Colloquially referred to as hair relaxers by the masses, sensitive scalp relaxers are those that deviate from normal hair relaxers. Catch up on the latest information on relaxers that may prove helpful, in order to decide on the type of treatment you would like to opt for.
Sensitive hair requires extra care and extra attention. Hair becomes sensitive when it endures damage through a number of sources. Stress, improper diet and the overall lifestyle of an individual makes a difference to the quality of hair one possesses. With fashion trends giving birth to style statements at every nook and cranny, could hair potions for a penchant mane be left behind? Absolutely not. Times have changed and mentalities have somersaulted for the influx of hairstyles that can be juggled with, to create different looks. It is no news when we take notice of someone’s long lustrous locks and the next day catch her with a bob cut. What was that, you may exclaim.
Well, were they naturally long hair or fabricated long hair? As the saying goes, curiosity kills the cat, one may want to find what the true story is, after all! To cut a long story short, the word is experimentation! Yes, you may experiment with your hair. This is indeed the era of hair treatments. Hair extensions, hair color, perming, relaxing or hair straightening treatment … you may go ahead and have a look that you desire. However, there are some who may have a sensitive scalp, which may be susceptible to allergies and rashes. This may also lead to the formation of red bumps which may itch and cause folliculitis further resulting in hair fall. The hair fall could be as mild as lasting for a few weeks due to the treatment conducted on the hair or could be as severe as hair fall that is irreversible in nature. For such conditions, sensitive scalp relaxers may prove helpful.
What are Sensitive Scalp Relaxers?
Sensitive scalp relaxers constitute sodium hydroxide which relaxes the hair. However, for those who have sensitive scalp have a tough time as some may have sensitivity to the sodium hydroxide formulation. Instead of sensitive scalp relaxer products that contain sodium hydroxide, salons and professional hair artists have taken to using products that have lithium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. Calcium or lithium hair relaxers are sold to clients for home use. These products are not harmful if and when used with care and caution.
However, if the solution is left on the hair for a longer period than the recommended time limit, there are chances that the product may not deliver the results expected from the usage. Clients feel that when the scalp starts to burn, only then will the solution work. This belief does not hold true. You may notice that your hair is not softened or straightened evenly, has endured breakage, ends have become dry and rough and the hair looks blown out of proportion. (Pun not intended, however, literally true!)
Scalp relaxers also known as no lye scalp relaxers need to be applied as soon as they are mixed. Recent research shows that hair relaxers should be applied promptly without whiling away time. Sensitive scalp relaxers should also not be preserved for application after it has been used for one client. Sensitive scalp relaxers are no lye relaxers. It is not a single cream that can be used directly on to the scalp.
There are two components that the hair artist has to blend; it is the cream and the activator. The cream constitutes calcium hydroxide and guanidine hydroxide that breaks down the protein bonds of the hair strands thereby straightening the hair. The sensitive scalp relaxer is said to be more active, rather aggressive, when it is mixed and kept for long. When the mixture is kept for a long time and not applied on the hair immediately, the scalp and the hair may sustain damage. It is also suggested that the left over product be discarded as soon as the application of the same on one client has been completed.
Sensitive Scalp Relaxer Products
Affirm hair relaxers are no lye hair relaxers. For sensitive scalp, the mildest form of this hair relaxer should be employed. Mizani, another brand for hair relaxers is a lye hair product having a superior name for itself. Mizani relaxers constitute sodium hydroxide and is meant to straighten mild to kinky hair. Mizani constitutes the pre and the post treatment conditioners constituting ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and honey to deep condition the hair.
So, if you would like to use a sensitive scalp relaxer, make sure that you practice caution. It is way better to consult a hair expert before you take the plunge to relax your hair. After all, your hair adds to your beauty and if your hair thrives on negligence, going bald may perhaps be a good idea!
