You have been considering a relaxer for your natural hair, but the harsh chemicals make you concerned about possible damage. You want to keep your curls and coils looking their best without using a hair relaxer, so you’re looking for alternatives that will help you achieve that look.
One of the biggest challenges facing black women who are looking for an alternative to hair relaxers is not knowing what products and techniques are available to them. With a seemingly endless array of products and treatments on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones will work best for your hair type and lifestyle.
Fortunately, there are plenty of proven ways to style natural hair without resorting to a hair relaxer, and this article will guide you through the best options available.
Let’s get started with the benefits of using an alternative to relaxer for black hair.
Benefits Of Using Alternative To Relaxer For Black Hair
If you’re thinking about making the switch to alternatives to hair relaxers, here are a few things you should know.
Heat-Free Methods Are Gentler On Your Hair And Scalp
One of the biggest reasons to ditch hair relaxers is the fact that they can be really tough on your hair shaft and scalp. The chemicals in hair relaxers are designed to break down the bonds in your hair, which can lead to extremely dry and brittle strands.
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There Are A Lot Of Different Alternatives To Hair Relaxers
If you’re worried about not being able to find an alternative that works for you, don’t be! There are plenty of different options out there, from natural oils and butter to heat-free straightening methods.
You can even find gentle hair relaxers that use less harsh chemicals. Do some research and experiment until you find the perfect method for you.
Alternatives Can Be Just As Effective As Relaxers
Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it isn’t effective. In fact, many women find that alternatives to relaxers work better than traditional relaxers! Not only are they better for your hair texture, but they can also give you longer-lasting results.
If you’re looking for a straightening method that will give you salon-quality results, definitely consider giving one of these alternatives a try.
Relaxer-Free Hair Is Often Healthier Hair
If you’re concerned about the health of your hair, opting for a hair relaxer alternative can be a good choice. Relaxer-free hair care options tend to be less harsh on the hair and scalp, which means they’re less likely to cause damage.
They can also be more moisturizing, which is important for preventing breakage and keeping the hair healthy.
Relaxer Alternatives Can Also Give You More Control Over Your Hairstyle
If you’re tired of straightening your hair every day, switching to a hair relaxer alternative can give you the freedom to style your hair in whatever way you want.
You’ll still be able to achieve straight hair styles if that’s what you’re after, but you’ll also have the option to wear your hair curly or wavy if you feel like mixing things up.
Finally, relaxer alternatives can be less expensive than traditional relaxers. If you’re looking for ways to save money on your beauty budget, switching to a hair relaxer alternative can be a great way to do it.
Alternatives often last longer than relaxers, so you won’t have to repurchase as often. And because they tend to be less harsh on the hair, you may find that you don’t need to purchase as many deep conditioners or other treatments like keratin treatment to keep your hair healthy.
How To Go Natural: The Best Alternatives To Relaxers For Natural Hair
If you’re thinking about making the switch to an alternative method of straightening your hair, here are a few things you should know.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most popular natural oils for a good reason. It’s packed with nutrients that are essential for healthy hair growth, including Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and iron.
Coconut oil can be used as a daily moisturizer, deep conditioner, or keratin treatment. You can also use it to make your DIY scalp massage oil by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is another great option for promoting healthy hair growth. It’s rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and encouraging hair growth.
Argan oil can be used as a daily leave-in conditioner or heat protectant before styling your hair. You can also add a few drops to your favorite shampoo or conditioner to give your hair an extra boost of moisture.
Avocado Oil
This is a great option for those looking for alternatives to relaxers. It’s rich in fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, and proteins that all work together to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
Avocado oil can be used as a daily moisturizer or weekly deep conditioner. You can also add a few drops to your favorite shampoo or conditioner to boost its moisture levels.
Jojoba Oil
It’s very similar to the scalps’ sebum, so it helps to balance the scalp’s natural oils and promote healthy hair growth. Jojoba oil can be used as a daily scalp massage oil or weekly hot oil treatment.
You can also add a few drops to your favorite shampoo or conditioner to help tame frizzy hair and add shine.
The Best Alternatives To Hair Relaxers
There are several products made with natural ingredients you can consider when looking for an alternative to relaxers. To help you get started, here are some ideas.
Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner & Detangler:
Kinky-Curly Knot is amazing for detangling natural hair, which can be a problem area for many. It’s also great for adding moisture and shine.
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie:
This smoothie is perfect for adding moisture and definition to your curls. It’s light enough to use daily without weighing your hair down while making your hair smooth and shiny.
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Curl Refresher Spray:
This curl refresher spray is perfect for those who are transitioning from relaxed to natural hair or for those with tightly coiled hair that tends to get frizzy.
DevaCurl Super Cream Coconut Curl Styler:
DevaCurl is perfect for creating soft, defined curls without weighing them down. It’s also great for adding moisture and shine.
Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter:
The twisting butter is perfect for protective styles such as twists, braids, and Bantu knots. It’s made with almond oil and shea butter to moisturize and nourish your hair while the castor oil helps to promote growth.
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer And Conditioner:
Carol’s Daughter’s leave-in conditioner is amazing for adding moisture and shine to your hair while the protein helps to strengthen your strands and prevent breakage.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil:
JBCO has so many benefits for natural hair including promoting growth, preventing breakage, and adding shine. It is also part of the ingredients for the popular keratin treatment for hair.
Blissful Lengths Liquid Gold Growth Elixir:
This growth elixir contains a blend of oils that help to promote growth while also adding moisture and shine to your strands.
Natural Ways To Straighten Hair
If you’re looking for ways to straighten your natural hair without blow-drying or using chemicals, there are several options available. We’ll discuss three of the most popular methods.
1. Sew-in Extension
If you want to avoid using relaxers on your hair entirely, sew-ins can be the answer. They are one of the most popular types of hair extensions because they look so natural that people don’t even know you’ve got them on! If you have thinning hair, sew in hair extensions will help add volume and thickness to your hair. This is especially helpful if you’re going through a phase where you lose a lot of hair. They are made to fit perfectly and do not need relaxers to maintain their beauty.
2. Wet brushing
Wet brushing is a method of straightening natural hair that uses, you guessed it, water! All you need to do is wet your hair thoroughly with cool water, comb it out from root to tip with a wide-toothed comb, and then let your hair air dry. This method is best for those with fine or damaged hair.
3. Twist-Outs
A twist-out is another great way to achieve straightened Natural hair without any heat damage. To do a twist-out, start by dividing your damp hair into small sections. Then, take each section and twist it away from your face until it’s tight.
Allow your hair to air dry, or set it under a hooded dryer on the cool setting until it’s completely dry. Once it’s dry, carefully undo the twists, and voila! You’ve got straightened Natural hair without any heat damage.
4. Bantu Knots
To do this style, start by dividing your damp hair into small sections. Then, take each section and twist it tightly before wrapping it around itself to form a knot.
Set your Bantu knots under a hooded dryer on the cool setting until they’re completely dry, and then carefully unravel them for sleek, straight Natural hair.
Conclusion
For years, Black women have used relaxers as a way to achieve straight, silky hair. While there’s nothing wrong with that, there are some downsides to using relaxers—namely, the fact that they can be damaging to both your hair and scalp.
If you’re thinking about making the switch to an alternative method of straightening your hair, the tips above will guide you.
FAQs On Best Alternatives To Hair Relaxers
Q: What is the best alternative to a hair relaxer?
A: The best alternatives to relaxers for Natural hair are natural oils, like jojoba and almond oil, as well as alternative products that contain nourishing ingredients that make the hair smooth.
Q: Are there any natural methods for straightening Natural hair?
A: Yes. One method is the braid-out technique, which involves braiding your damp hair and then unraveling them when dry to create straighter strands.
Other natural methods include wet brushing, twist-outs, and Bantu knots.
Q: Is a silk press good for thick hair?
A: Yes. When done correctly with a flat iron, a silk press can be an excellent way to straighten your Natural hair without any damage.
Just make sure to use a heat protectant on your thick hair beforehand and use the flat iron on the lowest setting possible.
