Hair Straightening VS Hair Relaxing: What’s the Difference?

Hair Straightening VS Hair Relaxing: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to mastering our hair, there are many options available to us to achieve smoother, more manageable hair. Some of the most popular techniques include hair straightening and hair relaxers. While both methods have a similar goal, they differ greatly in terms of process, results, and impact on the health of your hair. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between hair straightening and hair relaxers in detail to help you make an informed decision about which option is best for your hair needs.

Hair Straightening

Hair straightening, often called "Brazilian straightening" or "keratin straightening," is a popular method for achieving smoother, silkier hair. Here's how it works:

The process:

1. Applying a smoothing solution : A keratin-based product is applied to clean, dry hair. This solution is then distributed evenly throughout the hair.

2. Sealing with a flat iron : The hair is then straightened using a flat iron heated to a high temperature. This step helps seal the keratin into the hair, making it smoother and shinier.

3. Rinsing and drying : After letting the solution sit for a while, the hair is thoroughly rinsed, then dried and styled as desired.

The benefits of hair straightening:

• Hair straightening treatments significantly reduce frizz and curl, leaving hair smoother for several weeks.

• They don't use harsh chemicals, making them gentler on the hair compared to relaxers.

• Hair straightening improves hair shine and manageability.

Straightening

Relaxers, also known as "chemical straightening," are a more traditional method of achieving straight, sleek hair.

The process:

1. Chemical Application : Strong chemicals, such as caustic soda or guanidine derivatives, are applied to the hair to break down the natural keratin bonds, making it straighter.

2. Rinsing and Neutralizing : Once the hair is sufficiently straightened, the chemicals are thoroughly rinsed out, and a neutralizer is applied to stop the straightening process.

3. Rinsing and drying : The hair is then washed, conditioned and dried.

The advantages of hair straightening:

• Relaxers offer longer-lasting results than hair straightening, with straight hair typically lasting up to several months.

• They are particularly suitable for people with extremely curly or frizzy hair.

Points to consider

It is essential to note that both methods have their advantages, but they are not without their drawbacks. Here are some points to consider before deciding:

• Hair straightening treatments are gentler on the hair, but their effects are temporary.

• Relaxers are more durable, but they use harsh chemicals that can damage hair if not properly maintained.

• In both cases, following a proper hair care regimen is crucial to maintaining the health of your hair.

In conclusion, the difference between hair straightening and hair relaxers is mainly in the process and the durability of the results. Choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences, hair texture, and your tolerance to chemicals. Before making a decision, it is highly recommended to consult a hair care professional who can assess your specific needs and guide you to the best option for healthy, smooth hair. Regardless, take care of your hair and its health, because healthy hair is always beautiful.