Nonchemical Hair Relaxer

People interested in straightening their hair are choosing nonchemical hair relaxers because of growing investigations into health issues with chemical straighteners, indicating they are potentially harmful products.

While plenty of information exists on nonchemical hair relaxer and straightener techniques, the discussion isn’t as simple as it may be for other types of beauty and hygiene products. The use of chemical straighteners — and hair straightening in general — might even be part of a larger system of discrimination in the workplace, depending on the situation.

Hair is more than fashion. Hair straightening touches on topics of chemistry, culture, health and aesthetics. It can be about a person’s identity, autonomy, culture and potentially survival.

Chemical relaxers may cause more harm than scalp and hair damage. Knowledge of the differences between chemical hair straighteners and nonchemical relaxer for natural hair is important when deciding on options.

Nonchemical relaxers are often gentler and easier to apply than chemical alternatives, and they are also potentially safer. Some benefits are specific to certain skin types, while others could be a matter of preference. For example, natural techniques don’t typically contain potentially toxic chemicals or cause any of the potential chemical hair straightener effects.

Heat, oil, silicone and keratin straightening provide options for straight or relaxed hair styles. While excessive heat treatment could damage hair, using natural products and techniques rather than chemical relaxers could offer long-term benefits. Studies show a potential link between increased risk of cancer and some chemical straightening products.

Chemical straighteners often need professional application to avoid damage and chemical burns. Oils and many other natural relaxers, on the other hand, moisturize the scalp and hair.

Many people who used chemical products and experienced serious injuries are filing chemical hair straightener lawsuits. Plaintiffs are seeking compensation to cover medical treatments and lost wages.

There are two main categories of nonchemical hair relaxing techniques: Using nonchemical products and treating with heat. These techniques may overlap. For instance, someone might use a straightening iron and then apply an oil mask for conditioning and additional relaxing effect.

Consumers should be aware when shopping for nonchemical hair relaxers that the marketing language on product packaging or advertisements can be confusing. For example, if a manufacturer advertises the product as “lye free,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that the product is free of other straightening chemicals.

The distinction between chemical and nonchemical relaxers isn’t always clear. Any other ingredients on a product package call for further research. With a technique such as oil straightening, the only requirements should be the oil, a towel, shampoo, water and potentially a way to heat the oil to a safe temperature before application.

A nonchemical hair relaxer product typically adds oils or proteins to condition hair, allowing people more freedom with styling, rather than straightening it directly. The key is for the oil or protein to penetrate the entire strand of hair.

Wet, untreated natural hair tends to regain volume and curl up when it dries, even if it dries when wrapped in a towel. Treated hair, on the other hand, is more likely to hold its shape.

The other main nonchemical relaxer for natural hair is heat. Heat treatments break certain chemical bonds, simultaneously pulling and heating hair. These chemical bonds can form again in humid conditions, causing the hair to regain some of its natural waves and curls.

The best nonchemical hair relaxer for you depends on your individual needs. This is about more than the final look; it’s about style, culture and autonomy.

Choosing a nonchemical hair relaxer can be more complicated than simply picking a jar on a beauty supply store’s shelf. But for many concerned about potential negative health effects from chemical products, the time spent finding a nonchemical solution can be worth the effort.