To Lye or Not to Lye?


Which is better: lye or no-lye relaxer?

No lye relaxers (boxed relaxer kits) are not the best form of relaxers to use.  Often they dry the hair out and damage the hair far beyond the effects that lye has on the hair.  The myth is often that “no-lye” is better because it is free of lye, leaving some harsh chemical, sodium hydroxide, out of the equation.  Lye was always thought to be the part of the chemical concoction in relaxers that burned the scalp; it is thought to be the very strong element of the relaxer.  However, lye is used to straighten the hair without stripping the hair of all of its moisture; it allows moisture to be contained in the strands.  The alternative chemicals that are used in no-lye straightening systems are not so generous to the hair.  I must admit, when I was in the business of getting my hair relaxed, it took me a while to figure out that lye was not the enemy.  It is not as taxing on the hair as we may think.

Think about it: When you have gone to a salon professional to get a touch up, did they ever use a box kit?  Did they have to use the neutralizer, shampoo, and conditioner that came all in one set?  Or did they use the relaxer out of a container that was already mixed in its correct proportions?  Then they utilized the shampoos and conditioners that were best for your hair, not one that came along with the kit.

Ask a salon professional which do they prefer, it will likely be the lye relaxer hands down.  If you decide to touch-up your relaxers at home, always do so with care and follow all of the correct procedures.

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About the Author

I am a young and budding natural embarking on a journey to enjoy all there is to know and learn about my kinks, curls, and coils. I love my natural hair and my goal is to share information that may help someone else become one step closer to healthier hair! For those who are contemplating making the switch to natural hair, I aim to showcase the beauty of natural hair to help you make the transition! For the veteran naturals, I will provide articles to help add some variety to your styling arsenal and more! Through my writings, I hope to leave you with a wealth of inspiration and new information to help you achieve your natural hair goals! Enjoy!

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