11 Best Hair Relaxers That Promote Gorgeous Mane

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Mar 21, 2024
Best Hair Relaxer
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Not everyone's hair is meant for a relaxer, however, if you feel like including one in your hair care routine, don't hold back! No matter what the internet comes with quotes about embracing natural hair, wanting the best hair relaxers to calm down your new hair growth or to infuse shine into the strands is very personal.

Now, if you are a beginner to this, before you wonder, the cream or lotion-based formula breaks down the bonds in your hair to alter the structure and leave the strands smooth and straight for up to 8 weeks. However, it can be a tricky process that requires professional help because of the intense chemicals and is not recommended to try alone if you're a beginner. But if you know the drill, you know what to do!

Let me tell you that you don't have to be afraid of the warning of the random internet posts that claim that the relaxers cause hair breakage, scalp burns, scalp irritations, hair loss, and whatnot. The products I'm about to present to you today are packed with effective yet gentle formulas and moisturizing ingredients that straightway do the job without causing any harm to the strands.

I can understand people nowadays are more likely to get everything done in the comfort of their homes than go outside and visit a professional for everything they do. Thus, there are some of the products that are all-in-one kits that facilitate the luxury you want in your life. So, without further ado, let's get started with the recommendations!

11 Best Hair Relaxers

The moisturizing relaxer from Softsheen-Carson gives you silky smooth hair while preserving the healthy strands. Apart from moisturizing, the product also softens, infuses shine, and adds body to the mane. Infused with shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oil, the recharge mask replenishes the strands for salon-like smooth hair. The best part? It suits every hair type, ranging from curly to wavy to natural. Plus, this one is super easy to use!

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil

Hair Type: All

Pros
  • Strengthen the hair
  • Recharges strands
  • Recovers shine
  • Adds a body
  • Ensures softness
  • Best for coarse hair
Cons
  • Difficult to use
  • Might be drying for some
  • Best to Smoothen Strands

    Hawaiian Silky No Base Relaxer

    Hawaiian Silky No Base Relaxer
  • The Hawaiian Silky No Base relaxer is enriched with olive oil, which is a great product to infuse moisture and softness into the hair. Specially crafted for medium to coarse hair, the product promotes shine while improving the scalp condition to facilitate healthy hair in the long run. Not only just that but the product also makes your hair stronger which works magically for chemically-treated weak strands. The cream formula is also easy to use to apply!

    Key Ingredients: Olive oil

    Hair Type: Normal/Regular

    Pros
    • Smoothes hair
    • Improves scalp condition
    • Strengthens strands
    • Infuses moisture
    • Easy to use
    • Conditions hair
    Cons
    • Might cause breakage in some
  • Best to Condition Thoroughly

    Just For Me No-Lye Regular Conditioning Crème Relaxer Kit

    Just For Me No-Lye Regular Conditioning Crème Relaxer Kit
  • The regular conditioning creme by Just For Me ensures a superb straightening effect right after the first use. Enriched with coconut oil, almond oil, and bamboo extract, the regular conditioning cream is formulated without lye so that your hair remains free of nasty chemicals. It improves the manageability of your mane while adding a great amount of softness and smoothness for an envy-worthy outcome. It also contains shea butter, vitamin E, and coconut milk that take the upper hand at preventing breakage. 

    Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, almond oil, bamboo extract, shea butter, vitamin E, and coconut milk

    Hair Type: Chemically treated 

    Pros
    • Thoroughly conditions
    • Smoothes mane
    • Perfectly straightens
    • No lye
    • Natural ingredients
    • Causes no breakage
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for sensitive scalp
  • Best to Increase Elasticity

    Avlon Affirm FiberGuard Sensitive Scalp Creme Relaxer Kit

    Avlon Affirm FiberGuard Sensitive Scalp Creme Relaxer Kit
  • The Avlon Affirm FiberGuard is specially formulated for sensitive scalps and damaged strands to bestow you with the smoothest mane you've ever witnessed. Apart from conditioning and infusing shine in the mane, it also strengthens the length so that no breakage occurs. Furthermore, it restores the hair health of chemically-treated hair while giving your hair the body and definition it deserves. The product also takes the upper hand in increasing the elasticity of color-treated and damaged hair. 

    Key Ingredients: Not mentioned

    Hair Type: Damaged, color-treated hair

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • All in one kit
    • Restores moisture
    • Strengthens hair
    • Increases elasticity
    • Infuses shine
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Protein-packed Formula

    TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer

    TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer
  • The hair relaxer for women from TCB is packed with protein and DNA that beautifully coats the hair in order to provide you with the smoothest and most gorgeous mane that you've always asked for! It is enriched with natural oils that deeply condition the hair for gorgeous locks. The product also takes the upper hand at infusing shine while strengthening the core. It has a tub-like packaging that makes the process a lot easier while you use the product.

    Key Ingredients: Mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and protein

    Hair Type: Relaxed, texturized, permed, and colored

    Pros
    • Makes hair smoother
    • Contains proteins
    • Easy to use
    • Provides the smoothest mane
    • Value-for-money
    Cons
    • May cause chemical burns

    Quick Tip:

    Always apply petroleum jelly in your ear, around the hairline, neck, and forehead before starting with the process.

  • Best Paraben-free Formula

    ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer

    ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer
  • Who doesn't love all the goodness of olive oil which greatly infuses moisture while promoting the shine as well! Specially formulated for coarse hair, the formula resists damage and protects the strands from breakage to give envy-worthy length and the credit goes to the moisturizing ingredients that also treat split ends. Apart from giving the required strength, it also restores shine by increasing the hydration level of your hair in the long run. Furthermore, it facilitates smooth cuticles and the credit goes to the blend of exotic oils.

    Key Ingredients: Olive oil, Mediterranean, Brazilian pequi, African shea, Egyptian black seed oils, and fatty acids

    Hair Type: Normal to fine hair

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Prevents breakage
    • Prevents moisture loss
    • Paraben-free
    • Gives texture
    Cons
    • It could be more effective
  • Best for Beginners

    Linange Alter Ego Shea Butter Cream Relaxer

    Linange Alter Ego Shea Butter Cream Relaxer
  • The relaxer from Linange comes in the cream formula to give you the hair of your dreams! Packed with shea butter, the relaxer promises a superb result from the very first use. It keeps your strands straight for the longest possible time without damaging the shaft or affecting the length. Furthermore, it keeps the hair strong and thick, thanks to the potent formula that prevents damage and breakage to ensure you have glorious hair. The best part? It causes no burning sensation after application, which means it works magically for sensitive scalp.

    Key Ingredients: Shea butter

    Hair Type: All

    Pros
    • Infuses shine
    • Moisturizing properties
    • Easy to use
    • Ensures no breakage
    Cons
    • Might not suit people with short hair
  • Best to Improve Hair Health

    Design Essentials Conditioning Relaxer

    Design Essentials Conditioning Relaxer
  • The conditioning relaxer from Design Essential is packed with shea butter, vitamins, protein complex, and olive oil to provide unwavering hydration to your hair while fortifying the shine you've always craved! It also strengthens your hair while smoothening the textures on your strands at the same time. Furthermore, it has a creamy consistency that facilitates an easy application without spillage or messing things up. Apart from improving hair health from the inside, the product also ensures that it improves manageability.

    Key Ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin, protein complex, and olive oil

    Hair Type: Coarse

    Pros
    • Makes hair smooth
    • Promises silky hair
    • Improves hair health
    • Strengthens hair
    • Makes hair lustrous
    • Ensures even application
    Cons
    • Not properly sealed
  • Best Moisturizing Formula

    Dr.Miracle's No-Lye Relaxer

    Dr.Miracle's No-Lye Relaxer
  • Dr. Miracle’s no-lye relaxer is one of the safest hair relaxers out there which takes the upper hand in preventing breakage and bestowing you with the dreamy length. It contains potent ingredients like vitamins A and E that not only infuse moisture into the hair but also promote hair growth. The all-in-one kit contains a creme, activator, neutralizing shampoo, leave-in conditioner, protective gel, protective gloves, and mixing spatula to take care of the whole application process and steps. 

    Key ingredients: Vitamin A and E

    Hair type: All

    Pros
    • Stops breakage
    • Moisturizes scalp
    • Softens strands
    • Promotes healthy growth of hair
    • All-in-one kit
    Cons
    • Quite clumpy
  • Best for Curly Hair

    SoftSheen Carson Bantu Shea Butter No Base Relaxer

    SoftSheen Carson Bantu Shea Butter No Base Relaxer
  • The relaxer from SoftSheen Carson is specially formulated for curly hair to give you the mane of your dreams. It comes in a buttery consistency which makes it super easy for you to apply without any hassle. Furthermore, the product is a one-stop solution to smoothen out the new growth for the best results in the long run. Apart from smoothing, it also infuses a great amount of shine into your strands so that they look visibly healthy. Packed with sodium formula, the relaxer for curly hair is also preferred by professionals.

    Key Ingredients: Shea butter

    Hair Type: Curly

    Pros
    • Smoothes tight curls
    • Straightens superbly
    • Gives quicker results
    • Effective
    • Professional-friendly
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Packaging could be sturdier
  • Motions Smooth & Straighten Hair Relaxer

    Motions Smooth & Straighten Hair Relaxer
  • The hair relaxer from Motions comes with a classic formula enriched with coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter. It thoroughly relaxes the hair while smoothing the strands and making them silky. Apart from that, the relaxer also restores your hair health while nourishing the strands at the same time. It smoothes the new hair and gives your strands the much-needed definition they deserve. Its potent formula promotes shiny strands and elevates the appearance of hair. 

    Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter

    Hair Type: Curly

    Pros
    • Adds definition to hair
    • Smoothes strands
    • Contains potent ingredients
    • Promotes shiny strands
    • Restores hair health
    • Nourishes hair
    Cons
    • Bad packaging

    Now that you've checked out the products, take a look at how you can choose the best one among them—

    How to Choose the Best Hair Relaxer?

    a) Formula: Before you pick your hair relaxer, make sure that you are aware of the potency of the formula. There are plenty of relaxers available in the market with a tag of regular and super. However, before you pick the strength of the formula, you need to determine the hair type and texture. 

    b) Hair Type: Before you choose the right hair relaxer, determine your hair type. Hair type generally ranges from 1-4 with subcategories ranging from A to C. Your hair type must go with the relaxer’s formula in order to get the best results.

    c) Hair Texture: If your strands are thin and appear fine, you should choose a formula that is not too strong. Similarly, if you have coarse hair, you need to opt for a super formula that will be more effective on the hair strands.

    d) Ingredients: Before you pick out the right formula, make sure you go through the ingredient list carefully. Lye is widely used in the products and it is very harmful for the scalp and strands. Thus, it is always advisable to use a product that is packed without that. Other than that, you should also opt for a product that is packed with hydrating ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and honey that help restore hydration.

    Now, take a look at how you can incorporate the best one in your hair care routine:

    How to Use a Hair Relaxer?

    a) First thing first, conduct a patch test on your skin and hair to check if you are allergic to the product or any ingredient. 

    b) Now, if everything goes well, use the protector around your hairline that comes with the relaxing kit around your hairline.

    Pro Tip: You can also use petroleum jelly instead of a protector.

    c) Wear the gloves before you mix the relaxer and the activator.

    d) Now, partition your hair well and use the mixture in the sections of your hair.

    e) At last, wash the hair thoroughly and use a neutralizing shampoo followed by a hydrating conditioner.

    Conclusion

    So, there you go! You have your hands on the best hair relaxers out there in the market. They can be your ultimate solution to relax your chemically treated hair after it goes through an intense process. Now, I can understand that it is a tiring and confusing process to pick the best one. If you are still wondering which one to choose for yourself, let me help you with it. The SoftSheen-Carson Dark & Lovely Triple Nourished Silkening Relaxer is ideal for strengthening the strands. Hawaiian Silky No Base Relaxer is ideal for smoothening out the strands. Lastly, Avlon Affirm FiberGuard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer Kit could be your answer if you want to increase the elasticity.

    FAQ's

    Do hair relaxers damage hair?
    Hair relaxers can only damage the hair strands and scalp if used incorrectly! If you follow the precautions and apply the relaxers keeping in mind the instructions, they won't be harmful to the strands.
    How often can a hair relaxer be used?
    You should relax your hair every two to three months. Also, you should never apply a relaxer to the hair if it has already been relaxed.
    How long do relaxers last?
    Ideally chemically relaxed hair lasts for about 2-3 months after which you have to opt for another session.
    How can relaxed hair be kept healthy?
    Opting for hydrating products after the treatment is the key! Choose a hydrating shampoo, conditioner, serum, or mask, in order to keep the mane moisturized and healthy.
    What should I do if I experience burning or discomfort during the application process?
    If you experience a burning sensation or discomfort during the relaxing process, wash the area immediately.
    Can you use color after using a hair relaxer?
    It is recommended to wait for at least one week and one wash after opting for a relaxer service before you opt for permanent hair color.
    How relaxed hair can be maintained?
    Cleanse your hair and scalp with a mild and sulfate-free shampoo twice a week. Avoid heat styling and incorporate a moisturizing hair mask after washing!
    What is the aftercare after using a relaxer?
    Try not to get the hair wet for at least 48 hours in order to increase the longevity of the effectiveness.
    Is it necessary to go to a professional hairstylist to apply a hair relaxer?
    Not at all! You can opt for the same in the comfort of your home once you know how to apply them carefully!
    Are there any natural alternatives to traditional hair relaxers?
    Yes, there are less harsh alternatives like keratin treatments or texturizers that soften and smooth your curls without damaging the strands.
    What can be done if the hair is breaking or shedding after a relaxer treatment?
    Opt for protein treatments and deep conditioning treatments to prevent the breakage and shedding of your hair after the relaxing treatment.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our product expert, Alvira, invested her time and energy to come up with the best hair relaxers available in the market. She didn't mind going through numerous products out there only to come up with the best ones for our readers. Alvira evaluated the online reviews and the product description before shortlisting the products and pointing out the pros and cons for each one. Furthermore, she considered parameters like formula, consistency, ingredients, and size before coming up with a conclusion.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More