About Chemical Hair Straighteners
Chemical hair straighteners change the structure of curly, kinky or unruly hair. It involves using a number of chemicals to achieve the right look. Although it is possible to straighten your hair at home, hair salons are safer alternatives. If not used properly, home straighteners can strip away moisture, cause breakage and damage to the hair structure.
Relaxing
Relaxing is another term for chemical straightening. Although this type of chemical processing is popular with ethnic people, anyone who desires straighter hair can have the process done. Relaxers take the curl or wave pattern completely out of the hair by changing its structural makeup. You can purchase a store-bought relaxer; however, you must read the instructions carefully to avoid hair loss, scalp irritation and chemical burns.
Lye
Most relaxers have a chemical called lye, or sodium hydroxide, as the main ingredient. Accidentally discovered in the early 1800's as a way to take the curl out of hair, lye became a staple in chemical straightening. However, even with great results, sodium hydroxide has its drawbacks. It causes hair and scalp damage over time. Some products use a no-lye ingredient, guanidine hydroxide, to relax hair. Although this type is less damaging to the hair's overall condition, it may cause harm as well.
Avoiding the Damage
Chemical straightening produces better results if completed by a professional. Hair stylists know when to wash the chemical out of the hair. This reduces the problem of over processing. If you choose to do the process at home, follow these rules:
- Do not comb, brush or pull the hair while it is straightening. It overstretches the hair shaft.
- Avoid using any relaxer on damaged or dry hair.
- Pay close attention to processing times to avoid over processing the hair.
- Make sure to follow directions completely when straightening color treated hair.
- Consult a hair professional before completing the process.