Many people dream of having straightened hair: whether for the look or for the convenience, since this hair texture is known for being easier to style and being less likely to experience issues such as excessive frizz and volume.
There are plenty of different methods to achieve straight hair, and one of the most known – and very controversial – is the chemically relaxing procedure. Despite its popularity and reputation, is it safe to chemically relax hair? This is what this article will find out for you!
What is hair relaxing and how does it work?
Hair relaxing is a type of chemical straightening that lasts for a long time. Hydrogen, disulphide, and salt bonds are the three types of chemical bonding found in hair. Changes in pH are very easy to break salt bonds. Disulphide bonds are extremely durable and are broken by chemical straightening, perming, and heat.
Hydrogen bonds are broken when hair becomes wet (and reformed when it dries), but disulphide bonds are extremely durable and are broken by chemical straightening, perming, and heat. They are, in fact, one of the world’s strongest naturally occurring bonds.
To disrupt disulfide bonds, chemical relaxers use extremely high heat and chemicals. Your hair can then be reset to a permanently straight state by your stylist. Sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, and sodium thioglycolate are the most frequent compounds used in relaxers.
What are the advantages of relaxing your hair?
Chemical straightening is a very appealing choice for people who have difficulty managing hair or who are unhappy with curly or frizzy hair. It might give you a boost of confidence and make your everyday style process a lot easier.
Relaxing may even be good for your hair’s condition in some respects. No more dangerous processes (such as hot oil, pressing, pulling, flat irons, and hot combs) are required once your hair is straightened.
Also, because relaxed hair is so much simpler to manage, you’ll probably be more inclined to wash it more frequently – which is great for hair and scalp health!
Is it true that chemical relaxers are bad for your hair?
We understand how vital it is to feel good about your look. However, if you decide to relax your hair, we advise you to proceed with caution. Because relaxers employ high heat and harsh chemicals, your hair may become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
What should I do to be ready for the chemical straightening?
Relaxing previously untreated — or ‘virgin’ — hair almost never goes wrong. However, in several situations straightening, previously relaxed or color-treated hair causes significant dryness and breakage.
Before applying the straightening solution, use a heat protection treatment to safeguard your strands.
What should I do if my scalp becomes irritated?
If the skin on your scalp is irritated or cracked, avoid relaxing treatments. Apply a solution of equal parts cold milk and water to your scalp if it gets swollen or itchy after straightening. This should help to calm things down. You should see a trichologist or dermatologist if the inflammation persists.
[1]Hair Relaxing / Chemical Straightening. (2016). Philip Kingsley. … Continue reading
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