About Hair Relaxation
What is it?
The nomenclature "capillary relaxation" refers to the name of an American product, which was very successful in Brazil in the 80's. more natural, and even smoother, if that is your intention. Each product is indicated for a hair type. So it's cool to pay attention to the recommendations on the packaging.
In many cases, the process is done with a product called ammonium thioglycolate, guanidine, or sodium hydroxide. If your hair has already been dyed, it is interesting to opt for products that have a lower pH, with substances such as glyxylic acid or carbocysteine. All this because with a lower pH, the cuticle of the thread does not open as much, so the dye is not completely altered with the use of the product.
Who can do it?
Women who have curly, frizzy hair and who want to straighten or reduce hair volume, with more defined curls. The product changes the structure of the locks, also helping with shine.
Hair relaxation is not indicated for pregnant women, as at this stage the woman's entire body becomes more sensitive and the process can generate some allergy or irritation. Another factor is that there is a change in vitamins and proteins in the pregnant woman's body, so using chemicals in the hair is not advisable, as it can harm the baby's health.
How much does it cost? #price
Let's show you some value tips so you can compare and choose the best option for you, okay?
Salon Line Guanidine Super Hair Relaxer
According to the brand, it is βa complete transformation line for Straightening and Relaxing, with high performance and technology that hydrates and nourishes the hair. Maximum hydration, strength and repair. Compatible with Sodium Hydroxide and Lithium.β It costs around R$17,00 on the brand's website.
Italian Base 2a Relaxing Strong β Relaxing Base 500g
The product βallows you to relax, reduce volume and/or straighten in a natural way. Use in conjunction with Guanidine Activator Forte 2B. The Relaxing Base Guanidina Innovator was elaborated with the highest technological degree in hair relaxation and straightening. Its active responsible for relaxation is Guanidine Hydroxide (Non-Metallic Organic Compound) which starts to act after being mixed with the Guanidine Activator.β
It costs around $53,00.
Amend Gold Black Relaxing Cream
According to the brand, it is: "a cream specially developed for curly hair - very curly and rebellious that provides a healthy shine and natural balance."
R$39,90 on the Ikesaki website.
Relaxing Cream Permanent Encacheamento Afro 500 Gr β Salon Line
This capillary relaxation promises to βperform the Curl Release procedure. For your hair to be relaxed and then curled, you will need the Relaxing and Curling Cream, the Waving Lotion and the Afro Permanent Liquid Neutralizing Lotion. Formula with Acai, an excellent source of nutrients and antioxidants; rescues the vitality of the threads, returning the shine to the hair. And Arginine, an amino acid present in keratin, strengthens hair, reducing hair loss due to breakage. Important: the combined use of the Relaxing and Straightening Cream + Waving Lotion + Liquid Neutralizing Lotion is essential. Permanente Afro Salon Line is incompatible with Guanidine, Sodium Hydroxide and Lithium.β
On the Americanas website, the product costs R$25,95.
Relaxation X Straightening: What's the Difference?
The difference between capillary relaxation and straightening is in the final score. In relax, you manage to keep the curls in your hair, the product just reduces the volume, but it keeps the hair curly and even leaves it defined. Retouching occurs as the hair grows.
Straightening is the opposite, it leaves the hair super smooth and flat. It is worth remembering that this process is only indicated for type 3 curly hair. If you have curly hair and want straighter strands, a chemical with guanidine is necessary to obtain this effect.
It is important to carefully read all product specifications so as not to be surprised by an unwanted result.
Advantages and disadvantages
One benefits of hair relaxation is that it manages to reduce the volume of the threads, but still maintains a very natural movement, in addition to being less aggressive than straightening. If you have a care routine, moisturizing and taking care of your locks, you will soon see a super beautiful result.
The purpose of this process is just to control the volume and reduce that frizz, which bothers us a lot.
There are products with different components on the market, you must choose one that meets your needs.
A disadvantage of relaxation is that it is a chemical procedure and as such can pose risks. If you are not sure how to do it at home, it is worth looking for a trusted professional. Choosing products that don't have good quality or choosing to do it with someone who doesn't have mastery of the technique are the greatest precautions you need to take.
As it is a chemistry, if capillary relaxation is not done well, the fiber of the thread can be destroyed, and consequently cut. This problem is called βchemical cuttingβ, which can make anyone desperate, as the hair begins to break down and become super damaged.
To decide which chemical substance you are going to use and avoid chemical cutting, we will show you below what they are:
- Guanidine: widely used in several products, however it is necessary to be very careful when using it. Guanidine is incompatible with several hair cosmetic substances. This element cannot be used if you have used ammonia on your hair.
- Sodium and calcium hydroxide: it is not a very common chemistry, it is very aggressive and can only be used by an experienced professional. If you have hair dye, it is not recommended to use it, as this combination can cause chemical cutting.
- ethanolamine thioglycolate: this substance is lighter and is recommended for those who want to reduce the volume, but don't want that flat smooth. Generally, the results with it are quite beautiful and can be used on unruly or curly hair.
- Ammonium Thioglycolate: another element that is present in many products. For those who already have chemistry, you need to be aware. He manages to relax and restructure the thread, the smell is not so strong either, which is an advantage.
To avoid any problems, if you choose to do it yourself at home, carefully read the product instructions to make sure that it will not harm your hair.
How to Do Homemade Relaxation: Step by Step
Ingredients
- A spoonful of cornstarch;
- Olive oil;
- Half a glass of water;
- Treatment mask of your choice.
Step by step
- Mix a pan, a spoonful of cornstarch with half a glass of water over the fire and keep stirring until it forms a porridge.
- In a bowl, mix this porridge with a spoonful of olive oil and two spoonfuls of the hydration.
- With clean hair and already washed with shampoo, apply everything to the strands, letting it act for 30 minutes.
- Rinse and finish as desired.
Watch a video with this complete relaxation!
Photos Before and After
Let's see some before and after photos for you to be inspired and do at home?
Hair relaxation, if carried out with care, can leave hair shiny and with well-defined curls. And you, did it at your house? Tell us the results!
