What does hair relaxer do to hair?

Hair Relaxer: Effects and Transformation

Hair relaxer is a chemical treatment used to alter the texture of naturally curly or coiled hair, making it straighter and smoother. It works by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair's protein structure, allowing it to be reshaped and relaxed.

When applied, the hair relaxer solution, typically containing chemicals such as sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide, breaks down these disulfide bonds, which are responsible for the hair's natural curl pattern. This process allows the hair to be easily manipulated into a straighter configuration.

After the relaxer is rinsed out and neutralized, the hair undergoes a process called "neutralization," where a second solution is applied to restore the hair's pH balance. This step helps prevent damage and brings the hair back to a stable state.

The end result of hair relaxing is straighter, smoother, and more manageable hair with less frizz. However, it's important to note that this process is not permanent and requires regular touch-ups to maintain the straightened texture.

Key Points:

- Hair relaxer chemically transforms curly or coiled hair into a straighter texture.

- It breaks down the disulfide bonds in the hair's protein structure, allowing it to be reshaped.

- The relaxing process involves an initial application, neutralization, and thorough rinsing.

- Hair relaxers deliver smoother, straighter, and more manageable hair with reduced frizz.

- Regular touch-ups are necessary to maintain the desired straightness over time.