9 best hair relaxers

Hair Protectants: Hair protectants are products designed to safeguard your hair from damage that can occur during styling, heat exposure, and daily wear and tear.They come in various forms, and their primary goal is to maintain the health and integrity of your hair.

  1. Heat Protectants:

    • Heat protectant sprays or creams are essential when using hot styling tools like hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons.
    • They create a protective barrier on your hair, reducing the direct impact of high temperatures and preventing heat-induced damage like split ends and breakage.
  2. UV Protectants:

    • UV protectant sprays or serums shield your hair from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
    • Exposure to UV rays can lead to color fading, dryness, and weakened hair structure. UV protectants help prevent these issues.
  3. Environmental Protectants:

    • Environmental factors such as pollution and humidity can affect the health and appearance of your hair.
    • Certain hair products contain ingredients that act as a shield against these environmental stressors, helping to maintain your hair's condition.
  4. Color Protectants:

    • If you have color-treated hair, specialized color protectants can help maintain the vibrancy of your hair color.
    • They often contain UV filters and ingredients that lock in color, preventing premature fading.
  5. Anti-Frizz and Moisture Locking Products:

    • Some hair protectants focus on combating frizz and locking in moisture. These are particularly useful in humid conditions.
    • They create a protective layer that seals the hair cuticle, reducing moisture absorption from the air and minimizing frizz.
  6. Application:

    • Hair protectants are typically applied to damp or dry hair before styling or exposure to environmental factors.
    • Follow the product's instructions for the best results, as application methods may vary.
  7. Ingredients to Look For:

    • When choosing a hair protectant, look for ingredients like silicone (dimethicone), keratin, and natural oils, as these can create a protective barrier and provide added benefits such as shine and smoothness.
  8. Regular Use:

    • For the most effective protection, make using a hair protectant part of your regular hair care routine, especially before applying heat or spending time in the sun.

Hair protectants are a valuable addition to your hair care regimen, helping to maintain the health and appearance of your hair while allowing you to style it without excessive damage. Consider your specific hair type and styling habits when selecting the right protectant for your needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best hair relaxers on the market
  

Softsheen-Carson Optimum Salon Haircare Optimum Care Defy Breakage No-Lye Relaxer, Regular Strength for Normal Hair Textures, Optimum Salon Haircare, Hair Relaxer with Coconut Oil

SoftSheen-Carson

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Patented formula with ceramide r proven to reduce hair breakage after just 1 use, for strong and healthy looking hair strength building packettes that deliver a unique complex to instantly rescue and treat over-processed hair to dramatically improve its healthy look.

  • Optimum Care by SoftSheen Carson Care Defy Breakage No-lye Relaxer, Regular Strength for Normal Hair Textures, Optimum Salon Haircare, Hair Relaxer with Coconut Oil, 1 Kit
  • SUPREME CONDITIONING: Infused in every step with Strengthening Ceramide and Coconut Oil Optimum Defy Breakage Relaxer Kit helps replenish moisture for smooth, healthy looking hair before during and after relaxing
  • 6 EASY STEPS: Protective Pre-Treatment, Conditioning Relaxer Cream + Activator, Neutralizing Shampoo, Reconstructor Treatment, Leave In Strengthener and Whipped Oil Moisturizer in each kit, for 1 application or 2 retouches
  • OPTIMUM DEFY BREAKAGE NO LYE REGULAR STRENGTH RELAXER: This relaxer kit with whipped oil moisturizer will get you salon straight results in 6 easy steps with 90 percent less breakage, recommended for normal hair textures
  • OPTIMUM SALON HAIR CARE: Salon inspired hair care for glamourous styles at home, Our Relaxers come in both regular strength and super strength
  • SOFTSHEEN-CARSON: For over 110 years we have provided beauty to all consumers of African descent with innovative, tailor-made, superior products and services - specially designed for their needs

User questions & answers

Question: i just bought this product and it seemed very liquid after mixing it. Isn't it suppose to be more like a whip cream texture
Answer: Yes, your right, it should have a creamy texture, I would ask them to send a another one, just to be on the safe side.
Question: How often can I use this product
Answer: It depends on the length of your new under growth. My hair undergrowth is a corny texture when it grows out, so I use this product every 6 weeks.
Question: white girl here, with thick wavy hair, dyed light brown. Should I use this product
Answer: white girl here too; I've been using no-lye cream relaxers for years. They are all very similar, but this one has been my go-to brand lately. I always use "regular" (not "super"), and I don't leave it in for the maximum amount of time. Depends how straight you're trying to get your hair. These cream relaxers are pretty gentle.
Question: Can i used this relaxer on color treated hair. i dyed it last year and i really need a good relaxer
Answer: Just as long as you give yourself 14 days between either dying or relaxing you should be fine.. follow the directions on the box

Product features

Optimum Care by SoftSheen Carson Care Defy Breakage No-lye Relaxer, Regular Strength for Normal Hair Textures, Optimum Salon Haircare

No appointment necessary. Get salon results at home with our Optimum Salon Haircare Relaxer Kit. Professional-Quality formula for stronger, smoother hair in the comfort of your home.

Recommended for normal hair textures, Optimum Care Salon Collection Relaxer has a professional strength formula for perfect salon straight results. Conditions before, during and after relaxing, and works at 3 levels of the hair to repair, rebuild and replenish for less breakage.

Softsheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 Moisturizing No-Lye Relaxer with Shea Butter, Super

SoftSheen-Carson

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Experience our next generation in healthy relaxing. Our components are exclusively formulated to preserve the 5 signs of healthy hair and more while you relax. • For coarse hair • Provides softness and body • Gives hair moisture, shine and strength • We believe in beauty without compromise Always read all product labeling and instructions completely prior to use. READ AND FOLLOW ENCLOSED INSTRUCTION SHEET BEFORE USING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OR WARNINGS OR OTHER MISUSE OF THE PRODUCT CAN CAUSE INJURY TO EYES OR SKIN AND CAN DAMAGE HAIR OR RESULT IN PERMANENT HAIR LOSS.

  • SHEA MOISTURE NO-LYE RELAXER: The next generation in hair relaxing, this Relaxer kit helps preserve the 5 signs of healthy hair: Moisture, Shine, Strength, Softness & Body. Perfect for coarse hair.
  • STRAIGHT, SLEEK & SHINY HAIR: Now featuring 3 new components including Healthy-Gloss 5 Moisture Conditioner, Healthy-Gloss 5 Moisture Hair Crème & our exclusive Silk Keratin Serum for softness & body.
  • RELAX AT HOME: This at-home no-lye relaxer kit is available in Normal and Super strength, depending on hair type. Easy to use, follow instruction sheet for optimal results.
  • UNIQUE LOOKS: We help people of color celebrate unique looks & styles with an array of treatments, colors & styling products for all hair types: curly, wavy, natural, relaxed, transitioning & more.
  • SOFTSHEEN-CARSON: For over 110 years we have provided beauty to all consumers of African descent with our innovative, tailor-made, superior products & services specially designed for their needs.
  • RELAX AT HOME: Our Dark and Lovely Triple Nourished Relaxer system has you covered if you missed your appointment. Our relaxer kit will help you maintain your sleek and smooth look at home, with shea butter, jojoba and avocado oil.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this the relaxer to use if you have color in your hair
Answer: Hi there! Thank you for your interest in SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer - Color-Treated. This formula is for color-treated hair!
Question: Do you need to use a neutralizing shampoo after
Answer: Thank you for your interest in the Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer - Super! Please be sure to use the neutralizing shampoo provided in the relaxer kit after rinsing. This step is listed under step 5 on the instruction sheet. We hope this information is helpful.
Question: Hair relaxers with prime
Answer: Hi there! Thank you for your interest in the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer - Color-Treated. This relaxer kit does not offer a scalp protective base. For further assistance, feel free to call us @ 800-442-4643 M-F 9am-5pm ET.
Question: can this work best on thick black hair
Answer: My hair is not really thick, but is what is sometimes categorized as "resistant". Dark and Lovely is a very good brand. And super works better than regular on my hair. I guess you should just try it.

Product features

SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer - Super

Our classic Dark & Lovely Gloss 5 No-Lye relaxer got a makeover! New look, new name and as nourishing as ever. Meet the Triple Nourished Silkening No-Lye Relaxer. With Shea Butter, Jojoba, Avocado Oils, and a new post-treatment.

  • The New Dark and Lovely Triple Nourished Silkening No Lye Relaxer is now made with Shea Butter, Jojoba and Avocado Oils to deliver conditioning care for softness and body.
  • Silkening System helps preserve the 5 signs of Healthy Hair: Moisture, Strength, Softness, Shine and body
  • New Fiber Strength post-treatment, infused with proteins, helps preserve the internal strength of the hair
  • Recharge Moisture Mask is infused with castor, jojoba and avocado oils to add moisture. Use after shampoo.
  • Recovery Shine Cream is infused with coconut oils to replenish shine and softness, to give salon worthy, silky, smooth hair.

ORS Olive Oil Build-In Protection New Growth No-Lye Hair Relaxer - Extra Strength

ORS Olive Oil

Based on 655 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Built-In Protection No Lye Relaxer System (Extra Strength) for Coarse, Resistant Hair is a revolutionary system that utilizes Olive Oil to protect the hair from damage during the relaxer process! Olive Oil, known as healing elixir for years, is rich in essential fatty acids that impart moisture directly into the scalp and hair shaft. The system provides continuous protection while straightening and providing long-lasting shine.

  • Built in protection
  • New growth
  • Extra Strength
  • The package dimension of the product is 4"L x 3"W x 2"H

ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection Full Application No-Lye Hair Relaxer - Normal Strength (Pack of 2)

ORS Olive Oil

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Trusted, true, the original...ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Hair Relaxer System formulated with high-quality ingredients for superior conditioning and added protection for the hair during the relaxing process. This full application kit is infused with olive oil for the ultimate in hydration and moisture. The results are smoother, silkier, softer hair with beautiful body and shine.

  • Helps protect hair from damage during relaxing.
  • Features nourishing boost of Exotic Oils including Mediterranean Olive, African Shea and Brazilian Pequi Oils.
  • Delivers stronger, smoother, silkier, softer, shinier hair.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a regular perm, not sure what normal means
Answer: Yes...it's regular.
Question: Will the exotic oil boost make my hair any less straight
Answer: No
Question: Maybe a silly question but i never used a product like this. i have a lot leftover. can i save what i did not use
Answer: I would not save it.
Question: Can i turn curly hair to wavy? My hair is not african, so not super curly or thick
Answer: This product is traditionally used by African Americans to straighten “kinky” hair. I do not advise other hair types to use this product

ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection New Growth No-Lye Hair Relaxer System - Normal Strength (Pack of 2)

ORS Olive Oil

Based on 83 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Olive Oil range contains the naturally-extracted pure olive oil, which moisturizes scalp, prevents dandruff and promotes hair growth. Rich in Vitamin E, hydrating and moisturizing, the use of pure Olive Oil throughout the range helps promote hair elasticity and cuticle smoothness. Resulting in softer, shinier hair that is less prone to tangle, develop split ends or suffer from drying and dullness. The ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection New Growth No-Lye Hair Relaxer kit is light-sized for touch-ups, short hairstyles, and ZONE RELAXING retouching a target section or “zone” of the head. Olive Oil, historically known as a healing elixir, is rich in essential fatty acids that impart moisture directly into the scal and hair shaft for stronger, after hair with beautiful shine.

  • Utilizes olive oil to protect the hair from damage
  • For Fine Medium Hair Textures
  • Conditions as it straightens and Protects hair during the relaxing process
  • Smoother, Silkier, softer Hair
  • Manageable Hair with Impeccable Shine

User questions & answers

Question: Does this need to be neutralized and is it a complete kit
Answer: Complete kit with neutralizing shampoo, conditioner and wrap lotion

TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer, Regular, 15 Ounce

Tcb

Based on 236 reviews Check latest price

Product description

TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer straightens and conditions hair for superior results. Leave hair more manageable and soft.

  • Includes protein to nourish hair
  • Professional formula
  • Leaves hair silky smooth
  • Pro Tip: Before you start the relaxation process, apply petroleum jelly on your scalp for effective results

User questions & answers

Question: How much time does it have to be on the hair? that does not appears in the jar
Answer: I used it for about 10 minutes.
Question: Does this product smells bad
Answer: Not really! It smells "chemically" just like any other relaxer!

RUSK Str8 Anti-frizz & Anti-curl Lotion 6 Oz, 6 Oz, IRASTRP6

Rusk

Based on 770 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Rusk Str8 Anti-Frizz And Anti-Curl Lotion

Brand Story

RUSK is one of the premier salon brands in the world

User questions & answers

Question: Could I use it without blow drying my hair? Does it work the same
Answer: Yes it works. I don't blow dry my hair. I put in some of this when my hair is still mostly wet and it stays smooth.
Question: can you use this on relaxed hair
Answer: I would try it! Since us supposed to keep hair straight longer than normal
Question: Would I be able to use a flat iron w/this
Answer: When I had longer hair I would use a heat protecting spray or serum, flat iron my hair then use this product afterwards...only use a little bit. I did notice with this my hair stayed straight longer than it would usually.
Question: has anyone used this in combination with the risk thermal? do hey accomplish different things or is it too much together
Answer: Not quite sure but I don't see why not! Definitely use thermal protector to not damage the hair with heat then use straight to keep your hair straight for a longer period of time. It's worth a shot.

Product features

Designer Collection Str8 Anti-Frizz and Anti-Curl Lotion

Transform frizzy, curly or unruly hair and tame it into smooth, straight, obedient style with this light, greaseless styling lotion. RUSK Str8 Anti-Frizz and Anti-Curl Lotion temporarily removes curl, eliminates frizz, blocks humidity for up to 24 hours and becomes invisible in the hair.

Features

What is it? A light, greaseless styling lotion.

Who is it for? Anyone with frizzy, curly, or unruly hair who desires smooth, straight, obedient hair.

What does it do? Temporarily removes curl and eliminates frizz. Blocks humidity for up to 24 hours. Becomes invisible in the hair.

How do you use it? Apply a dime-size amount to freshly washed, towel-dried hair. Distribute evenly throughout the hair. Style as desired.

Gentle Treatment Relaxer for Grey No-lye Kit, 1count

Gentle Treatment

Based on 295 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Gentle Treatment Relaxer for grey No-Lye, experience natural and improved conditioning with Gentle-Treatment No-Lye conditioning Relaxer, now with pure Aloe Vera Gel. Included in the relaxer creme is our naturally derived pure Aloe Vera Gel. The brilliant chemists at Johnson products have succeeded in actually improving the first patented Relaxer. Complete with two substantive conditioning agents that work to protect your hair from damage, dryness and dullness. Conditions and relaxes your hair in one easy, convenient step.

  • Two substantive conditioning agents.
  • Actually improving the first patented relaxer.
  • Improved conditioning with gentle-treatment.

User questions & answers

Question: Can you use this on permed hair that is too curly and frizzy to relax and reverse the perm
Answer: Your question is best answered by a hair care professional. However, relaxers and perms are both chemical treatments that change the hair follicle. Best practice is NOT to relax permed hair.
Question: What is the country of origin or distributor of this product
Answer: Really don't know. It is a Johnson Product, isn't that an American company?
Question: Will it work on hair that is half & half black & gray
Answer: YES....it will...the back of my head is more black and the front is very silver and gray. It worked very well and my hair wasn't brassy. I always follow up with a purple shampoo and conditioner for maintenance.
Question: How many treatments are in this product
Answer: 2 great treatments
Question: What do you need to buy and use after you rinse the relaxer
Answer: You will need to buy a neutralizing shampoo and a conditioner of your choice.
Question: Can it be used on black male hair
Answer: Yes, All hair types Men or Women, I use it with Foils that's easier for me
Question: Can this lead to potential hair loss
Answer: If you don't follow the directions about the time and don't use the neutralizing shampoo I think it could cause hair loss.
Question: Is this mix premix
Answer: Yes, it is mixed already

Hawaiian Silky no lye relaxer, mild, Beige, 20 Ounce

Hawaiian Silky

Based on 231 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Hawaiian Silky Creme conditioning No-Lye Relaxer uses lithium Hydroxide which works differently than the more commonly used sodium Hydroxide. This revolutionary formula straightens hair with minimal scalp irritation and burning while Jojoba and Mink oils protect and nourish the hair and scalp. This extraordinary Relaxer leaves the hair smooth and silky and is available in mild, regular and super to accommodate a variety of hair textures.

  • Great for straightening hair without damaging scalp
  • Formula: mild
  • Quantity: 20 Ounce
  • Not tested on animals
  • Moisturizes hair for a radiant look and bounce
  • Hair Type: Fine Hair

User questions & answers

Question: Is this better than box perms? I feel like box perms doesn't really take my hair anymore
Answer: I like this better than the boxed relaxers I buy in the store.
Question: After using, how long can i store it? And can i resue it as well? Its a big container. Does it have an expiration date
Answer: I still have mine after months and it does have expiration date on it.
Question: do you need an activator for this relaxer
Answer: No activator is needed
Question: How is it applied
Answer: Do not apply directly to your scalp . Apply to the roots

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