Welcome to The HTBD Blog! Each month a new blog will be posted where we can discuss & share our thoughts and opinions respectfully, on said topic. I would love to hear from y'all and get your take on all things Hair!

Relaxer Facts

This month I wanted to talk about relaxers. Would you relax your hair or relax it again?! For a lot of people, the answer is no and no! I took a poll on @hairtobedifferent IG stories and less than 30% of you voted No. But the ones who voted yes and according to Mintel in the last two years, chemical hair relaxer sales – marketed mostly to black women, have dropped by 12 per cent. This reflects that there are a percentage of Black Women who still relax their hair....and sis I not mad @ ya !!

Let Me Break This Down Right Quick…

In layman's terms, a relaxer is a chemical lotion or cream that straightens your hair. Usually women with curly hair use a relaxer. A perm makes your hair curly. I know some confuse the terminology, so I wanted to clear that up.

My Relaxer Story

I got my first relaxer when I was in 5th grade, I remember the day like it was yesterday! My last relaxer was when I was a Sophomore in college, first-of- all it didn't even take properly and burned so bad. I washed it out immediately and never relaxed my hair again. This was circa 2006-2007 and I simply went natural because I now had a fear of relaxers. With these hot summers a relaxer does cross my mind but NOPE, I am too scared. If I never had that experience, I do wonder would I still be relaxing my hair?! Over the next 1-2 years the old relaxer grew out, and I learned how to manage my natural texture, take care of it, and this is when I started to wear weaves/extensions more often. I loved a middle part glue in with wavy hair...and STILL DO, sewins only now! Once I realized I could wear any style I wanted and that I didn't need a relaxer, my hair journey became much easier.

Relaxer Cheat Code Or…

There are other alternatives if you don't want to relax your hair. Other ways to help you manage your hair if its more curly and/coarse. There are Keratin Treatments, & Texturizers. They both have chemicals too so please do your research.  According to https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/25-year-long-study-of-black-women-links-frequent-use-of-lye-based-hair-relaxers-to-a-higher-risk-of-breast-cancer "Frequent and long-term use of lye-based hair straightening products, or relaxers, may increase the risk of breast cancer among Black women, compared with more moderate use." There is also research showing that relaxers have some relation to Fibroids, which are non-cancerous cells that form on or around the female reproductive system. I suffered from fibroids in my late 20's, early 30's and even though I hadn't had a relaxer in over 10 years prior...I do wonder if it had anything to do with me getting them later in life. The chemicals in relaxers have been the main reason in the decline of women not relaxing their hair anymore. Wearing your Natural Hair has also become trendy, trends aside ladies’ healthy hair will always Win! So please take care of your hair, everything else is secondary.

Let’s Wrap This Up!

I feel women should do what’s best for their hair and lifestyle. Do your research, go to a professional, and always do a consultation. If your stylist doesn't offer a consult, ask or book elsewhere. Also, do not judge another woman based off her hair choices, unless you going come do her hair every day! LOL

So, Honey's would you relax your hair? Relax it again? Why or why not?! I want to hear your opinions in the comments!