Hair Relaxers are the perfect alternative for hair straighteners and salon keratin treatments.
They are cream or lotion-based formulas that are specially formulated to alter the hair structure and make it straight and manageable for 6 to 8 weeks.
These hair products are super effective when used correctly. But if you use a wrong product, you may not achieve the hair straightening and also hurt your hair.
For making the right purchase, we recommend considering below factors…
1. Strength
Choose the strength of the relaxer according to your hair type. If you have a fine type of hair, purchase a mild strength relaxer. For normal hair, regular strength will do. For coarse hair, you would need super strength.
2. No-Lye
Relaxers that contain lye are harmful to your scalp. This substance is corrosive and can damage your hair, making it brittle and dull in the process. Choose relaxers that do not have ‘lye’ in the ingredient list.
For further information, we recommend checking out the “Ultimate Buying Guide”. Based on the same information and after consulting several beauty experts, we have shortlisted the best relaxers for black hair.
Best Relaxers for Black Hair
| Relaxer for Black Hair | Strength | Hair type | No. of Steps | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softsheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Relaxer | Super | Course, Curly, kinky, frizzy | 3 steps | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Softsheen-Carson Optimum Salon Haircare | Regular | All hair types | 6 steps | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer | Regular | Normal hair | 5 steps | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Hawaiian Silky relaxer | Mild | Fine hair | 1 step | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Profectiv Mega Growth Relaxer | Regular | Normal hair | 2 steps | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Luster's Short looks Color Relaxer | Fine, medium, coarse | Fine, normal, coarse | 3 steps | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Miracle's New Growth Thermaceutical Relaxer | Regular | Normal, dry, and damaged hair | 1 step | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| OPTIMUM Multi-mineral Relaxer Mild | Mild | Color-treated fine hair | 1 step | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| MO33815 Motions Classic No-Lye Relaxer | Super | Coarse | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
| Just For Me No-lye Regular Conditioning Creme Relaxer | Regular, mild | Normal and fine hair | 4 steps | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Best Relaxers for Black Hair Reviews
1. Softsheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Relaxer
This hair relaxer is one of the most moisturizing and enriching hair treatments for afro hair. It is a home relaxer kit containing three components, Hair conditioner, hair cream, and keratin serum.It takes on the responsibility to add three major ‘S’-factors to your tresses— softness, strength, and shine!
Softsheen Carson is a brand that has been catering to the beauty industry for 110 years. This lye-free, black hair relaxer has some of the best nourishing ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter to make your hair more manageable and eliminate frizz.
Applying this relaxer to curly, kinky, or wavy black hair straightens your mane while making it looks gorgeous and voluminous. It is a perfect solution for smoothening out coarse hair. This relaxer is available in two variants, normal and super strength.
Product Details:
- Quantity:498 ml
- Contents:Conditioner, cream, and serum
- Hair Type:curly, wavy, kinky, and frizzy hair
- Total Steps: 3
Pros:
- It does not contain lye
- Cost-effective hair relaxer
- It has triple nourishment formula
- Gives five signs of healthy hair
- Instruction is easy to follow
Cons:
- Not suitable for bleached hair
2. Softsheen-Carson Optimum Salon Haircare
Softsheen Carson provides optimum beauty care to people of African descent. This relaxer kit provides salon-quality treatment for hair as it contains coconut oil and strengthening ceramide that prevents hair breakage. You just need to follow six easy steps to get naturally relaxed tresses at home.
The pack contains a protective pre-treatment, relaxer cream, neutralizing shampoo, reconstructor treatment, strengthener, and whipped oil moisturizing cream. This is a no-lye formula that protects weak hair strands to reduce over 90% breakage. The content of this pack is sufficient for one hair relaxer treatment or two touch-ups.
With this kit, you can say goodbye to dry and frizzy hair. It is suitable for normal hair types. The product contains supreme conditioning infused in every step for delivering salon-quality gorgeous hair. Retouching once will keep your hair manageable for six to eight weeks.
Product Details
- Contents:pre-treatment, relaxer cream, shampoo, reconstructor treatment, strengthener, and whipped oil moisturizer
- Hair Type:Kinky, wavy or curly
- Total Steps: 6
Pros:
- Delivers salon-quality hair at home
- strengthens and reduces over 90% hair breakage
- Infused with strengthening ceremide and coconut oil
- The formula does not contain any lye
- Cost-effective product
Cons:
- It might make hair dry
3. ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer
If your hair is prone to getting damaged during the process of relaxing, then you can rely on the ORS Olive Hair relaxer. It is a no-lye formula with the infusion of exotic oils for preventing any damage during and after the process.
This relaxer for black hair contains Mediterranean olive oil, Brazilian Pequi oil, and shea butter for smoothing, soothing, and pampering your afro hair. It is a professional-grade hair relaxer that provides excellent conditioning.
The kit contains five steps: base & activator, exotic oil boost, moisture restore cream aloe shampoo, replenishing conditioner, and hair lotion. Not only does the relaxer maintains your hair, but it also provides the ultimate replenishment for softer, shinier, and silkier tresses.
Product Details
- Hair Type:Fine-medium hair texture
- Contents:Base, oil blend, creamy aloe shampoo, replenishing conditioner, hair lotion
- Total Steps:5
Pros:
- Highly moisturizing
- Prevents damaged hair
- makes hair sleek within few minutes
Cons:
- You need to buy a neutralizing shampoo separately
4. Hawaiian Silky relaxer
If you are looking for a hair relaxer for fine hair, this is the perfect hair care product. Your tresses would get a hydrated look and bounce post applying this product. It is available in three strengths, mild, medium, and super strength, to accommodate varying hair textures.
It is made in the USA and is formulated with natural ingredients. This is also a GMP-certified product, which ensures quality. It is a great product for straightening afro hair without stripping the strands off moisture.
The quantity is sufficient for multiple usages. The best part about this relaxer is, it is a pre-mixed cream. However, the only downside to this is you will have to purchase a neutralizing shampoo separately.
Product Details
- Hair type:Fine hair type
- Contents:Hair relaxer
- Total Steps:1
Pros:
- It is a pre-mixed cream
- Volumizes fine hair
- Offers shine and bounce to the hair
- Available in three strengths
- GMP and ISO certified
Cons:
- You need to purchase a neutralizing shampoo separately
5. Profectiv Mega Growth Relaxer
The mega growth hair relaxer is one of the best in range for touch-ups. It is a cream-on-cream relaxer that includes an ultimate protective blend of natural oils. This hair relaxer has conditioning proteins in every step, which helps tremendously to defend against hair breakage.
There are six packs in the kit, which enables you to touch up your hair six times after you get a hair relaxing treatment. Each set contains two sachets, a cream activator, and a cream relaxer. The product is laced with a blend of highly moisturizing agents such as olive, shea butter, and avocado extracts.
The kit includes the 1st and the 2nd step of the hair relaxing process. It also includes four mixing sticks and two pairs of hand gloves. You will have to purchase the shampoo, strengthener, and growth cream separately.
Product Details
- Hair type:Kinky, curly and wavy hair
- Contents:Cream activator and relaxer
- Total Steps:2
- Number of Sachets:2×6
Pros:
- Easy solution for maintaining relaxed hair
- Defends against hair breakage
- Highly moisturizing
- Adds shine to the hair
Cons:
- Meant for touch-ups only
6. Luster’s Short looks Color Relaxer
If you are looking for an all-in-one solution for your frizzy hair, then you can try out Luster’s Short looks Color Relaxer. It is a unique kit that includes hair color, a relaxer, and a conditioner for keeping your scalp hydrated.
This relaxer will give you maximum straightness within a matter of minutes. It is a peroxide and ammonia-free formula that will not damage your scalp or hair strands. Even if you have the finest type of hair, this relaxer kit will be perfect for you.
It might not be the most cost-effective option for you, but it is certainly one of the best relaxers for black hair. Post application, you will notice more body and less breakage of hair. It will help control the frizz and maintain a sleek look of your mane.
Product Details:
- Contents:Hair color cream, relaxer, and a conditioner
- Hair Type:Fine, normal, and coarse hair
- Total Steps:3
Pros:
- Three in one benefit
- Easy to apply
- Conditions hair well
- Free from peroxide and ammonia
- It gives gorgeous dark colors that stay.
Cons:
- Suitable only for short hair
7. Miracle’s New Growth Thermaceutical Relaxer
For hair prone to breakage, Miracle’s New Growth Relaxer is perhaps the best. This formula boosts your hair with a triple dose of conditioning for breakage prevention. It is a no-lye formula for people who want straight hair without much hassle.
The relaxer works on the hair cuticles to straighten even the curliest hair. The kit contains an activator, relaxer, shampoo, conditioner, and blending oil. Additionally, it comes with a spatula for mixing the contents and application.
The formula has jojoba oil and vitamin A, and E. Vitamin A supports hair growth, and Vit E is a powerful antioxidant that maintains the follicles’ health. It is laced with an extra infusion of protein to strengthen the hair strands.
Product Details:
- Hair type:Normal hair
- Contents:activator, relaxer, shampoo, conditioner, and blending oil
- Total Steps:5
Pros:
- This relaxer prevents hair breakage
- Detangles hair easily
- It contains vitamin A and E
- Triple conditioning formula
Cons:
- Quantity is less
8. OPTIMUM Multi-mineral Relaxer Mild
If you want straight hair but have a sensitive scalp, then you can try out this Optimum Multi-mineral relaxer. This formula is enriched with multiple minerals such as lithium and calcium to maintain the health of the strands.
As it is a mild formula, it is not harsh on your scalp. But on the downside, if you have really tight curls, then this might not be the best hair relaxer for you. Also, if you have color-treated hair, or bleached hair, using it is not recommended.
It is best for a better experience to use a pre-relax protector of the same range, which is not included in the pack. After using it, your tresses would have a better shine, a fuller body.
Product Details:
- Hair type:Normal, damaged, and dry hair
- Contents:Pre-mixed hair relaxer
- Total Steps:1
Pros:
- Maintains pH balance
- The jar lasts for two to three applications.
- Suitable for moderately color treated fine hair type
Cons:
- You need to buy a neutralizing shampoo separately
- It might not be suitable for very tight curls
9. MO33815 Motions Classic No-Lye Relaxer
The Motions classic no-lye relaxer is meant for coarse hair. The formula contains a blend of emollients to give your hair maximum hydration throughout the process. Just use a protective base and follow it up with this relaxer for easy styling at home.
It is infused with argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil for hydrating your non-porous and coarse hair, which are resistant to straightening and styling. The blend also includes vitamin E and aloe leaf extracts for maintaining scalp health and preventing hair follicles from oxidization.
You won’t have to take up any trouble for mixing, as the jar contains a pre-mixed blend. As it is a super strength relaxer for coarse, black hair, maintaining the suggested time limit is important. After rinsing it thoroughly, you will see that your hair looks straight, soft, shiny, and luxurious.
Product details:
- Hair type:Coarse
- Contents:Hair relaxer
- Total steps:1
Pros:
- The jar contains a pre-mixed formula
- It gives smooth and flawless results.
- It contains argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil
- Perfect relaxer for coarse hair
Cons:
- Need to purchase an activator, shampoo, and conditioner separately
10. Just For Me No-lye Regular Conditioning Creme Relaxer
Looking for a relaxer to style your child’s hair? If so, you can choose the ‘just for me conditioning cream relaxer,’ which is a safe product that will not irritate, damage, or dry out your child’s scalp. It straightens the hair perfectly and takes superior care.
The kit contains the complete set. The shampoo included in the pack helps you understand if you need to rinse more since it turns blue if there are traces of relaxers left in your tresses. The moisturizing conditioner ensures hair health while maintaining a glossy outlook.
It is one of the highest-rated hair relaxers for children as it is considered safe. The product contains coconut oil and almond oil for hair and scalp hydration. There are also bamboo extracts, which is high in silica, a mineral that helps maintain hair elasticity.
Product Details:
- Hair type:Medium or fine texture
- Contents:Base, relaxer, shampoo, and conditioner
- Total Steps:4
Pros:
- Suitable for adolescent children’s hair
- It does not cause a burning sensation.
- It contains special color-changing shampoo
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- Smell is strong
How to Choose the Best Relaxers for Black Hair?
In this buying guide, we have mentioned different factors you have to consider while purchasing a relaxer for black hair. Take a look at this information before making the choice.
1. Look for a No-Lye Relaxer
Lye is actually a corrosive agent that brands use in hair products. Using lye on your hair will damage, corrode and irritate your scalp. Hence it is important to choose a brand that does not include lye in the ingredient list.
2. Scalp Sensitivity
If you have sensitive, dry and scalp conditions like eczema, then we recommend to choose a relaxer that is gentle. Some of the relaxers are formulated and marketed for their scalp sensitivity feature.
3. Formula strength
Choose the relaxer according to your hair type is essential. You must know your hair type to choose the strength.
- Very fine hair: Mild Strength
- Normal hair: Regular strength
- Coarse hair: Super strength
If your hair type is brittle and prone to breakage, then choosing a relaxer that has intense moisturizing ingredients is required.
4. Look For Moisturizing Ingredients
Relaxing your hair means altering the structure of your hair strands by processing it chemically. Subjecting your hair to chemical treatment can be drying. Hence, products that have moisturizing ingredients are the most recommended option.
Look for hair relaxers that have ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, argan oil, honey, and coconut oil. Moisturizers like these prevent hair breakage and brittleness. It will stimulate better hair growth while adding shine, body, and bounce to your hair.
5. Quantity
Take into consideration the quantity of the pack before you purchase a hair relaxer for dark hair. If you have really long hair, you will need more quantity. Also, if you intend to use the product more than once, then taking this aspect into consideration would be a pretty wise thing to do.
6. Content of the Kit
While purchasing a relaxer, take note of the contents available with the product. Ideally speaking, you must use a protector base, an activator, relaxer cream, a pH-neutralizing shampoo, and an intense hydrating conditioner while applying the relaxer. The more steps the kit contains, the better. This means you will not have to invest separately in other products.
7. Price
Cost is one of the most influencing factors for most of us. Hence, we cannot put this consideration out of the equation. Most of the products we included in this list are cost-effective. We suggest that you find a relaxer that suits your budget. However, do not cheap out either because quality matters!
What Tips You Should Consider While Trying Relaxers?
It is obvious that no matter how mild the chemicals are, a relaxer surely contains some chemicals. To prevent any damage to your hair, we recommend taking some precautions ahead, during and after the relax application. If you aren’t unaware of this, we recommend checking out the below information.
1. Before Relaxer
Before trying out a relaxer, we recommend trying out a protein treatment. As our hair is mostly made of protein, getting this treatment will strengthen the tresses. It is better to undergo the treatment a few days before using the relaxer.
2. During the Relaxer
Never use relaxer over already relaxed hair. However, some of them tend to do this mistake very often. If you have to use relaxer over the relaxed hair, we recommend coating the hair with a petroleum product. This coating protects the hair tresses from any further damage.
3. After Relaxer
Once you have applied the relaxer, its time to protect the hair from damage and relaxer from wearing out. For that, you have to use specific shampoos and conditioners. Some shampoos can be very drying so we recommend picking out a moisturizing shampoo. Conditioners are also necessary to hydrate and moisturize the hair. Apart from just conditioners, leave-in conditioners are also great. So, we recommend using them once or twice in a week.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long do relaxers last?
Ans: Based on the hair growth and texture, relaxers usually last for about 6 to 12 weeks before you need a re-touch up.
2. Is it safe to use relaxer at home?
Ans: Actually, it is better to get it professionally done. However, if you have to try relaxer at home, we recommend using a mild formula, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
3. How can I keep my relaxed hair healthy?
Ans: For keeping your relaxed hair strands healthy, we recommend seeking professional help for regular maintenance. Other than that, you can follow some tips like keeping the hair moisturized, sleeping on a satin pillow, or wearing a satin scarf.
4. How is a relaxer different from keratin treatment?
Ans: Relaxers are like a permanent hair straightener as they change the hair texture of the cuticles over the time. When it comes to keratin treatment, it washes away after some time and natural curl returns after 6 weeks to a few months. If you are looking for beautiful straight hair at an affordable price, then relaxer is the obvious choice. It is better to pick a no-lye relaxer as it doesn’t contain calcium hydroxide.
5. How frequently should I relax my hair?
Ans: Relaxing your hair every 6 to 8 months is considered fine. However, you will need to perform a retouch every 6 to 8 weeks. If you do not have rapid new growth, then retouching every twelve weeks should do fine as well.
6. Do hair relaxers make hair dry?
Ans: If you take the necessary prep and measures before using a relaxer, dryness and damage is unlikely. But you must remember that it is a chemical treatment that you are subjecting your hair to. Relaxing your hair means altering the structure of your hair by treating it to a chemical process. If you do not apply a protective base before relaxer, then it can dry out your hair.
Also, using a neutralizing shampoo to maintain the pH balance of your scalp and following it up with a conditioner is equally important steps.
7. How to choose the relaxer strength that is appropriate for me?
Ans: You should choose the relaxer strength according to the texture of your hair. The rule of thumb here is, for fine hair, choosing a mild strength relaxer is best. For regular hair, a regular strength relaxer would work better. If you have coarse hair, then using a super strength relaxer should fetch you the desired results.
Remember, just because you have very thick hair, there is no need to think that you will need super strength. It depends on the hair strands and not on the thickness. It is best to perform a strand test before applying a product.
8. What type of shampoo should I use after using a relaxer?
Ans: Using a pH neutralizing shampoo is the best after your hair treatment. This is important to maintain the health of your hair. Many people make the mistake of using a normal shampoo after using a relaxer, which is a mistake as it can damage your hair.
9. How long should I keep the relaxer after application?
Ans: Do read the back of the pack of the hair relaxer to know the exact time you should leave it in. Every formula is unique, and so the leave-in time would vary from brand to brand.
Conclusion:
Getting straight hair without going over the top with the budget is possible. Hair relaxers help you get that dream-like, silky, soft, and shiny hair if you choose the right hair relaxer, which is suitable for your hair type. If you go for the wrong type of product, it can mess up your hair.
Ensure you get a no-lye relaxer that is enriched with several minerals like calcium, lithium, and silica to maintain your beautiful tresses. Also, take post-treatment care of your hair for best results.
We have incorporated products of multiple types with varying strengths. We hope this list on the best hair relaxer was of help to you. If you have any queries or comments, head down to the comment section to write them down.
