Hair Talk with Tanesha: Relaxer Straightened Terminology

Relaxing Straight – Straightening the hair to a point, but stopping before the hair becomes bone straight.

Relaxing Bone Straight – Using a chemical relaxer to “relax” the hair until the natural curl pattern has been completely removed. Keep in mind that relaxers can act as depilatories and relaxing bone straight can haphazardly dissolve the hair. Relaxing bone straight is not recommended.

Neutralizing shampoo -is a pH correcting shampoo to stop the action of relaxer and stabilize hair pH.

Scalp Burns – These are first and even second degree burns that are the result of using chemicals that are too harsh on the scalp. The result is scarring and damage to the hair follicles and skin. Scarring can be permanent.

Over–processed – Leaving the hair relaxer on for too long causing a limp, overextended appearance.

Under–processed – This describes hair that did not straighten totally after chemical processing – kinks, waves, and curls are still present. The relaxer may not have penetrated and processed the hair enough.

Overlapping – This involves applying relaxer to hair that has already been relaxed instead of relaxing only the new growth.

Stretching – Prolonging the time between relaxers. Instead of relaxing at 6 weeks, relax every 8, 10, 12 weeks. Resembles transitioning to natural hair but the intent is to relax again.

Texlaxed – This refers to hair that is under-processed purposefully, so the relaxer isn’t left on long enough to make the hair straight. This is used to give your hair some thickness and texture. This is also referred to as relaxurized.

Frizz – This is a hair state caused by dehydrated hair strands. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Frizz products don’t correct the issue; they are designed to mask the problem, most often with silicone.