Rethinking Straightening and Smoothing: Which hair relaxer is safe to use?
Are you wondering, "Which relaxer is safe to use?" This blog dives into the risks and benefits of popular hair smoothing treatments, including relaxers, keratin treatments, Japanese straightening, silk presses, and Samuel’s Science—a clean alternative designed for Black hair. Learn how relaxers work, the chemicals involved (like sodium hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate), and why improper use can lead to scalp burns and hair damage. Discover how keratin treatments rely on formaldehyde and why Samuel’s Science offers a safer option, smoothing hair without harsh chemicals or permanent straightening. We provide a detailed comparison of each treatment’s straightening agents, longevity, risks, and ideal uses. Whether you’re looking for manageable curls, shiny straight hair, or a long-term solution, this guide will help you make an informed choice while prioritizing safety. Explore our table to find the best and safest option for your hair needs!
Comparing Smoothing Treatments: Cysteine Smoothing vs. Keratin and Relaxers
When it comes to hair reshaping, the market is saturated with options—from keratin treatments to relaxers and silk presses. But for those seeking a clean, effective alternative designed specifically for Black hair, it can be difficult to know what is safe to use. The article below discusses the pros and cons of different treatments, answering questions like “Is Keratin safe to use?” and “Which hair relaxer is safe to use?”
Relaxers
Chemicals Used: Sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, or guanidine hydroxide.
How It Works: Relaxers chemically break disulfide bonds in the hair to permanently straighten it.
Risks: High pH levels can cause scalp burns, dryness, and long-term damage to hair integrity.
Longevity: Permanent—hair remains straight until it grows out.
Keratin Treatments
Chemicals Used: Keratin paired with formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents.
How It Works: Formaldehyde locks hair into a straighter shape while keratin adds strength and shine.
Risks: Formaldehyde exposure can pose health hazards (e.g., irritation, respiratory issues) and weaken hair with repeated use.
Longevity: Semi-permanent—lasts about 2–4 months with proper care.
Cysteine Treatments
Chemicals Used: Clean, innovative formula free of high-pH relaxers and formaldehyde.
How It Works: Smooths hair while retaining natural curl patterns, offering easier maintenance and healthier hair.
Risks: None of the harsh chemicals found in traditional relaxers or keratin treatments.
Longevity: Lasts several weeks with proper care; can be reapplied as needed.
The Problem with Traditional Treatments
Traditional relaxers and keratin treatments often compromise hair health:
Relaxers: While effective at straightening, relaxers can permanently alter the hair's structure, leading to dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation.
Keratin Treatments: Although marketed as restorative, these treatments often rely on formaldehyde or similar chemicals to bond hair, posing potential health risks.
Even newer techniques like “Japanese Straightening” or cysteine-enhanced formulations often rely on harsh chemicals like ammonium thioglycolate, which can cause damage over time.
What Makes Cysteine Teatments Different?
Samuel’s Science offers a safe and effective alternative that balances hair smoothing with health and versatility. Unlike relaxers or keratin treatments, it doesn’t involve harsh pH levels or harmful chemicals, making it ideal for Black hair’s unique needs. Whether you want to simplify your wash day routine or maintain your curl pattern while reducing frizz, Samuel’s Science delivers results without compromise.
A Quick Comparison Table
The table below highlights all ways to stretch 4C curls into straighter locks. Check out the risks and ideal use to see which one is best for your lifestyle.
| Treatment Type | Straightening Agent | Results | Ideal Use | Risks | Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silk Press | Heat | Straight, shiny, and glassy hair | Can be done at home or at a salon | Damage from heat | Wash hair, blow dry, and flat iron until very straight |
| Cysteine Smoothing Treatment | Naturally occurring amino acids | Smoothing and reduction of curl for up to one month | Can be done at home or at a salon. Designed for easy home use. | Damage from heat | Wash hair, apply Samuel’s Science Curl Stretching Cream and let sit for 1 hour. Blow dry and straighten, then wash out 24 hours later. |
| Keratin Treatment | Formaldehyde or related products like methylene glycol, methanediol, methanal, and formalin | Smoothing and reduction of curl for up to 6 months | Ideally done at a salon to avoid at-home formaldehyde exposure | Formaldehyde exposure and damage from heat | Wash hair, apply keratin treatment and let sit for 30 minutes. Blow dry and straighten, then wash out 72 hours later. |
| Japanese Treatment | Ammonium thioglycolate | Super straight, permanent straightening | Ideally done at a salon to avoid overprocessing or burns | Damage from heat and overprocessing | Wash hair, apply bond-breaking formula, straighten, and follow up with neutralizing treatments. |
| Relaxers | Sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, calcium hydroxide, and guanidine hydroxide | Permanently straightens; must be cut off and regrown for curly styles | Ideally done at a salon to avoid overprocessing or burns | Scalp chemical burns due to misapplication. Higher risk of cancer with long-term use | Do not wash hair so that scalp oils protect the scalp. Apply bond-breaking formula, straighten, and rinse with neutralizer. |
Conclusion
Cysteine smoothing treatments are the future of hair care for Black hair. By offering a clean, effective smoothing treatment that prioritizes health, ease, and versatility, this formulation aims to redefine the way hair is managed and styled. Whether you're tired of the harsh effects of relaxers or wary of the risks associated with keratin treatments, Cysteine treatments provide a solution you can trust.
Looking for a smoother, healthier way to manage your hair? Try Samuel’s Science Cysteine Smoothing Treatment and experience the difference.
