as many chemicals out of your body, especially if you have had cancer.
Can you get a relaxer and color on the same day? Yes, when done properly. Unfortunately, many people will lose their hair or experience some thinning when both applications are done the same day. Hair loss or thinning occurs when the relaxer is applied, the natural protein is removed from the hair and it needs to be replaced. To address this problem, you need a product like the Protectant Treatment Strand by D’Serv, which is a deep root condition that replaces the lost protein and prevents hair loss and thinning.
Another reason there is some truth to not receiving a relaxer and color on the same day, is usually the only thing that is applied prior to a relaxer is a base to the scalp. If the base does not sit in the pores long enough, then the scalp will become tender and burn. The PH rises to 10.0 - 17.0, but when you are finished with the entire process, the PH drops down to 6.0 - 7.0, and it needs to remain around 4.5 - 5.0. However, products like D’Serv Apple Cider Rinse and the Protectant Treatment Strand can stabilize the hair and make it safe to receive both applications.
Another myth is that you need a relaxer every 4 to 6 weeks (every 1 and a half months). This is not true! Good concentrated products that detoxify your hair and add moisture will leave each hair strand firm and strong, and make it possible to go longer between relaxer touch-ups. Over processing the hair can cause severe damage to the hair and scalp. Remember, a relaxer should only be applied to the roots to take some of the curl out of it. Your hair should not be bone straight, because this leaves your hair strands weakened and makes the porosity extremely poor. Most African Americans have multiple hair textures and should be careful how often they receive a relaxer. My advice is to do a partial relaxer. It is best not to relax areas that do not need relaxing. Also, applying a protective protein while relaxing the hair will help decrease shedding and remember not to overlap the hair strands. If you apply an amino treatment, then you should be fine using a relaxer. Make sure you neutralize the hair at least 3 times and use warm water to thoroughly rinse out all products.
And lastly, a texturizer is a good alternative if the hair really does not need a relaxer. A texturizer will take away the frizz, and allow for a better performance. Remember not everyone needs a relaxer.
Contact a healthy hair specialist who will be helpful and honest with you. For more information or to request a FREE HAIR CONSULTATION, visit our website at www.deservehealthyhair.com or contact us by phone.
Angela H. Brown,
877-833-5877, ext.2