Chemical relaxer facts for kids

A chemical relaxer is a special product used on hair to make it straighter or to loosen very tight curls. It uses chemicals to change the hair's natural shape.

What is a Chemical Relaxer?

A chemical relaxer is a type of cosmetic product. It's designed to change the natural texture of hair, making it smoother and straighter. People often use relaxers to manage very curly or coily hair, making it easier to style.

How Does Hair Get Its Shape?

Your hair gets its natural shape, whether it's straight, wavy, curly, or coily, from tiny bonds inside each strand. Think of these bonds like tiny ladders or bridges holding the hair's structure together. One important type of bond is called a disulfide bond. These bonds are strong and help give your hair its unique curl pattern.

How Do Relaxers Change Hair?

Chemical relaxers work by breaking these strong disulfide bonds in your hair. When these bonds are broken, the hair can be reshaped. After the bonds are broken, the hair is smoothed out. Then, new bonds form in the hair's new, straighter shape. This process makes the hair stay straight or less curly until new hair grows in.

Different Kinds of Relaxers

There are different types of relaxers. Some use a chemical called sodium hydroxide, often called "lye" relaxers. Others use different chemicals and are called "no-lye" relaxers. Both types work to straighten hair, but they use slightly different chemical processes. Professional hair stylists often choose the best type for a person's hair.

Why Do People Use Relaxers?

People choose to use chemical relaxers for many reasons. For some, it's about making their hair easier to comb and manage. Very curly or coily hair can sometimes be difficult to detangle. Straightening it can save time when styling. Others simply prefer the look of straight hair. It's a personal choice about how someone wants to wear their hair.

Using Relaxers Safely

Because relaxers use strong chemicals, it's very important to use them carefully. If not used correctly, they can cause problems like skin irritation or hair damage. This is why many people go to a trained hair stylist to get a relaxer. Stylists know how to apply the product safely and protect your scalp and hair.

Important Safety Tips

• Professional Help: It's best to have a trained hair professional apply relaxers. They know how to protect your scalp and hair.
• Patch Test: Before applying a relaxer to all your hair, a small test is often done on a tiny patch of skin. This helps check for any bad reactions.
• Follow Instructions: If you ever use a relaxer at home, always follow the instructions exactly. Leaving it on too long can cause damage.
• Protect Your Skin: Petroleum jelly or a special base cream is often used around the hairline and ears. This helps protect your skin from the chemicals.

Taking Care of Relaxed Hair

After getting a relaxer, it's important to take good care of your hair. Relaxed hair can sometimes be more delicate.

• Moisturize: Use good conditioners and moisturizing products to keep your hair soft and healthy.
• Gentle Styling: Avoid harsh brushing or tight hairstyles that can pull on your hair.
• Regular Trims: Get regular trims to remove split ends and keep your hair looking neat.
• Touch-ups: As new hair grows, it will have your natural texture. People usually get "touch-ups" on the new growth every few months, not on the hair that's already been relaxed.