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All the straightening, none of the stress.
Byrdie / Reese Herrington
It sounds intimidating, but the good news is thathair relaxershave come a long way since the ’90s.
“Just like any other chemical hair manipulation, you have to care for it properly with TLC.”
That includes following protocols for prepping your hair before relaxing.
PHOTO: Amazon
After consulting our hair expert and considering dozens of formulas, we landed on our faves.
This no-lye relaxer kit, which uses calcium hydroxide instead, is more gentle.
If youd rather avoid harsh lye formulas, this no-lye product is a winner.
PHOTO: Amazon
It delivers good results while protecting the hair from breakage.
Fair warning: This is a professional-grade relaxer made for those with somecosmetology knowledge.
However, if youre a self-relaxing pro, go for this conditioning formula.
PHOTO: Sally Beaty
If your hair is feeling parched and brittle, this moisture-rich relaxer is the product we recommend.
Its a no-lye formula but instead is formulated with calcium hydroxide, which is a more gentle relaxing chemical.
But if you know you have super-coily hair that needs a strong relaxer, this one might fall short.
PHOTO: Amazon
It comes with a protective pre-treatment to prevent burns, and users rave that it washes it out easily.
In fact, scalp irritation is one of the signs that a relaxer is damaging your hair.
This gentle formula is safe forcolor-treated hairand even the most sensitive scalps.
PHOTO: Amazon
Users report that it can relaxcoarse hairwith ease and minimal to no irritation.
This formula doesnt come with adeep conditionerso we recommend slathering a hydrating treatment on for an added moisture boost.
We also love that its temporary (so if you hate the look, it wont last forever).
PHOTO: Rite Aid Pharmacy
Some users are happy with the way it loosens curls.
This gentle formula can relax delicate gray hair while also having enough strength to straighten unruly textures.
Thats not a worry with this product thoughit adds plenty of volume back.
PHOTO: Mizani
We also love that the formula contains shea butter and coconut oil to give hair moisture and shine.
Going straight doesnt have to mean losing your enviable volume.
The Linange Shea Butter Cream Relaxer will give finer textures a volume boost.
PHOTO: Amazon
Other recommendations include always keeping hair moisturized and conditioned and sleeping on asatin pillowcaseor satin scarf.
ByrdiecontributorEsme Benjamincovers haircare and other beauty topics.
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PHOTO: Sally Beaty
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PHOTO: Sally Beaty
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PHOTO: Amazon
