Relaxing at Shadonai Beauty School

What is Relaxing?

Chemical straightening, or hair relaxing, is the process of breaking protein bonds in the hair. 2. This procedure uses chemicals to straighten the hair by breaking down and reforming the hair’s components. The chemicals used in this process are usually lye-based like sodium hydroxide.

Overview

The chemical processes of relaxing hair can leave your hair very brittle with increased breakage as it loses its distinct elasticity. Relaxing increases scalp sensitivity which may lead to severe irritation, chemical burns, scarring and permanent hair loss as reported by almost 100 participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does relaxing feel like?

When we are relaxed, there is a decrease in both skeletal and smooth muscle tension. Our muscles are not in the chronic state of mild contraction that characterizes the stress response. This protects them from the cumulative negative effects of being constantly tensed.

What is the difference between relaxing and rebonding?

In brief, the main difference between relaxing and rebonding is that hair relaxing does not involve fully straightening the hair and requires further styling whereas rebonding involves fully straightening and resetting the hair bonds.

Is relaxing hair permanent?

Since chemical processing is known to have long-term effects, you’re probably wondering if hair relaxers are permanent. And the simple answer is no. According to the AAD, curly hair relaxers should be repeated every eight to 10 weeks to keep strands straight. If not, hair will go back to its natural state.

Are relaxers harmful?

However, scientists do know that chemical hair relaxers, more often used by Black women, contain potentially harmful chemicals, including possible carcinogens and chemicals known as endocrine disrupters, which can interfere with hormone function and could raise breast cancer risk.

Can relaxed hair go back to natural?

Relaxers are permanent, so whatever parts of your hair that have been in contact with a relaxer will never grow back naturally. Therefore, at some point in time your hair must be cut off to above the demarcation line. If you’re not willing to go for the big chop, the next step is to do regular trims of your hair.

What happens if you stop relaxing your hair?

Relaxers are irritants and need to be placed on the hair with care. Chemicals need to be avoided when there are other underlying problems with your scalp. Many clients who stop relaxing their hair who have flaky scalp, notice less itching and dryness once they stop using relaxers.

What does relaxer do to Black hair?

A relaxer, also known as a perm for Black hair, is a chemical treatment that straightens curly hair by breaking down the bonds in the hair shaft.

How long does relaxed hair take to go natural?

Whether you decide to do a big chop or gradually grow out a relaxer, it’s going to take at least three to four months to start to see real change. For some, it may be a full year before you’re completely chemical-free.

What is the difference between a perm and relaxer?

“A chemical perm and relaxer are two totally different directions. A relaxer is designed to straighten your curl pattern, so if you want your hair straight or to loosen your natural hair, relaxers are for that. A perm is designed to create curl, waves, and texture that is not natural.

Is relaxed hair better than natural hair?

Relaxed hair is less maintenance in many respects, but it’s also weaker than natural hair because of the chemical process used to break down the protein bonds. So if your goal is long healthy relaxed hair you still have to put in the work.

Can I tie my hair after relaxing?

6: After relaxing your hair, do not install a weave or any braids for 2 weeks, as you hair cannot withstand the tension caused by extensions. 7: Relaxing hair leads to dryness, make sure moisturising is done regularly and sealing regularly to protect the hair.

Why is my relaxed hair puffy?

It’s possible that the fuzziness is due to a lack of moisture in your hair. Frequent conditioning is key for relaxed hair. Plus, don’t forget about protein. Hair that needs strengthening from protein tends to frizz; the hair cuticles don’t lie flat, but have lifted scales due to chemical and/or heat abuse.

Should I wash my hair before relaxing it?

Cleansing or even wetting your hair and scalp before you relax might lead to burning once you apply the chemicals, because your scalp hasn’t had enough time to “rest” since your last shampoo. No matter what your regular cleansing routine is, do not shampoo your hair for at least one week before applying relaxer.

Does Coke make hair natural?

Apparently, Coca-Cola contains phosphoric acid, a very low pH. So when you apply it to your hair, the cuticle tightens, which makes your strands look smoother and your curls look more defined. Others say the sugar adds build-up to your hair, making it look fuller.

Can I grow out my relaxer without cutting?

Physical transition: The physical transition is a process of growing out your relaxer. This means, instead of big chopping immediately, you will grow out your hair and the relaxer over a period of time to be defined by you. There really is not a limit on how long you can transition.