Finding Safe Relaxers For Black Hair: What You Need To Know (2025)

Hair relaxers are popular among Black women, who have used them for over 100 years to conform to Western beauty standards. However, the safety of these products has been called into question, with studies finding links between chemical relaxers and uterine cancer, as well as other health issues such as hair loss, thinning, and reproductive disorders. With growing awareness of the potential dangers of chemical relaxers, many are seeking safer alternatives, such as non-chemical relaxers and natural techniques. The effectiveness of these alternatives, as well as the importance of education and acceptance of natural hair textures, are important considerations in the search for safe hair relaxers for Black hair.

Are there any safe relaxers for black hair?

Non-chemical relaxers are safer

Non-chemical hair relaxers are generally considered a safer option for hair straightening and relaxing. Chemical relaxers have been linked to uterine cancer and other potential health concerns. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that women who frequently use chemical hair relaxers are more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer than women who don't. These products can also cause hair loss and damage, with cosmetologist and beauty consultant Ghanima Abdullah noting that chemical relaxers can severely impair the health of the hair follicle, leading to corrosion and an inability to grow or hold onto healthy hair.

Non-chemical relaxers, on the other hand, can be gentler, easier to apply, and safer. They are particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin. Natural techniques and products, such as oils, can moisturize the scalp and hair, promoting healthier hair. Keratin treatments, for example, can help to straighten hair without the use of chemicals.

While excessive heat treatment can also damage hair, non-chemical relaxers that utilize heat typically do not cause the same level of damage as chemical treatments. Heat treatments, such as flat irons, can be used in conjunction with non-chemical products like keratin treatments to achieve the desired results.

It is important to note that marketing language on product packaging can sometimes be misleading. For instance, a product advertised as "lye-free" may still contain other straightening chemicals. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully research and understand the ingredients in any hair products before use.

Ultimately, the decision to use hair relaxers should involve weighing the benefits and risks of both chemical and non-chemical options. Hairstylist Rachel Voss emphasizes the importance of education in reducing the popularity of chemical relaxers, encouraging people to embrace the beauty and versatility of their natural hair textures.

Hair relaxers and uterine cancer

While hair relaxers can help you achieve a sleek hairdo, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with their use, particularly the heightened risk of uterine cancer.

Hair relaxers are products that can be used to straighten hair without using any heating devices. They are often used by people with curly or extremely coiled hair. There are chemical and non-chemical hair relaxers available.

There have been at least two key studies, one by Boston University and another by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), that found a concerning connection between the frequency of hair straightener use and an increased risk of uterine cancer. The NIH study found that women who frequently used chemical hair relaxers were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. The Boston University study found that Black women who had used relaxers more than twice a year or for more than five years had a 50% increase in uterine cancer risk.

The NIH study did not find that the relationship between straightener use and uterine cancer incidence differed by race. However, the adverse health effects may be greater for Black women due to the higher prevalence of use. According to the study, Black women use hair straightening or relaxer products more frequently and tend to start using them at earlier ages than other races and ethnicities. The researchers also noted that several chemicals found in straighteners, such as parabens, bisphenol A, metals, and formaldehyde, could be contributing to the increased risk of uterine cancer. Formaldehyde, in particular, has been considered carcinogenic.

The Boston University study also highlighted the importance of continued research on the potential adverse health effects of exposure to chemical hair relaxers, especially in Black women, who are often underrepresented in health research and may have unique exposures that contribute to disparities in disease.

Safer Alternatives

Non-chemical hair relaxers can be a safer alternative to chemical relaxers, which can cause hair loss and damage to the hair follicle. Natural techniques and products, such as oils, can help moisturize the scalp and hair and are especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin.

Hair follicle damage and hair loss

While hair relaxers can be an innovative way to straighten hair, they can also lead to hair follicle damage and hair loss. Hair relaxers contain heavy chemicals that break down the hair cuticle's hydrogen and disulfide bonds, which are among the world's strongest naturally occurring bonds. This process leaves hair weak, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Hair follicle damage can occur when the hair undergoes corrosion due to chemical relaxers, resulting in an inability to build or hold onto healthy hair. This can lead to hair loss from the follicle. Continuous use of a relaxer without breaks can also contribute to hair loss and damage. It is recommended to allow at least eight weeks between applications to give hair time to recover.

The chemicals in relaxers can sometimes be too strong for certain hair types, such as soft hair, or for sensitive scalps. This can lead to hair damage and side effects like scalp burns or hair thinning. Leaving the relaxer on for longer than the prescribed period can also cause unpleasant side effects and increase the risk of hair loss.

There are several types of hair loss associated with the use of hair relaxers. These include hair breakage, inflammatory scarring alopecias, hair loss from chronic inflammation, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia. Traction alopecia, for example, is caused by the chronic pulling of hair, which users of relaxers may be more susceptible to due to the weakened state of their hair fibers.

To minimize the risk of hair follicle damage and hair loss, it is important to use hair relaxers correctly and give hair adequate time to recover between applications. Non-chemical hair relaxing techniques, such as those using natural products or heat treatments, can be gentler, safer, and more beneficial for the hair and scalp.

Safe relaxers for black hair at home

Using chemical hair straighteners may have adverse health effects, including a heightened risk of uterine cancer. Therefore, nonchemical relaxers are generally considered safer. These can be gentler, easier to apply, and safer than chemical alternatives.

Nonchemical relaxers that use heat, oil, silicone, and keratin straightening provide straight or relaxed hairstyle options. However, excessive heat treatment can damage hair, so it is important to be careful when using flat irons or other heat treatments.

There are two main categories of nonchemical hair relaxing techniques: using nonchemical products and heat treatments. These strategies can overlap. For example, someone might use a flat iron in addition to a keratin treatment.

When shopping for nonchemical hair relaxers, it is important to be aware of confusing marketing language on product packaging or advertisements. For example, if a manufacturer advertises a product as "lye-free," that doesn't necessarily mean that the product is free of other straightening chemicals.

Some popular nonchemical hair relaxers include:

• ORS Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer
• Avlon Affirm Creme Relaxer
• Profectiv Mega Growth Hair Relaxer
• Luster's Shortlooks three-in-one diamond black color relaxer
• Optimum Multi-Mineral Relaxer
• Just For Me No-Lye Regular Conditioning Creme Relaxer Kit

Safe relaxers for short black hair

Chemical hair straightening products can have adverse health effects, including a heightened risk of uterine cancer. They can also cause hair loss and damage when used continuously without breaks. Therefore, it is important to take proper care of your hair and give it time to breathe. It is recommended to use a moisturising, sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo on relaxed hair.

Non-chemical relaxers can be gentler, easier to apply, and safer than chemical alternatives. They can also help moisturise the scalp and hair. Natural techniques like heat, oil, silicone, and keratin straightening can provide straight or relaxed hairstyle options.

If you are looking for safe relaxers for short black hair, here are some options:

• Luster's ShortLooks Color Relaxer: This is a 3-in-1 solution that colours, relaxes, and conditions your hair in just 30 minutes. It is designed for short hair up to four inches and can make the strands softer and silkier.
• Miracle's New Growth No-Lye Relaxer: This kit includes a relaxer, activator, neutralizing shampoo, leave-in conditioner, spatula, and blending oil for a root touch-up. It is made with a natural blend of vitamins, minerals, and oils that hydrate and nourish the hair, making it smoother and shinier.
• Syntonics Botanical Conditioning Creme Relaxer: This relaxer is designed for transitioning hair and black hair. It helps heal scalp irritation or inflammation and improves scalp health with ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, shea butter, cocoa butter, and honey. The result is smooth and sleek hair that appears to have been straightened manually.

In addition to these specific products, you can also find no-lye hair relaxers that are blended with natural wonder oils and conditioning proteins. These products protect the hair from dryness and split ends, increase elasticity, and strengthen the strands. Remember to always choose mild hair products that won't cause irritation and are safe for your scalp.

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