As fun and gorgeous as having curls are, some occasions and outfits call for a sleek, shiny hairdo. Of course, going to the salon every time you feel like straightening your hair can be tedious, not to mention expensive. That’s when you get the best relaxers for black hair, which are a super-easy and cost-effective way of smoothening your hair at home.
Relaxers also provide the right amount of nourishment for your hair, making it look and feel healthy. The cosmetologist-approved relaxer kits we have included on this list come with shampoos, color treatments, and conditioners. Take a look!
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13 Best Relaxers For Black Hair
1.Best Nourishing:ORS Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer
Infused with time-release sodium hydroxide, the Avlon Affirm creme formula which helps gradually and evenly straighten your hair without causing any damage. This gentle relaxer for black hair is part of a four-step relaxer system. The chemical hair relaxer can straighten your hair by chemically changing one-third of your hair’s cystine crosslinks. It comes in a four-pound container and can provide the best perm for black hair.
Also Recommended By:ORS Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer has also made it to the list by Cosmopolitan and Byrdie[1]12 Best Hair Relaxers That Won’t Ruin Your Look, Cosmopolitan https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g33368236/best-hair-relaxer/[2]The 13 Best Hair Relaxers of 2023, Byrdie https://www.byrdie.com/best-relaxers-damaged-delicate-hair-348328
Pros
- Built-in protection
- Leaves hair lustrous
- Strengthens hair strands from the roots
- Full application treatment
Cons
- May cause hair fall
2.Best Easy-To-Rinse:Avlon Affirm Creme Relaxer
The Avlon Affirm Creme Relaxer is a gentle formula made with time-release sodium hydroxide, which helps gradually and evenly straighten your hair without causing any damage. This professional-grade conditioning cream is part of a four-step relaxer system. It can straighten your hair by chemically changing one-third of your hair’s cystine crosslinks. It comes in a four-pound container and can provide the best perm for black hair.
Also Recommended By:Cosmopolitan has listedAvlon Affirm Creme Relaxer in their top 10.[1]12 Best Hair Relaxers That Won’t Ruin Your Look, Cosmopolitan https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g33368236/best-hair-relaxer/
Pros
- Easy to use
- Leaves hair feeling soft and silky
- Makes hair manageable
- Works fast
Cons
- May have a strong scent
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
3.Best Easy-To-Use:Profectiv Mega Growth Hair Relaxer
Profectiv brings you a relaxer that won’t damage the hair. This no-lye hair relaxer is a blend of natural wonder oils and conditioning proteins. It protects the hair from dryness and split ends.The relaxer increases strength and elasticity of the hair. It makes the hair silky-smooth, straight, and healthy. The easy-to-use pack contains pre-measured sachets of crème activator, crème relaxer,neutralizing shampoo, and BreakFree leave-in strengthener. Check out more about this tried-and-tested product in this video to learn how to apply this hair relaxer by Profectiv.
Pros
- No mess formula
- Prevents hair breakage
- Straightens the hair perfectly
- Protects hair from damage
- Suitable for medium and fine hair
Cons
- May not suit dry hair
4.Best pH-Balanced:Optimum Multi-Mineral Relaxer
Optimum relaxer is a multi-mineral tested formula infused with sodium, calcium, and lithium hydroxides. This patented technology adds volume and shine to straight locks. It is a pH-balanced product, offering optimal comfort. The result-driven relaxer moisturizes the hair, leaving it silky soft, and lustrous.
Pros
- Detangles and straightens the hair naturally
- Comfortable
- Suitable for color-treated and fine hair
- Multi-mineral technology
Cons
- May cause hair fall
5.Best Gentle:Just For Me No-Lye Regular Conditioning Creme Relaxer Kit
The Just For Me Nolye Regular Conditioning Creme Relaxer Kit includes a relaxer cream, an activator, a neutralizing shampoo, a conditioner, and an instructional booklet. The easy-to-use instructions make it simple to achieve professional-looking results at home. This no-lye product leaves hair feeling silky smooth and looking healthy, making it a great hair relaxer for women.
Pros
- Formulated with conditioning cream and olive oil
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Contains color indicator for easy application
- Leaves hair soft and manageable
Cons
- Can be difficult to apply evenly
- Results may vary depending on hair type
6.Best Paraben-Free:Syntonics Botanical Conditioning Creme Relaxer
Syntonics relaxer is a conditioning creme made of botanical extracts. It is enriched with tested ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, and calendula that reduce irritation and soothe the scalp. Thecocoa butter, shea butter, and honey restore the natural moisture content of the scalp. It makes the hair super soft, smooth, and free-flowing.The scientifically balanced sodium hydroxide formula provides a deep conditioning treatment to the hair.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- No artificial colors
- Contains phyto extracts
- Botanical formula
Cons
- Container is not leak-proof
7.Best Moisturizing:Phyto Paris Phyto Specific Phytorelaxer Index 2
If you want to tame your unruly hair without harsh chemicals, the Phyto Paris Phyto Specific Phytorelaxer Index 2 might be suitable. This moisturizing relaxer for black hair has a unique formula that contains botanical ingredients that relax the hair fibers, making it one of the best natural hair relaxers for virgin hair. Offering visible results, it ensures soft, silky, and healthy-looking hair that is easy to style and maintain.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Easy to use
- Quick and efficient
- No irritation or burning sensation
- 100% natural ingredients
Cons
- May form clumps if not mixed well
- May not suit thin hair
8.Best For Sensitive Scalp:Softsheen Carson Precise No-Lye Original Relaxer
The gentle formula contains a built-in conditioner that replenishes each hair fiber, making them smooth and healthy. It also has less chance of causing irritation than sodium-hydroxide-based relaxers, making it a gentler relaxer for sensitive scalps.
Pros
- Gentle and safe for all hair types
- Works quickly and efficiently
- Easy to use
- No unpleasant odor
Cons
- May cause dryness for some
- May not work as well on very curly or kinky hair
9.Best For Short Hair:Luster’s Shortlooks Color Relaxer
The three-in-one diamond black color relaxer from Luster’s Shortlooks gives you hair maximum straightness and strong color. Designed especially for short hair up to four inches, the Colorlaxer colors the hair while relaxing and conditioning it. It takes less than 30 minutes to deposit rich color for full coverage or highlights for existing tones. Using this cream relaxer for black hair can also make the strands softer and silkier. Learn how to use this hair relaxer by watching this instructionalvideo.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Peroxide-free
- No scalp-staining
- Available in three shades
- Suits all hair textures
Cons
- Color may not last longer
10.Best For Medium To Coarse Hair:Hawaiian Silky 30008 No Base Relaxer
Hawaiian Silky introduces this no-base mild relaxer for black hair, enriched with olive oil to strengthen the hair strands. Jojoba and mink oils nourish the scalp and protect the hair during relaxing. The protective oils are known for its proven efficacy and are blended with the relaxer creme that coats the scalp and prevents burning. It uses lithium hydroxide to protect the hair and minimize scalp irritation.
Pros
- Nourishes scalp
- Suitable for medium to coarse hair
- Leaves the hair shiny and soft
- No base creme required
Cons
- Not suitable for colored hair
11.Best For Hair Straightening:Africa’s Best No-Lye Relaxer Kit
Africa’s Best no-lye relaxer kit for black hair includes an intense dual-conditioning relaxer system that offers superiorhair straightening. This is one of the best relaxers for 4C hair that shows visible results as it is enriched with extra virgin olive oil and African herbal extracts to nourish, condition, and protect the hair during relaxing.
Pros
- Makes hair healthy
- eaves hair silky and soft
- Does not irritate the scalp
- Protects from damage during relaxing
Cons
- Not suitable for wavy hair
12.Best No-Mix Formula:TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer
TCB hair relaxer is a no-base creme formula ideal for permed, colored, textured, or relaxed hair. It is a blend of proteins, natural oils, and DNA that help strengthen and protect the hair while relaxing. The proteins offer nourishment to the hair, making it healthy. They provide structural support to the hair and help reduce damage. The formula contains natural mineral oil and petroleum jelly to create a film on kinky hair, making it easy to achieve straight locks.
Pros
- Professional formula
- Irreversible hair straightening
- Makes hair soft and manageable
- No-mix formula
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp
13.Best For Over-Processed Hair:Softsheen-Carson Optimum Salon Haircare
Softsheen-Carson no-lye relaxer provides optimum hair care to minimize breakage for normal hair texture. It is infused with coconut oil and hair strengthening ceramides. The kit replenishes the natural hair moisture, making it healthy and smooth. It includes a protective pre-treatment, a conditioning relaxer cream + activator, a neutralizing shampoo, a reconstructor treatment, a leave-in strengthener and a whipped oil moisturizer. The whole kit is suitable for one application or two retouches.
Pros
- Straightens hair
- Nurtures over-processed hair
- Available in regular and super strength
- Patented formula
Cons
- May cause hair fall
How To Choose The Right Hair Relaxer For Black Hair?
Keep these factors in mind when buying a hair relaxer for black hair.
- Hair type:Know your hair type and condition to pick a suitable relaxer. It could be yourhair color, types of curls, and if your hair is prone to breakage.
- No-lye relaxer:A no-lye relaxer is mild, has low pH, and works well on most sensitive scalps. The relaxer you choose should be able to maintain the pH balance of the hair and scalp.
- Kit:A relaxer kit contains a neutralizing shampoo, an activator, and a conditioner. These work in tandem to relax the hair and keep it clean, soft, silky, and healthy. You can pick a relaxer kit from a trusted brand or a dermatologist-tested one.
- Natural ingredients:选择一个放松者充满了精油的橄榄, jojoba, and mink oils. Aloe vera also is an essential ingredient to nourish the scalp and hydrate the hair. Natural ingredients work to strengthen the hair roots, minimize damage and allergic reactions.
Alexandro Vasquez, a professional hairdresser and hair colorist, says,“The right relaxers can give your black hair amazing results. However, relaxers and perms can damage your hair and scalp if applied incorrectly or at the wrong time. Hence, I would advise you to consult a specialist before using a relaxer. ”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our experienced writer and product reviewer, Poulami Nag, is passionate about makeup, skincare, and hair care and writes detailed product reviews to help readers make the right decisions for their skin and hair. She has curated this list of the best relaxers for black hair to help you achieve the desired look. Her review process involves referring to reliable websites for authentic information and user reviews to find the right relaxers to smoothen your hair without damaging it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is a relaxer different from keratin treatment?
Relaxers are a permanent treatment to straighten perms and curly hair. They change the structure of the cuticles over time. Keratin treatments gradually wash away. The natural curl of the hair returns over six weeks to a few months.
2. How long do relaxers last?
It all depends on your hair type and the formulation of the relaxer. On average, it usually lasts up to 8 weeks.
3. How can I keep my relaxed hair healthy?
To keep your relaxed hair healthy, deep condition it, avoid using heating tools, choose the right relaxer according to your hair type, avoid washing your hair often, and use a dry shampoo.
4. Does a relaxer stop hair growth?
An excess of anything is bad. Continuous use of a relaxer without any breaks can lead to hair loss and damage. Therefore, taking proper care of your hair and giving it time to breathe is necessary for achieving healthy hair.
5. When should I not relax my hair?
It is recommended not to use a relaxer before eight weeks after your previous application.
6. What type of shampoo should I use after using a relaxer?
It is recommended to use moisturizing, sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo on relaxed hair.
The Bottom Line
If you wish to switch up your hairdo and get straight, gorgeous locks, a high-quality relaxer can be a suitable option. You can easily apply the product to your hair in the comfort of your home without wasting time at the salon. However, consider the hair curl type, skin sensitivity, and ingredients before choosing the right product. For instance, opt forORS Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxerfor volume,Avlon Affirm Creme Relaxerto strengthen the strands, orProfectiv Mega Growth Hair Relaxerto prevent split ends. Always choose mild products that won’t cause irritation and are safe for your scalp. We hope our list of the best relaxers for black hair can help you understand the product features, benefits, and requirements.
Infographic: Buying Tips For Black Hair Relaxers
If you have curly or extremely coiled hair, a hair relaxer can be a helpful straightening treatment to keep your hair straight without using any heating device. The infographic below includes useful advice to help you select the right hair relaxer for your curly black hair.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
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