NEW DIMENSIONAL COLORS ARE HERE!

Psst..we've saved your cart!

But not for long, checkout before it sells out.

← Back
Luxy® Hair  - Thinking of chemically relaxing your hair? Here are a few tips to get started
Curly Hair

Thinking of chemically relaxing your hair? Here are a few tips to get started

The natural hair movement has empowered so many black women to embrace their natural hair. While it’s amazing to see more women rocking their natural ‘fros and protective hairstyles, it’s left some people feeling ashamed about the choice to relax their hair. Choosing to relax your hair is 100% your choice and you shouldn’t feel ashamed to go all out. The most important thing is that you don’t damage your hair in the process. If you are interested in relaxing your hair while maintaining healthy, strong strands keep reading. 

What are relaxers for natural hair?

Chemical relaxer or hair texturizers are treatments that permanently or semi-permanently straighten or alter the texture of your natural hair. The treatment can be done in a salon or at home, and lasts for about six to eight weeks. This gives curly girls who crave sleek strands a chance to take a break from using hot tools.

Difference between “hair texturizer” and “relaxer” and a “perm”

Relaxers are a cream or lotion-based treatment that are made to “relax” the curl completely, resulting in bone-straight strands. Relaxers chemically — and permanently— break down the bonds of your hair and alter its structure, leaving it straight for up to eight weeks. A texturizer smoothes and defrizzes  your hair, while maintaining your natural curls. Rather than straighten the hair completely, they loosen the natural curl pattern and can give you a wavy texture. 

The amount of time the chemicals are left to react to the hair is the main differing factor between the two processes. Texturizers shouldn’t be left on for more than five to 10 minutes. Hair relaxers, on the other hand, are typically left on the hair for about 20 minutes.

Both relaxers and texturizers contain chemicals that change the hair permanently alter your hair and often they contain the same ingredients. 

A perm, on the other hand, is formulated to create curls and waves in straight hair. Most black women opt for relaxers or texturizers instead of perms. No matter which process you choose, the process starts with choosing one that is right for your hair goals. 

Different types of relaxers and how to choose the best one

There are three types of relaxers: sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate. Sodium hydroxide relaxers are commonly called lye relaxers. Lye relaxers can be used on all hair types. No-lye relaxers, or calcium hydroxide, are formulated for those with sensitive scalps and can be used on all hair types. Ammonium thioglycolate isn’t strong enough to straighten very coarse or coily hair, but is great for straightening fine, curly, or wavy hair. 

Make sure you choose a relaxer that is compatible with your hair type for the best results. The amount of the active chemical determines the strength. Mild is best for fine, colour treated, or damaged hair, regular is for normal hair, and super strength is for those with thick, coarse, or very coily textures. If you have very damaged or bleached hair, you should skip relaxing it altogether.

8 best hair relaxers to use at home

We don’t recommend experimenting with strong chemicals at home, and seeing a hair professional will always give you the best results. However, if you already relax your hair and need a touch-up, there are lots of at-home relaxers that get the job done, and leave your hair sleek, healthy, and hydrated. Here are eight of our picks. 

 

Just For Me No-Lye Conditioning Creme Relaxer Kit 

This relaxer is marketed for kids, but the no-lye formula is great for those with super sensitive scalps. It has a straightforward application process and the kit comes with everything you need. It’s formulated with coconut milk, shea butter, vitamin e, and sunflower oil, which will leave your hair looking and feeling healthy. If you have super thick or coily hair this might not be a strong enough formula for you.

ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer Extra Strength 

If your strands are super parched, you should opt for a relaxer that can give you an extra boost of moisture. This one is formulated with olive oil, which is super moisturizing, and will infuse moisture into your hair as it relaxes it. 

Soft Sheen Carson Care Optimum Care No-Lye Relaxer 

Achieve silky, straight hair in six easy steps with this relaxer. The first step is a protective pretreatment regimen, that protects your hair before you put the relaxer in. It also comes with a neutralizing shampoo, reconstruct treatment, and a leave-in moisturizing treatment.

Optimum Care is known for being super moisturizing because of the coconut and ceramides ingredients that strengthen the hair. It is also very budget friendly and works on all hair types. 

Avlon Affirm Hair Relaxer 

This relaxer is on the pricier side, but worth every penny. It will leave your hair shiny, healthy, and straight. The formula strengthens your strands without irritating your scalp. Like other relaxers, it doesn’t leave a film when rinsed out. It is great for those with colour-treated hair or a sensitive scalp. 

TBC No Base Creme Hair Relaxer 

This relaxer yields professional results from home. This “no-base” relaxer is easy to use as it needs no additional chemical mixing, so it’s great for beginners. This relaxer contains natural oils, protein, and DNA to strengthen and protect hair during the relaxing process. The mineral oil and petroleum jelly in the relaxer act as an excellent protective barrier that reduces scalp irritation. It’s formulated specifically for kinky texture hair, and will get even the tightest coils silky straight. 

Luster’s ShortLooks Color Relaxer 

Colouring and relaxing your hair at the same time can be complicated, but this 3-in1 kit makes it super simple. You can relax, colour, and condition your hair in 30 minutes all with one kit. It is formulated with shea butter which helps to moisturize dry, damaged hair. It’s available in the colours, black, brown and red.

SoftSheen- Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss No-Lye Relaxer 

Relaxers don’t have to suck the life out of your hair. This formula has protein, shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil which leaves your hair healthy and moisturized while giving you the glossy look you’re going for. This kit also comes with a shine cream and silk keratin serum to keep your hair shiny for days. 

Mizani Butter Blend Relaxer Medium Normal Kit 

Some relaxers can really dry out your hair, which is a recipe for disaster (especially during the colder months). But this hair relaxer is packed with a blend of hydrating ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and honey, to give your hair a boost of moisture. 

Shop our favourite hair relaxers below

Why you should or shouldn’t get a relaxer

There are a lot of great benefits for texturizing or relaxing your hair. It gives you more manageable curls, helps boost shine, reduces frizz and flyaways, and can promote hair growth if done and cared for correctly. 

If you want to switch things up, and are committed to the maintenance, a perm or relaxer might be a great choice for you. Be sure that your hair is healthy and unbleached before going through the process, as it could damage your hair further. 

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to alter your natural curls. Beauty standards have convinced us that only straight hair can be put together, polished, and sophisticated. The truth is, all textures are beautiful and embracing your natural hair is empowering. 

If you do choose to try a relaxer or texturizer, it’s important to care for it properly to maintain healthy, relaxed hair. 

How to care for relaxed hair

Any sort of chemical treatment that compromises the hair will make it more prone to damage if not cared for properly. Contrary to popular beliefs, there are healthy ways to wear chemically treated hair and a good hair care routine can make all the difference. One of the key components to maintaining chemically treated hair is keeping it moisturized. Make sure you’re keeping up with regular washing and conditioning, and using a deep conditioner once or twice a week. 

Once you start relaxing your hair, we suggest relaxing new growth every eight to 10 weeks to keep things maintained. If you wait too long, your hair may start breaking at the line of demarcations (where new growth meets old growth). If you relax too soon you may overprocess your hair. 

Keep using the heat tools to a minimum, as they can add to the dryness and damage of your relaxed hair. Instead try styling techniques and hairstyles that don’t require a lot of heat to do. Protective hairstyles are a great choice, especially for those growing out their hair, because they keep your hairs moisturised and tucked away. Even if you’re not growing your hair, well-moisturized ends are still important, because they are necessary for overall hair health. If you notice your ends are drier than usual, trim them. If you want a super long head of hair you can always opt for extensions while your hair is growing out.

All that said, remember that choosing to relax your hair is a personal choice, you should feel confident no matter what you choose to do to your hair.

Written by: Phelisha Cassup

Quiz: which hair extensions are for me?

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn more.

Your Shopping Bag

Your cart is empty.

Virtual Try-On

Virtual Color Match

TRY ON HAIR EXTENSIONS

We know the paparazzi can be a pain. Confirm your consent to having your photo taken below.
The Virtual Try On and Virtual Color Match tools may collect, capture, store, use, receive or obtain a photo image of your face and use that image and data for the purpose of providing you with a personalized experience.
Any photo image or data you share will not be disclosed to any third-party or stored on any server or system after your use of the Virtual Try On or Virtual Color Match tool and is not used for identification purposes.
I consent to the use of a photo of my image as described in the Virtual Try On and Virtual Color Match Information Notice and agree to all terms, including data retention, data deletion, and data use, processing storage and transfer. I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for Beauty Industry Group and Its Affiliated brands.
Wanna try before you buy? Experiment with colors, volume, and length without the workout of an actual dressing room.

OR

Prefer to save the big reveal for IRL? We got you!
*Seasonal colors and collections may not show up in your color match and may not be available in all lengths and application methods.

Oops! The photo didn't work. Let's try again.

TIPS
The image size must be a minimum of 320 x 620 pixels and a maximum of 1700 x 3500 pixels.
The image size must not exceed 20 MB.
Position yourself in frame from the waist up
Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
Tilt your head slightly forward
Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face

Results may vary depending on the quality of photo.

We asked the paparazzi for their top tips to the perfect photo.

Do VCM Thumbnail
Do
Don't VCM Thumbnail
Don't
TIPS
The image size must be a minimum of 320 x 620 pixels and a maximum of 1700 x 3500 pixels.
The image size must not exceed 20 MB.
Position yourself in frame from the waist up
Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
Tilt your head slightly forward
Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face

Results may vary depending on the quality of photo.

Share a photo of your current hair

Do VCM Thumbnail
Do
Don't VCM Thumbnail
Don't
TIPS
The image size must be a minimum of 320 x 620 pixels and a maximum of 1700 x 3500 pixels.
The image size must not exceed 20 MB.
Position yourself in frame from the waist up
Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
Tilt your head slightly forward
Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face

Keep your chin up and face straight ahead.

Do not Picture
VHETO Subject image

Choose Color

Vheto Result 1 image
TITLE
Vheto Result 2 image
TITLE
Vheto Result 3 image
TITLE

Choose Collection

Seamless
Classic
Halo

Choose Volume

Natural-Looking
A Little Extra
Full Blast

Choose Length

12 INCH
16 INCH
20 INCH
24 INCH

Results may vary depending on the quality of photo.

*Seasonal colors and collections may not show up in your color match and may not be available in all lengths and application methods.
Do not Picture

YOUR COLOR OPTIONS

Still not sure? You can contact our customer service team for hep with your color match. Contact Now
Do not Picture

Your color match is

CHOOSE COLLECTION

Seamless Hair Extensions
SELECT
Classic Hair Extensions
SELECT
Halo® Hair Extensions
SELECT
Clip-In Ponytails
SELECT
Clip-In Buns
SELECT
Preview swatch image

Compare Methods

Do Picture

Test

APPLICATION
LENGTHS
PER PACK
BEST FOR
Seamless Collection VCM

SEAMLESS

APPLICATION
Clip-ins. Made with a thin, silicone band that lays flat against your head
LENGTHS
12", 16" and 20"
PER PACK
10 pieces
BEST FOR
Thin to medium hair types, suitable for hair past the shoulders
Classic Collection VCM

CLASSIC

APPLICATION
Clip-ins. Made with a fabric-stitched band that adds extra volume at the root
LENGTHS
16", 20" and 24"
PER PACK
10 pieces
BEST FOR
Medium to thick hair types, suitable for short hair to long hair
Halo Collection VCM

HALOS

APPLICATION
Single weft application, secured with an undectable wire and clips. Also comes with two 2-clips for additional blending
LENGTHS
16" and 20"
PER PACK
3 pieces
BEST FOR
Thin to medium hair types, suitable for hair past the shoulders