Relaxed Hair vs. Natural Hair – The Great Debate
In this corner, we have a very feisty contender. She’s chock full or pride and not afraid of calcium hydroxide. Don’t mess with her, because she has millions of women behind her that use relaxers too.
Miss Straight is Great
PROS:
– Easier to manage daily. Relaxers literally “relax” the curl of your natural texture resulting in a straight, less prone to knots finish.
– Deals better with natural elements. When relaxed, your hair is permanently straightened– meaning nor wind, nor rain, nor shine can change what the chemical has done. Unlike natural hair straightened by heat, when water/moisture hits relaxed hair it dries back straight.
CONS:
– Hair damage from years of harsh chemical use. Y’all remember the scene from “Good Hair” when the scientist melts the aluminum can with that active ingredient in relaxers. The Hair Care Suite informs that “relaxers irreversibly alter the natural pH balance and chemical breakdown of your hair, thereby weakening each strand. Hair breakage and scalp irritation are very common side effects from improper application and/or maintenance.” Also the chemicals in your hair don’t mix well with other chemicals (i.e. the chlorine in pools) and can further damage your lovely locks.
– We lied. Both natural hair and relaxed hair require beaucoup attention. The difference with relaxed hair is that when it is conditioned/hydrated it needs to be intense. Natural hair needs a little bit of moisture constantly. Dana’s Loft has a great group of products that are loaded with moisture.
– Damage from chemical process to other parts of the body. Remember when you were younger and momma said, “Keep your eyes closed! You don’t want any of the cream getting in your eyes, making you blind.” Well it’s true; the chemicals do burn and are super toxic to any part of your epidermis, especially the scalp. Be careful when applying and never let anyone put a relaxer in your hair without greasing your entire head first.
Take from the fight what you will, but in the end, we see no real winner or loser. In any form of beautification the proper procedures need to be taken to make sure you’re healthy overall. Remember pain is not always gain, for beauty.
