The 10 Best Relaxers For Black Hair 2023 With A Buyer Guide

The 10 Best Relaxers For Black Hair 2023

1.Best Overall: SoftSheen-Carson No-Lye Relaxer

SoftSheen-Carson has been transforming all the consumers of African descent with a plethora of beauty products by customizing them as per their needs. This No-Lye relaxer is infused with shea butter, jojoba, and avocado oil to give moisture, shine, strength, softness, and volume to hair. This home relaxer kit comes in three new components: the healthy-gloss 5 moisture conditioner, healthy-gloss 5 moisture hair creme, and silk keratin serum for soft, non-frizzy hair. Pros

Easy to apply at home Gives straight, sleek, and shiny hair Preserves 5 signs of healthy hair Infused with natural ingredients to lock moisture Lasts for 6 weeks Cost-effective

Cons

Makes hair dry Not good for thick hair. Not suitable for all colored hair.

2.Best For Sensitive Scalp: Avlon Affirm Sensitive Scalp Conditioning Relaxer

The Avlon Affirm Hair Relaxer provides maximum scalp comfort and nourishment while relaxing hair. The smooth relaxer’s revolutionary formula helps retain 76% of fiber elasticity while straightening your hair completely. This sensitive scalp relaxer conditions the hair and reduces irritation and dryness in the scalp. The liquid crystalline technology and the blend of exotic conditioning ingredients result in smooth and straight hair. Pros

Best for sensitive scalp A great relaxer for soft, smooth hair Rinses out easily without leaving any oily residue No breakage formula

Cons

Expensive

3. Best For Reducing Hair Breakage: SoftSheen Carson Optimum Salon Hair Care No-Lye Relaxer

The SoftSheen Carson Optimum No-Lye Relaxer helps one achieve a salon-like and professional straightened hair at home. This supreme conditioning cream is infused with strengthening ceramide and coconut oil to maintain hair moisture. This results in a smooth and silky appearance. The ceramides keep the hair cuticle flat, enhance shine, and prevent hair from breakage. They also help increase elasticity of each hair strand and retain moisture. This home hair relaxer kit comes with six easy and effective products, including the protective pre-treatment, conditioning relaxer cream, activator, neutralizing shampoo, reconstructor, and leave-in strengthener. It also has a whipped oil moisturizer for one application or two retouches. The whipped oil moisturizer will get you a salon-like straight hair in six easy steps with 90% less breakage. It is suitable for normal hair. This video will help you understand the product better. Pros

Contains ceramide to prevent hair breakage Easy 6-step application Contains whipped oil moisturizer Reduces 90% breakage Infused with coconut oil for extra hydration Long-lasting no-lye relaxer Leaves hair soft and smooth

Cons

Does not uncurl Caucasian hair. May cause a burning sensation in the scalp.

4.Best For Color-Treated Hair: Avlon Fiber Guard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer Kit

The Avlon Fiber Guard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer Kit is a four-step no-lye relaxer kit that preserves up to 40% of the hair strength. It is formulated with Avlon’s exclusive Fiber Strengthening Complex (FSC) that reinforces and restructures the hair fibers and strengthens them from the roots. The strengthening polymer in the straightening cream penetrates deep into the roots, and offers tensile strength and elasticity to the hair fibers after the relaxing process. It retards osmotic pressure build-up, provides optimum care, and protects your hair from environmental pollutants and mechanical stresses while styling. This popular relaxer restores moisture and shine while giving body to hair. It is an ideal scalp comfort solution for a sensitive scalp. Pros

Available in 3 formulas – mild, normal, and resistant strength Penetrates deep to give tensile strength Fixes hair fibers Restores moisture and shine Infused with an advanced formula Suitable for color-treated or dry or damaged hair Gentle on hair Retains natural hair texture Contains fiber guard Does not cause a burning sensation

Cons None Similar products

5.Best Moisturizing Formula: ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer

The ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer provides extraordinary conditioning. It utilizes olive oil and lanolin to protect hair from the damaging effects of a relaxer. Olive oil is a natural elixir that moisturizes hair and leaves it soft, silky, and manageable. Lanolin is a greasy material that provides moisture to each hair strand and acts as a protective barrier to lock in the hydration. Pros

Retains hair moisture Sleeks down hair in just a few minutes Pre-mixed cream Cost-effective

Cons

Neutralizing shampoo needs to be purchased separately. No refund policy May cause a burning sensation in the scalp.

6.Best Protein-Enriched Formula:TCB Hair Relaxer

The TCB No-Base Hair Relaxer is specially formulated for the African American hair type. This relaxer contains natural oils, protein, and DNA to strengthen and protect hair while relaxing it. The mineral oil and petroleum jelly in the relaxer act as an excellent protective barrier that reduce scalp irritation during the process. The infused protein protects each strand of hair and reduces damage by providing structural support. This unique conditioner relaxer leaves hair soft, smooth, silky, and manageable and gives it a perfect volume. This works as a great relaxer for texturized, colored, and permed hair. Check out the detailed review of the product in this video. Pros

Hair relaxer with protein and DNA Maintains structural integrity of hair strands Does not irritate the scalp Affordable Gives a silky smooth hair texture Good for both men and women

Cons

Does not come with a neutralizing shampoo and gloves. Leaves hair dry and frizzy.

7.Best Quick-Absorbing Formula:Luster’s ShortLooks Color Relaxer

The Luster’s ShortLooks Color Relaxer for black hair is a 3-in-1 solution for your entire hair care routine. You don’t have to look for a separate hair straightener, hair color, hair conditioner, and spend a bomb on each product. This relaxer is blended with natural ingredients to relax, color, and conditioned hair for easy styling and a professional look. The Lustre’s ShortLooks Color Relaxer contains shea butter that naturally moisturizes dry or damaged hair. It is easily absorbed deep into the scalp and nourishes hair from the roots. You can just color, relax, and condition your hair in just 30 minutes without any hassle. The unique combination straightens new hair growth for about 4 inches or shorter. The conditioner locks in the moisture. Pros

3-in-1 solution for the entire hair care routine Locks moisture in the roots Easy to apply Available in passion red, diamond black, and sable brown shades Gives your hair volume Reduces hair graying

Cons

Expensive Only good for short hair. Color fades quickly after few washes.

8.Best For Increasing Hair Strength: Hawaiian Silky No-Lye Relaxer

The Hawaiian Silky No-Lye Relaxer is formulated with essential oils and lithium hydroxide that strengthen hair and prevent any messy build-up. It provides a natural shine to curls and waves. Lithium hydroxide is a “no-mix” type alkali hair relaxer that straightens hair. Jojoba oil is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a natural straightening agent. It also prevents hair loss. The blend of mink oil improves hair appearance and texture. It is available in mild, regular, and super varieties to change hair texture as per your wish and style. Pros

Blend of jojoba oil and mink oil Nurtures each hair strand No-mix type hair relaxer Moisturizes hair for a natural bouncy look Cruelty-free No damage on the scalp

Cons

Not suitable for colored hair.

9.Best Hydrating Formula: Miracle’s New Growth No-lye Relaxer

Dr. Miracle’s New Growth No-Lye relaxer also detangles curls and conditions your hair to make it more smooth and shiny. The kit comes with a relaxer, activator, neutralizing shampoo, and a leave-in conditioner, along with a spatula and blending oil for a root touch-up. It is made with a natural blend of vitamins, minerals, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and aloe that hydrate hair deep from the scalp and nourish hair down to the core. Sweet almond oil also prevents breakage, split ends, and itchy scalp. Its emollient properties leave hair soft and smooth. Watch this video of the product for more information. Pros

Cost-effective Do not cause irritation Relaxes the scalp Moisturizes from root to tip Prevents hair breakage Overall solution for straightening hair and post-care

Cons

Small jar size

10.Best Natural Ingredients:ORS Olive Oil Organic Root Stimulator No-Lye Relaxer

The ORS Olive Oil Organic Root Stimulator contains moisturizing olive oil and natural herbs to stimulate roots and nourish and protect the hair during the relaxing process. The hydrolyzed collagen, castor oil, and coconut oil in the relaxer nourish the scalp deeply. Go through this video review for a detailed understanding of the product. Pros

Blend of natural ingredients Leaves hair lustrous Strengthens hair strands from the roots Works perfect for a year

Cons

Not suitable for curly hair. May cause a burning sensation on the scalp.

Hair relaxers are super effective when you pick the right product and use it correctly. But, if you invest in the wrong product, you will not only disrupt the relaxation but also ruin your hair in the process. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a relaxer for black hair.

How To Choose The Best Relaxers For Black Hair

1. Ingredients

Relaxers which contain lye in them can be very harmful to your scalp. This ingredient is corrosive, and damages and makes your hair dull and brittle. Choose a relaxer that maintains the pH balance of your scalp and hair for the best results. This is crucial especially if you have a sensitive scalp.

2. Strength Of The Formula

If you have scalp conditions like dryness, eczema, or extreme sensitivity, choose a scalp relaxer that is gentle, with lesser strength. Some relaxers in the market are specifically formulated and marketed for sensitive scalps. Also, ensure that the formula strength is according to your hair type for maximum results.

For very fine hair choose a mild strength relaxer. For coarse hair opt for a super strong relaxer. For normal hair, you may choose a regular strength relaxer.

3. Moisturizing Ingredients

It is vital that you choose a relaxer that has intense moisturizing ingredients if your hair is prone to breakage or is brittle. Relaxing your hair is altering the structure of your hair chemically, and any chemical treatment can be drying. Look for relaxers with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like olive oil, honey, coconut oil, shea butter, or organ oil, which adds bounce, body, and shine to your hair while stimulating hair growth.

4. Content in the kit

When choosing a relaxer, also take note of the products available with the treatment. Go for kits with a protector bass, relax cream, and activator, a PH neutralizing shampoo and a deep hydrating conditioner. It is ideal that you choose a kit with additional products, so you do not have to invest in other products separately. These are the top 10 relaxers for black hair. They are easy to use and help you achieve those straight tresses you always dreamed off. But before you go ahead and pick your favorite, you need to be aware of certain factors. Not all relaxers are made equal, and picking the wrong product can do more harm than good. In the following section, we have listed out what you need to check in a hair relaxer (for black hair) before you make the purchase.

How To Buy The Best Relaxer For Black Hair

Ensure you make your best purchase by following this checklist:

Choose a no-lye relaxer (mild and good for sensitive scalps) with a low pH. The relaxer should be able to balance the pH between your hair and scalp. Choose a relaxer kit. It contains a suitable neutralizer shampoo, an activator, along with a conditioner. A relaxer should have a blend of natural oils – like olive oil, jojoba oil, mink oil – along with the right relaxer. Aloe vera is another important ingredient. Natural ingredients nourish the scalp, provide hydration, and strengthen the hair roots. The botanicals are also less likely to cause allergic reactions or damage to the hair. Choose a cost-effective and budget-friendly option for a long-lasting solution. Know your hair type, the color of your hair, your curls, and also if your hair is easily prone to breakage.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, lives and breathes hair care. Understanding and empathizing how regular visits to the salon aren’t practical, she extensively poured through product reviews online and has compiled this list of best relaxers for black hair. These products are easy to use and contain natural ingredients that keep your hair healthy without burning your pockets. Is it safe to use a relaxer at home? Yes, it is safe to use a relaxer at home, but you must know the right way to use it. Rushing through an at-home relaxing process may cause side effects. For better results, try it in front of someone who has an idea of how to use relaxers. How can I keep my relaxed hair healthy? You can keep your newly relaxed hair healthy by washing it well, trimming off split ends, and moisturizing your strands. Moreover, you should also drink plenty of water and eat healthy to keep your relaxed hair well-nourished. Keep a check on your scalp’s moisture levels, and do not let your skin feel dry. Do hair relaxers make the hair dry? Some hair relaxers can make your tresses feel drier than usual. However, a nourishing relaxer enriched with natural ingredients, a suitable shampoo, and a conditioner can help keep hair damage at bay. Can I make a natural relaxer for black hair? Yes, you can make a natural relaxer for your black tresses. Try a mixture of honey, olive oil, and lemon juice as a relaxer. However, make sure you do not use chemical ingredients. How is a relaxer different from keratin treatment? A relaxer is more permanent than keratin treatment. The latter can make your tresses return to their original state after six to eight months. On the other hand, relaxers keep your hair properly styled for a long time. What type of shampoo should I use after using a relaxer? You can use sulfate-free shampoos on your relaxed tresses. These shampoos prevent dryness and clean your hair while moisturizing your tresses. They do not let your hair turn brittle or get damaged due to the after-effects of using a relaxer. How often should you touch up relaxed hair? You can touch up relaxed hair anywhere between six to eight weeks depending on the length of your tresses.