How Does Hair Relaxers Work?

• The hair relaxer was invented around 1910 by Garrett Augustus Morgan. While in his sewing machine repair shop one day, Morgan attempted to invent a lubricating liquid for the machine needle. While he worked, some say, Morgan would wipe his hands on a piece of cloth. When he returned to the shop the next day, he discovered that the woolly texture of the cloth had been smoothed out. Morgan decided to find out how this liquid chemical made this happen. He later tested the chemical on an Airedale with curly hair--and it worked well. Soon after his final test--on his own hair--Morgan patented the first chemical hair straightener, calling it G.A. Morgan's Hair Refiner Cream.
  
  

Lye Relaxers

• http://www.thehairapist.com
  
  Sodium hydroxide is the chemical used in lye relaxers. The chemical is so strong that it can also be found in drain cleaners. The strength of sodium hydroxide varies from a pH factor of 10 to 14. The higher the pH, the straighter the hair will get. However, a greater value can also result in greater damage.
  
  

No-Lye Relaxers

• The chemical used in No-Lye Relaxers is guanidine hydroxide. "No-lye" does not mean that there are no strong chemicals in the relaxer; it implies that the chemical is less threatening or less damaging to the hair. Even so, it is still very important to ensure that the hair is in good condition before a relaxer is applied. It is also very important to strictly apply the relaxer according to the instructions provided.
  
  

The Process

• The chemicals in relaxers are strong and potent enough to literally transform the original structure of the hair shaft. The chemical accomplishes this by penetrating the cortex layer. The original curl pattern is then loosened or relaxed. The central layer of the hair shaft provides the hair with its shape, elasticity and strength. Therefore, after a relaxer is performed, it is irreparable.
  
  Hair relaxers may give the effect of straightened hair that a consumer is looking for; however, they also weaken the hair. it is, therefore, crucial that conditioners are used before and after a relaxer treatment is applied. Never apply relaxer on damaged or already weakened hair. A relaxer should never be applied before the recommended time frame or to already processed hair. Relaxers are only to be applied to new growth to prevent over-processing, which can result in the breakdown of the hair and potential hair breakage. Only a certified hair professional to apply the relaxer.