11 Best Relaxers for Black Hair to Tame the Stubborn Frizz

Written by Neha Tiwari Updated on Feb 22, 2024  |  3.3M
Best Relaxers for Black Hair to Tame the Stubborn Frizz
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“If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything,” says Iris Apfel. Nobody likes frizzy and unruly manes irrespective of the hair type, and that’s why these best relaxers for black hair are here to your rescue to help you get your hair done properly. A hair relaxer is a revolutionary haircare item that pushes us to go that extra mile and to go beyond our needs to fulfill our wants.

Hair relaxers are effective only when you pick the right product and let it do its job when you sit back! Black hair has the reputation of being naturally wavy, curly, and sometimes coarse which makes it difficult to manage. On the other hand, salon treatments often burn a hole in our pockets. Thus, these relaxers are indeed the best option to tame the strands in the comfort of your home without spending much.

How to Select the Best Relaxer for Black Hair?

Choosing the best relaxer for black hair can be a great deal for those who haven’t done it before. Let this buying guide help you how to select the best product and be aware of the things to keep in mind—

a) Ingredients- The foremost thing you must consider is whether it contains lye or not. Lye is something that is really harmful to your scalp and not at all forgiving. Other than these, natural moisturizing properties like shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and honey are of great help to restore hydration during the process. These organic components are great options for ones with dry and brittle hair.

b) Formula- You must consider your scalp health before choosing the product. If you have certain skin conditions like eczema, dryness, flaky scalp, and sensitivity, it is best to go with a relaxer that is specially built for a sensitive scalp.

c) Products included - While most kits come with a relaxer and an activator, some of them offer everything all together. Other than that, some of the kits may contain neutralizing shampoo and moisturizing conditioner as additional products in the kit for you to have a hassle-free experience.

d) Strength- Not every relaxer is built for every hair type. People with fine hair should go for a mild relaxer, and coarse hair should go for a strong relaxer.

Now that you know how to pick the best one for your unruly locks, without further ado, take a look at the products—

11 Best Relaxers for Black Hair

Affirm Relaxer Kit is undoubtedly one of the best professional relaxers for black hair. This all-in-one kit comes with a bottle of scalp cream relaxer, a bottle of liquid activator, a stick, and a measuring cup to tame your mane in a hassle-free way. You will need a bottle of protector, a bottle of reconstructor, and a bottle of normalizing shampoo to complete the routine and squeeze the benefits out of a relaxer. Getting salon-like hair in the comfort of your home cannot be easier than this!

 

Pros
  • Relaxes new growth
  • Best for sensitive scalp
  • Gentle on your hair
  • Conditions deeply
  • Value-for-money
Cons
  • Relaxer packaging could be better

Quick Tip

A gentle relaxer for black hair, it ensures sleek results without scalp irritation. Moisturize your hair before applying this relaxer for protection and optimum results.

  • Ultra Precise No-Lye Original Relaxer

    Ultra Precise No-Lye Original Relaxer
  • Ultra Precise No-Lye Original Relaxer is indeed a blessing in disguise for the ones with stubborn frizzy hair. While it works as a mild relaxer for black hair, it is effective on severely damaged hair as well. The product claims to condition the hair thoroughly throughout the relaxing process while the built-in conditioner moisturizes hair fibers and smoothens out the flyways and frizz. The product doesn’t cause irritation on the scalp which makes it the safest option for people with sensitive scalps.

    Pros
    • Best for sensitive scalp
    • Smoothens hair
    • Good for split ends
    • Makes hair appear healthier
    • No burning sensation
    Cons
    • Makes hair dry after the process

    Quick Tip

    This relaxer offers smooth, straight hair. However, limit usage to every 8-12 weeks. Deep condition regularly.

  • Naturally Derived

    Profectiv Mega Growth No-Lye Relaxer

    Profectiv Mega Growth No-Lye Relaxer
  • Profectiv Mega Growth No-Lye hair relaxer comes with an activator and a relaxer to help you regain control of your hair. The kit is one of the best relaxers for black hair and you can also buy the shampoo gel, leave-in strengthener, and growth cream separately for the best result. Infused with a blend of natural oil and organic properties, the cream helps in protecting the hair from breakage, dryness, and split ends, giving you a gorgeous outcome with time.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t burn the scalp
    • Natural extracts
    • Enhances elasticity
    • Strengthen the hair
    • Reduces split ends
    Cons
    • Not for damaged hair
  • Hawaiian Silky Creme Conditioning No Base Relaxer

    Hawaiian Silky Creme Conditioning No Base Relaxer
  • Hawaiian Silky relaxer is one of the safest relaxers for black hair as it contains the natural moisturizing properties of olive oil. It is an excellent option for fine hair to improve the elasticity of hair and make it stronger. The product boosts the hair shine and makes the scalp healthy without causing any burning sensation. Best for medium to coarse hair, this miracle in a tub makes your hair appear softer and more manageable after each use.

    Pros
    • Straightens hair
    • Naturally extracted
    • Best for coarse hair
    • Smoothes out frizz
    • Makes hair appear healthier
    Cons
    • Makes the hair a little dry after use
  • ORS Olive Oil New Growth No-Lye Hair Relaxer

    ORS Olive Oil New Growth No-Lye Hair Relaxer
  • ORS Olive Oil is perhaps the best invention for people with coarse hair and it is indeed the best no-lye relaxer for black hair. A relaxer is a great option for built-in protection while increasing the elasticity and maintaining shinier and smoother hair by infusing conditioning properties. With the nourishment of olive oil, this easy-to-apply relaxer will make your hair more manageable without any breakage.

    Pros
    • Makes hair soft
    • Easy-to-apply
    • Infuses moisture
    • Detangles hair
    • Repairs the breakage
    Cons
    • Bad packaging
  • Softsheen Crason Professional Optimum Smooth Multi-mineral Relaxer

     Softsheen Crason Professional Optimum Smooth Multi-mineral Relaxer
  • Softsheen Optimum Smooth relaxer for black hair caters to all your needs for the core relaxation process. The jar comes with a multi-mineral technology to smoothen out the frizz for a shinier and healthier look. Specially made for curly and coarse hair, the relaxer tub improves the hair texture and makes it manageable after every use. Furthermore, it detangles your stubborn strands without compromising the health of your scalp.

    Pros
    • Softens the strands
    • Straightens the hair
    • Doesn’t burn the scalp
    • Strengthens the hair
    • Best for coarse to very coarse hair
    Cons
    • Not for mild perm
  • Budget Friendly

    Revlon Professional Conditioning Cream Relaxer

    Revlon Professional Conditioning Cream Relaxer
  • Revlon Professional Conditioning Cream is a curl relaxer made for black hair that comes in attractive packaging and helps straighten out your frizzy strands. It is also a great budget-friendly option to mend your color-treated hair. With rave reviews that claim the product lives up to its expectations, the relaxer provides the best solution for curly to coarse hair. The product needs to be followed by neutralizing shampoo for the best result.

    Pros
    • Treats color-treated hair
    • Best for coarse hair
    • Stronger hold
    • Tames the frizz
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • Not for fine hair
  • Amazon’s Choice

    Linange Alter Ego Shea Butter Cream Relaxer

    Linange Alter Ego Shea Butter Cream Relaxer
  • Linange Alter Ego Cream Relaxer comes with the goodness of shea butter, to begin with. The product relaxes your frizzy hair while infusing moisture in your stubborn strands for a healthier appearance. The relaxer, specially made for African hair, claims to be the safest relaxer for type 4C hair. It effectively detangles the curls and makes them instantly manageable for healthier locks. The plus point is that you don’t even need the neutralizing shampoo to seal the deal!

    Pros
    • Natural ingredients
    • Moisturizes the hair
    • Best for 4C hair
    • Makes hair manageable
    • Doesn’t require neutralizing shampoo
    Cons
    • Makes hair a bit dry after use
  • Restores Moisture

    Originals By Africa's Best Olive Oil Conditioning Relaxer System

    Originals By Africa's Best Olive Oil Conditioning Relaxer System
  • Originals By Africa's Best Olive Oil Conditioning Relaxer System comes with the goodness of natural ingredients like— shea butter, tea tree oil, egg protein, jojoba oil, vitamin E, carrot oil, mink oil, honey, silk protein, cholesterol, egg protein, etc. It is indeed one of the safe relaxers for black hair and is designed to tame coarse hair without harming the scalp and strands. The product promises to make the hair softer, silkier, and straighter while adding strength by repairing it.

    Pros
    • Conditions the hair
    • Improves hair elasticity
    • Rebuilds the hair
    • Restores moisture
    • Loaded with natural ingredients
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
  • Tcb No Base Creme Hair Relaxer

    Tcb No Base Creme Hair Relaxer
  • TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer is a natural relaxer for black hair and it comes in a cream form to make your hair silky smooth with each use. The relaxer makes your hair more manageable and soft by infusing protein to nourish the strands. The product is one of the strongest relaxers available in the market, and it is indeed a great choice for people with coarse hair.

    Pros
    • Leaves hair nourished
    • Best for coarse hair
    • Makes hair soft
    • Infuses protein
    • Nourish the strands
    Cons
    • Very strong for fine hair
  • Soft & Beautiful No-Lye Conditioning Regular Relaxer

    Soft & Beautiful No-Lye Conditioning Regular Relaxer
  • Soft & Beautiful No-Lye Conditioning Regular Relaxer comes with the nourishing properties of natural ingredients like jojoba oil, argan, vitamin E, coconut, shea butter, and olive which makes it an effective natural hair relaxer for black hair. The product makes your hair shiny, and soft with an incredible smell that lasts a long way after you wash your hair. Other than that, it is also a great option for the sensitive scalp as it doesn’t leave any tingling effect.

    Pros
    • Natural ingredients
    • No lye included
    • Doesn’t burn
    • Leaves hair nourished
    • Naturally extracted
    Cons
    • Makes hair a bit dry

    How to Use a Relaxer for Black Hair?

    Using a hair relaxer and getting an effective result cannot be easier than this! When you have the perfect product according to your hair in your hands, you just need to follow the steps below—

    a) First, you need to check whether you are allergic to the component by conducting a patch test on your skin and hair.

    b) Secondly, you need to make sure that you don’t have any irritation or burn or any certain skin condition, to begin with.

    c) Now, use the protector that comes with the relaxer around your hairline. If it doesn’t have a protector, use petroleum jelly instead including your neck, back, forehead, and ear.

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

    e) Use the mixture by sectioning your hair for better results.

    Pro Tip

    Choose a quality relaxer, follow instructions precisely, and prioritize deep conditioning. Healthy, beautiful hair starts with proper care.

    f) Lastly, wash your hair thoroughly before using the neutralizing shampoo followed by the hydrating conditioner.

    Picking out the best relaxer for black hair can be a little tough if you are a beginner. However, now we hope you got a clear picture of how to pick one considering the buying guideline. The relaxer should have the perfect amalgamation of moisturizing properties and chemical components to relax your strands. If you have fine hair, a mild relaxer will work just fine for you, on the other hand, people with curly hair may need a bit stronger than that, and lastly, people with coarse hair will need the strongest one to work in their hair. Keep in mind that not all kinds of relaxers would work for one particular hair type and you can then pick your choice accordingly.

    FAQ's

    What is the best relaxer for black hair?
    Any relaxer without lye, which is known for damaging the hair, is the best for black hair to make it manageable and smooth. One such product is— ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer.
    What is the least damaging hair relaxer?
    A relaxer without lye or a perm with petroleum is known for being the least damaging hair relaxer for black hair. Other than these, a product loaded with natural ingredients is also safe and causes the least damage to your hair.
    What is the best box relaxer for black hair?
    There are so many, to be honest. Namely, Profectiv Mega Growth Hair Relaxer, Softsheen Carson Precise Relaxer, and Affirm Relaxer Kit—these are proven to be a few of the best box relaxers for black hair.
    Does a relaxer stop hair growth?
    Well, actually no! Relaxers are good for maintaining your hair texture and if you follow the procedure correctly and opt for precautionary measures, it has nothing to do with hair growth.
    How often should a black woman relax her hair?
    According to experts, it is advisable to use it every 8-10 weeks for touch-ups.
    Can relaxers damage your hair?
    Hair relaxers help your hair by making it more manageable. Some relaxers could damage your hair as they can have more harmful strong ingredients. However, relaxers with moisturizing and natural properties do more good than harm!

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Neha Tiwari is aware of the specific needs of black hair. So she looked for relaxers that offered effective straightening results while minimizing damage and maintaining hair health. She carefully examined ingredient lists, ensuring they were free from harmful chemicals. Through hands-on testing, she assessed the relaxers' performance on different hair textures, considering factors like ease of application, processing time, and overall results. Her review of some of the top rated products such as Avlon Affirm Relaxer Kit and Profectiv Mega Growth No-Lye hair relaxer will help people with black hair to select most suitable relaxers and achieve beautiful, healthy, and well-maintained hair.

    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
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    Neha Tiwari
    Copy Editor

    Neha Tiwari, a certified Haircare coach, an experienced writer, educator, translator, and editor, has been catering t More