• From: Chicago
  • Registered: 2010-11-28
  • Posts: 360

Topic: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

So here is my dilemma:

i have really thick, beach wavy hair. its also long and full.

ii literally wash it once--twice MAX a week. followed by conditioner and oils.

its HUGE when i first wash it..."wash and go hair" for me? nope, sorry not in this life.

i've had sweet women tell me that they would love to have my hair--but be careful what you wish for! on most days, i'll just twist it in a bun.

is there anyone that can relate? i think i want to go the chemical relaxer route...but so many to choose from.

so far i've read about the japanese straightener, brasilian, and keratin.

has anyone tried them? how were the results?

i'm a lover and a biter
  • From: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Registered: 2012-05-01
  • Posts: 257

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

If you have the money to pay for the upkeep go for it. My dads Iraqi and I have hair similar to people who are half black and my moms has been putting a relaxer in my hair since I was eight. Unfortunately for me the story doesnt end well, fried my hair follicles and I havnt been able to get my hair right ever since and now relie on lots of trimming and hair extensions. As long as its professionally done I see no problem with it, sometimes we think we want something really bad but later on the results arent worth it. To get my hair back to a good healthy stage I'd have to shave my head (that is so not happening)
but I totally understand, especially in summer months where you can do absolutely nothing with your hair. But because your hair is very long and thick it will probably cost more, I looked into it but I cant even come close to affording that right now. For me the best route is wetting it and braiding it at night, its way more manageable in the morning.

I discovered that what most people call creepy, scary, and spooky, I call comfy, cozy, and home
  • From: Italy
  • Registered: 2011-09-02
  • Posts: 184

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

I'm the opposite, I have kinda flat straight hair, but I just wanted to say that chemical treatments may really damage your hair permanently. Beside your main problem seem to be the fullness not the curl, you may not get what you want. What courtney said may help, I was thinking of using a leave-in conditioner or an oil... I used to do this when my hair was damaged and frizzy and it helped them look normal

up for swap: http://www.fragrantica.com/board/viewtopic.php?pid=761776
  • Registered: 2011-05-16
  • Posts: 1,430

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

I have no experience with any treatments.My hair is difficult but not enough to justify such luxurious treatment.

A half-black girl I know had a treatment that coats the hair with silk extract  35 ... something along those lines. I think it's called CHI, all I know it can be used on any difficult hair type not just "black". Apparently it's not aggressive and those who have it are very happy. It's supposed to grow out rather than wash out.

"Did I miss something? Are we girls now? ... Are we bonded together by estrogen or sisterhood or some other feminist drivel?" Pam,True Blood
  • From: NM, USA
  • Registered: 2010-06-04
  • Posts: 2,146

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

JazzBirdSinger -- If you're thinking of chemically relaxing your hair, have it professionally done...I tried 'taming' my curly bangs once on my own, and regretted it!  And as it's been said, you may have to commit to doing it often [if you wind up loving it]...!

...the impossible is taking place in my life... [Kim English]
  • From: Chicago
  • Registered: 2010-11-28
  • Posts: 360

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

looks like i might have to rule out buying perfumes for 6 months.

the price to undergo the japanese straighter is 8OO$

grater you straight haired girls are so lucky!

i'm a lover and a biter
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  • dannysmom
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  • Registered: 2012-01-15
  • Posts: 1,586

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

I have your hair.  The first time I had it done (Japanese straightening), I absolutely loved it!!  When I went in to have it done the second time, that's when it went bad.  My hair got SO dried out and actually started breaking off (not the ends, but the middle/top).  I ended up having to get it all cut off.  I swear it's now permanently damaged because I can't seem to get it to grow past my shoulders without it looking really bad.  Just wanted to tell you my experience..

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  • dannysmom
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  • Registered: 2012-01-15
  • Posts: 1,586

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

Oh, and I had it done in a professional salon by a person that only does straightening.

  • From: Chicago
  • Registered: 2010-11-28
  • Posts: 360

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

@jilhare,

thanks for sharing your story with me.

when i inquired at the salon, i was given a huge over the top spiel

on what a perfect candiate i am for this treatment. i was not told about hair breaking off at the middle/center though, ha go figure.

and courtney...dang i feel for you too. that is so sad and scary to have your hair break off like that. i'm glad that its grown back....

i will consider other SAFER options.

i'm a lover and a biter
  • From: Daytona Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2012-02-06
  • Posts: 537

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

JazzBirdSinger wrote:

So here is my dilemma:

i have really thick, beach wavy hair. its also long and full.

ii literally wash it once--twice MAX a week. followed by conditioner and oils.

its HUGE when i first wash it..."wash and go hair" for me? nope, sorry not in this life.

i've had sweet women tell me that they would love to have my hair--but be careful what you wish for! on most days, i'll just twist it in a bun.

is there anyone that can relate? i think i want to go the chemical relaxer route...but so many to choose from.

so far i've read about the japanese straightener, brasilian, and keratin.

has anyone tried them? how were the results?

All three would probably work, but I really recommend going to a professional for advice on your specific hair type. DO NOT use the Suave keratin treatment, it will fry your hair. It has Thyo in it (the same as in perm solution).

Every day I die again and again I'm reborn.
  • From: Daytona Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2012-02-06
  • Posts: 537

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

@Jazz, also you should switch to a sulfate free shampoo after your treatment.

Last edited by kbro4897 (2012-08-09 19:12:24)

Every day I die again and again I'm reborn.
  • From: Chicago
  • Registered: 2010-11-28
  • Posts: 360

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

kbro4897 wrote:
JazzBirdSinger wrote:

So here is my dilemma:

i have really thick, beach wavy hair. its also long and full.

ii literally wash it once--twice MAX a week. followed by conditioner and oils.

its HUGE when i first wash it..."wash and go hair" for me? nope, sorry not in this life.

i've had sweet women tell me that they would love to have my hair--but be careful what you wish for! on most days, i'll just twist it in a bun.

is there anyone that can relate? i think i want to go the chemical relaxer route...but so many to choose from.

so far i've read about the japanese straightener, brasilian, and keratin.

has anyone tried them? how were the results?

All three would probably work, but I really recommend going to a professional for advice on your specific hair type. DO NOT use the Suave keratin treatment, it will fry your hair. It has Thyo in it (the same as in perm solution).



omg!!! i was literally thinking of going the suave route today, cus its so cheap and i can do it myself!!

thanks for saving my hair, kbro, i owe you

i'm a lover and a biter
  • From: Daytona Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2012-02-06
  • Posts: 537

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

JazzBirdSinger wrote:

omg!!! i was literally thinking of going the suave route today, cus its so cheap and i can do it myself!!

thanks for saving my hair, kbro, i owe you

My gf has had to fix so many fried heads because of that stuff. Also, if you add a sodium based relaxer to it, that makes Nair and all your hair would fall out. That stuff is really bad. Glad I posted, and you read.  glad

Last edited by kbro4897 (2012-08-10 17:16:13)

Every day I die again and again I'm reborn.
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  • whiteshoulders
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  • Registered: 2011-05-08
  • Posts: 4,606

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

My daughters both have hair like yours... I have straight shiny hair...go figure..  They have to blame it all on their dad, who has thick, black, extremely curly hair!  But, their hair is gorgeous and so is yours.  I know it can be a pain, though!  They have never done anything chemically to their hair.  They manage theirs through shampoos and conditioners.  My one daughter loves Fekkai Glossing shampoo and conditioner, and Neutrogena shampoo and conditioner that is in a beige tube.  The other daughter (whose hair isn't quite as curly but it is thicker and mermaidy), likes Pantene and Herbal Essences.  She also is a firm believer in Aussie 3 minute miracle.  Hope you find something that works for you!

  • From: Vancouver, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-02-12
  • Posts: 3,426

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

WEN might be the natural option for you.

I am not picky, just discerning.
  • Registered: 2012-03-03
  • Posts: 3,538

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

courtney.lirilli wrote:

For me the best route is wetting it and braiding it at night, its way more manageable in the morning.

Your hair must be like mine, water tends to relax it. My hair is not thick, it is very thin but I have a whole lot of it! It is lot and wavy and I can't do anything with it. I keep it up.

Relaxers work if you keep the roots done regularly as your hair naturally regresses to it's original state. I believe that relaxers might change hair texture over time but don't quote me on that.

Give and it shall come back to you, Good Measure ~Pressed Down ~ Shaken Together ~ Runneth Over...
  • Registered: 2011-07-22
  • Posts: 396

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

My hair is just like yours in your picture...thick, dark, wavy, I keep it long down to my waist and I've been told it is one of my best features. It's very hard to manage. Back at school and even in college, you'd rarely ever see me with my hair loose, I was always in a pony-tail. Nowadays I would get my hair 'thinned out' at the hair-dressers to 'de-bulk' the volume and make it more manageable. Maybe you could ask your hair-dresser about this hair-cutting method? I don't really know what it's called in hair-dressing terms, but it gives your ends sort of like a V or U shape viewed from the back, and a slightly layered look,. I've tried straightening out my locks once, but pin-straight flat hair just doesn't look right on me! I've gone super curly another time, and that did not suit me either.

Last edited by CozyCat (2012-08-11 15:04:13)

  • From: Chicago
  • Registered: 2010-11-28
  • Posts: 360

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

okay everybody!!! after weighing the pros and cons,,,i went and ahead and did it!! i love it...i changed my avatar to reflect the results.

for anyone that wants to do it, i am defffo pro +++

i'm a lover and a biter
  • From: Florida The Sunshine State
  • Registered: 2012-05-11
  • Posts: 3,506

Re: opinions on chemical hair relaxers?

I was going to suggest the keratin because I had a friend who had that and her hair was super shiny and like satin afterwards.  If I had super thick hair like yours I would get my hair cut in lots of layers.  Mine is super fine and it looks thick but if I layer it there's nothing left.  Every time I find a haircut I love it can't be done on my hair...bummer.

Variety is the spice of life.