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Chemical Hair Straightening Faqs
Introduction
When you have naturally curly hair you basically have two options. You can accept it "as is" or you can straighten it with a few different options. If you decide to straighten it you can do it chemically or you can do it with products that promise to temporarily tame the curls on a day by day basis. If you decide to straighten your hair, both the chemical and day to day versions have positive and minus considerations. The purpose of this article is not to discuss the pros and cons of chemical versus non chemical straightening. The goal of this article is to present as much information as possible on the chemical straightening process. This article is neither for nor against straightening. It only presents the facts. The most common reason that people decide to have their hair straightened is to eliminate curls. Sometimes this process will be used also to soften or eliminate wavy hair. Chemical hair straightening, also known as relaxing, involves a process where the basic structure of overly curly or wavy hair is changed into a straight form. Both relaxing and permanent waving utilize fairly strong chemicals that are applied directly to the to the hair shaft. However, their objectives are reversed. While a perm is designed to add curls or waves, a relaxing treatment is designed to remove them. Consult A Professional
Chemical hair straightening is not a difficult procedure, but it does require a thorough technical knowledge of the relaxing process. Therefore it should always be performed by a hair care professional with a track record of success with straightening. It is best to have the relaxing process performed by a professional so that they can perform a strand test to determine the recommended strength of the relaxer that should be used. The stylist will also need to evaluate current hair texture, porosity, elasticity and the presence or absence of any hair damage. Fine, chemically lightened, or colored hair generally requires a very mild relaxing formula. Normal, medium-textured virgin hair can tolerate regular strength relaxers. Coarse virgin hair may require a strong or super relaxing formula. The professional will be able to determine the best type of relaxing formula based on the results of a strand test and by looking at and touching the hair to be treated. A good professional will also keep detailed records of any chemical relaxing treatments that have been performed on the hair and can use those written records to determine the best course of treatment.
Hair Strand Test
A professional hair stylist thatwho is well versed in chemical straightening will always do a strand test on any hair that is to be treated. A strand test is an absolute must to be sure your hair can withstand chemical processing without any reverse reactions. This not only protects the client's hair but helps the stylist determine the best type of formula to use, whether to use a conditioner-filler on the hair before applying the chemicals and whether a base petroleum protection layer is needed or not. A strand test can be done in a variety of ways which include: 1. Pulling the hair to determines its degree of elasticity. 2. Applying a small amount of relaxer to determine the hair reactions to the chemicals. 3. A finger test. Products Used During Chemical Hair RelaxingThe following products are generally used in chemical hair relaxing procedures:
There are three basic steps that are performed during a hair relaxing process. The steps generally include the following: 1. A protective petroleum cream may or may not be applied as protection to the scalp & previously relaxed or damaged hair. A chemical hair relaxing formula is applied to soften, loosen and relax the natural curls.
2. After the hair has "cooked" or been processed for the appropriate time limits, the chemicals are completely rinsed from the hair with warm water. A neutralizing formula is then applied to the hair. The neutralization process oxidizes and restores the hair's pH because a high pH, as a result of the relaxing, can cause the hair to swell and break. 3. A conditioner is applied to the hair. Depending on the condition of the hair to be relaxed, the conditioner may be applied before the relaxing formula, after or sometimes it may even be applied before and after. Two types of conditions are available. These include the cream conditioners and the protein or liquid conditioners. Overly curly hair that contains damage from ongoing use of heat appliances or other chemicals may need to be conditioned before relaxer can be applied. In the case where the hair is severely damaged, it may be best not to apply a chemical relaxer until the hair has had a chance to recover. In other cases a conditioner-filler is required before the chemical relaxer can be applied to dry hair. These fillers protect hair that may be overly porous or hair that is slightly damaged from being over-processed. Sodium Hydroxide, Guanidine Hydroxide & Ammonium ThioglycolateThere are three basic types of hair relaxers. These are sodium hydroxide and guanidine hydroxide which may or may not require pre-shampooing, and ammonium thioglycolate, which may require a pre-shampooing. Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is the strongest of the three relaxers and will provide the most dramatic results. Sodium hydroxide is a caustic type of chemical that actually softens hair fibers. The chemical also causes the hair to swell at the same time. As the sodium hydroxide solution is applied to the hair, it penetrates into the cortical layer and breaks the cross-bonds. The cortical layer is actually the middle or inner layer of the hair shaft that provides the strength, elasticity and shape of the curly hair. Depending on various factors and the condition of the hair to be straightened, the strength of the sodium hydroxide solution may vary anywhere from 5 to 10 percent. The pH faction may vary from 10 to 14. The higher the strength of sodium hydroxide, the higher the pH and the faster the straightening solution will take hold. Also, the stronger the solution, the more potential damage can occur to the hair. Sodium hydroxide contains a high alkaline content and so special care should always be used when applying this chemical. Guanidine HydroxideGuanidine hydroxide relaxers are referred to as the "no-lye" relaxers and they tend to be less damaging than sodium hydroxide relaxers. These products, however, still may do some damage to the hair. It can definitely de-fat the scalp. Guanidine hydroxide relaxers usually require conditioning treatments before and after. These relaxers are a mixture of calcium hydroxide cream with guanidine carbonate "activator" solution. Ammonium ThioglycolateAmmonium thioglycolate (nicknamed "thio relaxer") is much less drastic in its action than the sodium hydroxide and even, in some cases, the guanidine hydroxide. It acts a little differently by softening and relaxing overly curly hair through changes to the hair's cystine linkage. Thio works on the same formulation principles as thioglycolate permanent waves. With a pH of 9-9.5, these are also considered to be less damaging, yet still require a neutralization step. Thioglycolate relaxers are usually in cream or gel form and can be preceded by a pre-softener. Since thio relaxers are considered much milder, the risk of hair damage is also reduced by comparison to the sodium hydroxide. Petroleum Cream/Base Cream
A protective base of petroleum cream is usually applied to the scalp and other areas of the hair that have been previously straightened to prevent over processing, hair breakage or burning and/or irritation of the scalp and skin. The protective base is applied freely to the entire scalp with the fingers. The hairline around the forehead, nape of the neck and over and under the ears must be completely covered. The base should actually lay on the scalp and should not be spread or rubbed into the skin or scalp. The relaxer formula must never come in contact with sores or abrasions on the scalp of the skin and should never make contact with the eyes. The cream that is used as a base for relaxing is lighter than regular petroleum jelly and is designed to melt at body temperatures. As the cream melts is provides a complete protective covering over the scalp and other desired areas with a oily film. This film acts as a barrier against the straightening chemicals. Some relaxing solutions are mild enough that they do not require the protective petroleum base application. The petroleum creme may or may not be required for the thio type of softening process. However, it would be more likely required for sodium hydroxide relaxing treatments. Whether a relaxing formula requires the petroleum cream or not, it is always best to use a protective cream around the hairline and over the delicate ear areas. It is also best to apply a base during any chemical "retouching". It is advisable not to reapply a straightening formula to hair that has been previously straightened since there is a high risk of breakage or damage. How The Chemical Is AppliedThe stylist will use their hands or some other appropriate straightening tools to distribute the chemical solution onto completely dry hair (if the Thio Relaxer is applied the hair may be wet). If the hair has any moisture or perspiration, it must be dried first before applying the relaxing solution (if not the Thio Relaxer). Then the solution will be carefully combed through the hair and the hair will be pulled straight. The relaxing solution is harsh and will be only left on for a few minutes (average time is 5-8 minutes but will vary depending on a variety of factors). The longer the relaxing solution is left on, the longer the effects will last and the straighter the hair will be. However, the longer the solution is left on, the more risk there is of damage to the hair. Avoid combing through your hair while it is being straightened. The straightening process affects the hair's natural elasticity. When it is combed out, it may stretch out to over twice its normal length and it is very fragile and easy to break. Neutralizer
After the relaxer is completely shampooed and rinsed out with warm water (it can not be hot or cold and must be warm) a neutralizer solution is added to halt the relaxing process and restore the pH balance to the hair. The neutralizer is also known as a stabilizer or fixative. The neutralizer for a thio type of relaxer will actually re-form the cysteine cross-bonds in their new position and rehardens the hair. From the time that the relaxing chemicals is removed and the hair is shampooed and than stabilized, the hair is extremely fragile and should be handled carefully. Sometimes the chemicals will leave a reddish cast on the hair. When this happens the stylist can apply a special color rinse to remove the red cast. Sometimes this cast is not evident until the hair has been dried. The color rinse may be applied to dry hair as well. Conditioned, Dried & SetIt is advisable to use a good conditioner to restore some of the natural oils that have been removed by the chemicals. The conditioner is applied after the neutralizer is rinsed out and after the hair is first towel dried. After the conditioner is applied, the hair can be set in rollers and gently dried or styled and air dried. Post Relaxing Treatment
Once hair has been relaxed it will require special ongoing treatment to protect the hair and maintain the effects of the straightening. If the newly relaxed hair is not treated with special care it can become brittle and stiff and "see through". Relaxed hair is more porous and tends to hold on to dulling residue. Therefore it is very important to rinse out shampoo and other hair products thoroughly. Relaxed hair will also break more easily. Use a good detangling/ leave in conditioning product like Phytologie #7 (or the slightly heavier Phyto 9) and a wide pick with smooth teeth to detangle wet hair. Work from the bottom of your hair up towards the roots. Take your time and be very gentle. Regular deep conditioning is a must on hair that is chemically relaxed. Plan on doing a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week and more if your hair needs it. You can use a high quality deep conditioning treatment like PhytoKarite deep conditioning intensive treatment mask, Phytologie's Phytocitrus Mask, Huile D' Ales, Aveda's Curessence or Deep Penetrating Hair Revitalizer, Aveda's Beautifying Oil or whip up a special hot oil treatment at home (see Hot Oil Treatment below). Newly relaxed hair tends to become a lot drier. Use a moisturizing shampoo designed for chemically treated hair like Phytologie's Phytocitrus Shampoo for chemically processed hair, Phytojojoba or Phytonectar Shampoo which was specifically created for chemically straightened or relaxed hair. Use a good rinse out or leave-in conditioner as well. Chemically treated hair requires more careful and delicate treatment. If your hair does not respond well to the extra deep conditioning treatments you may want to do some moisture reconstructing treatments. The only sure way to restore the appearance of chemically processed hair is through the application of good conditioning products. Chemical processing can erode the hair and damage the cuticle. Conditioners will smooth the damaged outer surface of the hair by coating the hair and by putting back oils and proteins that chemical processing strips off. When possible, limit the use of hot blow dryers and hot styling tools. If you must use a blow dryer, use on the coolest heat and apply a good protective leave in conditioner first. Hot Oil Treatment
Heat enough sesame, almond or olive oil to saturate your hair in a saucepan or in the microwave. Make sure it is just warm to the touch and not too hot. Dab the warm olive oil on the roots of your hair with a cotton ball. Wrap hair in a plastic shower cap, cover with a hot towel and wait for at least 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse. For extra conditioning, towel dry the hair and then apply a good leave in conditioner. Note: Sesame and almond oil is much lighter than olive. Also, olive oil should not be used on colored hair since it may accelerate hair color fading). For More Information HairBoutique.com Beautiful Hair Oil - Mixed by hand with 100% organic Jojoba oil and essential oils & essences by aromatherapist from Karen Shelton's personal recipe. When possible, leave the hot oil on the hair for longer periods of time. Overnight is a great option (although somewhat messy). General Relaxing FaqsExcessive use of relaxers can be hard on hair. The most typical misuse is not stopping with the re-growth only. It has become increasingly popular to have hair professionally straightened at the salon but do relaxing touchups on the new root growth at home. There are several popular relaxer home kits that are used for re-growth touchups. If you use one of the popular kits, do not overlap the chemicals onto your already straightened hair or breakage can result. Even though there are still some risks of burning, breaking or damaging the hair, sodium hydroxide is till the most popular straightening procedure in use today. In the hands of a pro it does successfully soften and change the texture of the hair which allows it be transformed into dozens of different hair styles. Part of the popularity of chemical relaxing stems from the fact that the effects are more lasting. The day to day straightening options often do not last from shampoo to shampoo. Typically a strong relaxing treatment will last up to 6 months depending on the hair's texture and growth. Most experts agree that hair should be relaxed no more than every three months. While relaxing may make hair more manageable and easier to control, one misstep can cause terrible hair damage as well. Avoid relaxing hair and then coloring it at the same time. This can be very risky for the hair. If you absolutely must color and relax your hair in the same time period it is best to relax the hair first and then wait 2-4 weeks before color is applied. What The Experts Say About Hair StraighteningWhile I was writing this article I talked to three hair care experts with tons of experience in dealing with curly and unruly hair that might be a prime target for straightening treatments. Their comments are included for reference. Antonio Soddu - Curly Hair Expert
Antonio Soddu has been working with curly hair for years. This naturally curly headed hair maestro helps people with curly hair deal with their hair and enjoy it. Although Antonio is not against people straightening their curls if that makes them happy, he is more focused on helping people really have fun with the curls that they were born with. Antonio recommends instead of relaxing that curly heads utilize a comprehensive system of high quality hair care products that provide special conditioning needs for any degree of curly, dry or unmanageable hair. Recognizing that environmental factors play a significant role in the condition of your hair, Antonio creates hairstyles which make curly, dry or unruly hair a thing of the past. Antonio focuses on conditioning treatments and repairs hair that has been overexposed to chemicals or the natural elements. Barbara Lhotan - Senior Educator For Paul Mitchell SystemsBarbara Lhotan is considered to be one of the top senior educators for Paul Mitchell. She has worked on several major fashion runways with Internationally known models. She is the co-author and stylist of the best selling sold out 5 Minute Updo and 5 Minute Fun Finishes styling books. Although Barbara has had extensive experience with long hair, she also works extensively with curly hair or any type of hair that "is a major challenge". Barbara loves Paul Mitchell's relaxing treatment for curly hair, thick hair that needs form and movement and out-of-control waves. Although Barbara definitely believes in using the Mitchell straightening system she also warned against people with previously damaged hair hoping for a miracle. As Barbara explained, healthy hair can take a mild form of straightening with no damage. However, previously fragile or chemically damaged hair can become even more damaged and suffer from some serious long term recovery issues. Ouidad - Queen of Curly Hair
Ouidad is considered to be the queen of curly hair. Not only does she have her own natural curly hair, she has spent many years devoted to creating products and techniques that provides her curly haired clients with options to control their own hair. Using herself as a test subject and drawing upon her chemistry background, Ouidad developed an entire line of protein and vitamin-based products designed to revitalize and control curly hair. Her first product, Deep Treatment was a smashing success. Ouidad personally told me she does not recommend chemical relaxing of curly hair. It is "a chemical process which can damage fragile curly hair." However, if people are willing to "rebuild their hair first and relink the hair chain" they can eventually have their hair professionally relaxed without major damage. She cautions that "any chemical relaxing must be done by a professional." She also points out that chemically relaxed hair will definitely "require extra special aftercare." Ouidad uses a special trick for chemically relaxing hair. She "whips up a mixture of a milder sodium hydroxide with a conditioner. She explained to me that "the addition of the Deep Treatment brings down the pH factor and results in a healthier much softer treatment." Summary
Chemical straightening actually rearranges the basic structure of overly curly hair so that is straight. There are three basic types of chemical hair relaxers. These formulas range from the heavy duty sodium hydroxide and the less intense ammonium thioglycolate or "thio" formula. Guanidine hydroxide relaxers are referred to as the "no-lye" relaxers. Although some people do choose to straighten their own hair at home, to prevent damage and burns to the skin and scalp, it is strongly recommended that this process be performed by a professional with a prior record of straightening experience. Once hair has been chemically straightened it requires extra special care to overcome the effects of the drying chemicals. Relaxed hair will require deep conditioning treatments at least 1-2 times a week. Be sure to use a good detangling product and to use a wide toothed comb to detonable from the ends of the hair to the roots. While straightening will offer a new range of hair styles, it should not be undertaken lightly because it may damage the hair and it will require a new commitment to post relaxing conditioning and special hair care. Books On Related TopicsThere are very few books that are written for consumers that explain any of the details on the hair relaxing process.
Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology (1994), Published by Milady Publishing Company. This 630+ page book is written in textbook format and covers all the basic facts of cosmetology procedures including straightening. The plus to having this book is that it gives you a lot of detailed technical information. The minus is that it is designed for cosmetology students and the straightening information is just one small part of the book. For years Milady has been publishing the best cosmetology textbooks in the industry.
I have never personally purchased this book but it is on my "to buy" list at some point in the future. SalonOvations is a division of Milady and does a great job of providing information on some "non mainstream" hair care techniques that are not as textbook oriented as their Milady Cosmetology series. I actually have 3 of the SalonOvations books and they are all very well done and worth the price.
This book provides options to forget about chemical straightening and go with natural hair texture. No Lye provides education and instruction that helps one become familiar with the natural hair texture. This book should be in every black woman's library whether she goes all natural or not. It is loaded with a lot of great facts for black hair care. This book helped me see the light. After 15 years of braids and no growth, I decided to loc. Already I see improvement. I wish I had done this 15 years ago. This great book (I have read it cover to cover) is about not injuring your hair with strong relaxing chemicals and heat in an effort to changes its nature. Bonner advises her readers to understand the structure and composition of African hair and find styles that take advantage of its natural curliness instead of injuring it.
Permings & Straightening: A Salon Handbook by Lesley Hatton, Phillip Hatton. Amazon.com does not currently have this book in stock. However, they promise to try and find if for you if you have patience and are willing to try. This book provides a lot of the facts on both perms and straightening. Hair Matters: African Ancestry by Bessie M. Radcliff-Darden, Bessie Darden. This book is quite expensive if you can find it brand new ($39.95). It may be possible to still order this book from Amazon.com. They currently indicate that it is possible to order the book. Social Media Network InformationPlease follow me on Twitter at: http://Twitter.com/HairBoutique. I look forward to meeting new Thank you for visiting us at The HairBoutique Blog and for leaving your comments. They are very much appreciated. We apologize in advance but must remove any direct advertisements or solicitations. Original Publication Date: 1998 - Revised Date: 07/17/11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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