Yes, relaxing hair does straighten it.
Understanding Hair Relaxers
Hair relaxers are specialized chemical products specifically designed to alter the natural structure of hair, making it straighter. As the name suggests, their primary function is to "relax" or loosen the curl pattern of hair.
Hair relaxers are designed to straighten out extremely curly or coiled hair, fundamentally changing its texture. This chemical process breaks down the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft, which are responsible for its natural curl or wave pattern. Once broken, the hair is manually straightened and then new bonds are reformed in this straight position using a neutralizer.
The Effect of Hair Relaxers
The goal of using a hair relaxer is to achieve a significantly straighter look. For individuals with extremely curly or coiled hair, relaxers can be a very effective tool to obtain straighter locks. The process aims to leave you with smoother, straighter hair, often described as lovely salon-straight locks.
Using a relaxer provides a long-lasting straightening effect, although new hair growth will return in its natural texture. Regular touch-ups are typically needed to maintain a consistent straight appearance.
