The terrible side effects of relaxers

In the african or African-american world, application of relaxers to the hair is no news.

   Many of us have always wanted that bone straight hair that flies when blown by the wind, the kind of hair that doesnt break our combs, or kill us to comb out because of the mind blowing curls, or the silky texture many non africans have.     
    About 80 percent of us have used or are still using relaxers just to get these results. We have seen the "benefits" to the hair but do you know the hidden side effects that could cause major heart break when the side effects start showing up?

    Manufactures will claim there are no side effects or chemicals have been removed to make it safer, but that is a manufacture for you! They will tell you anything as long as their product sells. These tales they tell about their products being free of harmful chemicals only succeeds in misleading the society.

The lye relaxers was used at first, the principle chemical here was sodium hydroxide which has an extremely high p.H ranging from 10-14. The higher the p.H the stronger and the more lasting the effects actually. However, this high p.H causes alot more damage to the hair. Alot of people experienced hairloss when they used this relaxer,  so the 'no-lye' relaxer was produced.

The 'no-lye' relaxer till this day actually deceives people into thinking the  harmful chemical is gone. This is not true, another almost as strong chemical is the replacement of sodium hyrdoxide, the name of this chemical,  guanide hydroxide. The chemical is only slightly better than sodium hyrdoxide, but works the same way.

The chemicals penetrate the inner layer of the hair shaft. Here it breaks down the make up of the hair so you can imagine how strong these chemicals are. These chemicals not only alter the make up of the hair, they also alter the elasticity and strength of your hair.

After relaxing the hair, the hair is to be washed with a neutralizing shampoo and conditioner.

The relaxed hair is weaker than the natural hair, therefore the relaxed hair is prone to breakage and split ends.

This is a list of damage your hair will experience after being relaxed.

1. Dandruff and dryness. The relaxer's chemical strips off the moisture in the scalp resulting in  dry scalp and dandruff

2. Split ends. As the relaxer has weakened the hair, voila! Split ends.

3. Hair loss. Application of relaxers can result in heavy hair loss and a few bald patches on the scalp.

4. No hair growth. Relaxers can inhibit the growth of your hair.

These are just a few of the issues you might face after relaxing the hair. So when relaxing the hair, think of the damage it will cause your hair and if it is worth the temporary relief it will provide you.

If you have chosen to go relax your hair, I suggest going to certified hairstylist who will examine you hair and tell you how to go about it.