Image: MomJunction Design Team
Though having curls is fun and gorgeous, some occasions and outfits call for a sleek, shiny hairdo. However, going to the salon frequently to straighten your hair can be tedious, not to mention expensive. Hence, I have consulted Alexandro Vasquez, a professional hairdresser, to bring you the best relaxers for black hair.
Relaxers provide the right amount of nourishment for your hair, making it look and feel healthy, and are an easy and cost-effective way of smoothing your hair at home. These expert-approved relaxer kits come with shampoos, color treatments, and conditioners. Take a look!
Top Picks
13 Best Relaxers For Black Hair
1. Best Nourishing:ORS Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer
Image: Ors Black Olive Oil Store Infused with time-release sodium hydroxide, the Avlon Affirm creme formula which helps gradually and evenly straighten your hair without causing any damage. This gentle relaxer for black hair is part of a four-step relaxer system. The chemical hair relaxer can straighten your hair by chemically changing one-third of your hair’s cystine crosslinks. It comes in a four-pound container and can provide the best perm for black hair.
Also Recommended By: ORS Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer has also made it to the list by Cosmopolitan and Byrdie[1]12 Best Hair Relaxers That Won’t Ruin Your Look, Cosmopolitan https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g33368236/best-hair-relaxer/[2]The 13 Best Hair Relaxers of 2024, Byrdie https://www.byrdie.com/best-relaxers-damaged-delicate-hair-348328
Pros
- Built-in protection
- Leaves hair lustrous
- Strengthens hair strands from the roots
- Full application treatment
Cons
- May cause hair fall
"The hair straightening product worked well for me. I found the instructions easy to follow, and though it was a bit challenging to rinse out, the lasting straightness was worth it. It worked well for thick, wavy hair, leaving it smooth and silky."
Quick tip2. Best Easy-To-Rinse:Avlon Affirm Creme Relaxer
Image: Avlon The Avlon Affirm Creme Relaxer is a gentle formula made with time-release sodium hydroxide, which helps gradually and evenly straighten your hair without causing any damage. This professional-grade conditioning cream is part of a four-step relaxer system. It can straighten your hair by chemically changing one-third of your hair’s cystine crosslinks. It comes in a four-pound container and can provide the best perm for black hair.
Also Recommended By: Cosmopolitan has listedAvlon Affirm Creme Relaxer in their top 10.[1]12 Best Hair Relaxers That Won’t Ruin Your Look, Cosmopolitan https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g33368236/best-hair-relaxer/
Pros
- Easy to use
- Leaves hair feeling soft and silky
- Makes hair manageable
- Works fast
Cons
- May have a strong scent
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
"Since I have incorporated this relaxer into my curl-care regime, straightening my hair takes just 15 minutes. Its unique formulation also leaves my hair shiny and sufficiently hydrated. It does not completely eliminate shedding, but thankfully, it is minimal."
3. Best Easy-To-Use:Profectiv Mega Growth Hair Relaxer
Image: Profectiv 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 72 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
Profectiv brings you a relaxer that won’t damage the hair. This no-lye hair relaxer is a blend of natural wonder oils and conditioning proteins. It protects the hair from dryness and split ends. The relaxer increases hair elasticity and strengthens the strands. It makes the hair silky-smooth, straight, and healthy. The easy-to-use pack contains pre-measured sachets of crème activator, crème relaxer, neutralizing shampoo, and BreakFree leave-in strengthener. Check out more about this tried-and-tested product in this video to learn how to apply this hair relaxer by Profectiv.
Pros
- No mess formula
- Prevents hair breakage
- Straightens the hair perfectly
- Protects hair from damage
- Suitable for medium and fine hair
Cons
- May not suit dry hair
"This perm kit seemed to work especially well for my short haircut. I really liked the ready-to-use pouches as they were convenient and reduced product wastage. However, I would recommend investing in a good neutralizing shampoo for post-treatment care. I'm very pleased with the results."
Quick tipORS Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer Best Nourishing | Avlon Affirm Creme Relaxer Best Easy-To-Rinse | Profectiv Mega Growth Hair Relaxer Best Easy-To-Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | All | All |
| Dimensions | - | 6.75 x 6.75 x 6.25 inches | 4 x 6 x 7.5 inches |
| Weight | - | 4 Pounds | 8 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 29 | 48 | 72 |
| Price | $19.78 | $49.99 | $12.99 |
4. Best pH-Balanced:Optimum Multi-Mineral Relaxer
Image: Optimum Smooth Professional Optimum relaxer is a multi-mineral tested formula infused with sodium, lithium, and calcium hydroxides. This patented technology adds volume and shine to straight locks. It is a pH-balanced product, offering optimal comfort. The result-driven relaxer moisturizes the hair, leaving it silky soft, and lustrous.
Pros
- Detangles and straightens the hair naturally
- Comfortable
- Suitable for color-treated and fine hair
- Multi-mineral technology
Cons
- May cause hair fall
"I've been using this relaxer lately, and it gives my hair a silky, smooth finish. The regular strength worked well for me without being too harsh. Just remember to pair it with a neutralizing shampoo. I'm quite impressed with the results."
5. Best Gentle:Just For Me No-Lye Regular Conditioning Creme Relaxer Kit
Image: Just For Me The Just For Me Nolye Regular Conditioning Creme Relaxer Kit includes a relaxer cream, an activator, a neutralizing shampoo, a conditioner, and an instructional booklet. The easy-to-use instructions make it simple to achieve professional-looking results at home. This no-lye product leaves hair feeling silky smooth and looking healthy, making it a great hair relaxer for women.
Pros
- Formulated with conditioning cream and olive oil
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Contains color indicator for easy application
- Leaves hair soft and manageable
Cons
- Can be difficult to apply evenly
- Results may vary depending on your hair type
"This hair relaxer does its job well, but the multiple application steps can be tiresome. Also, it is not for everyone and depends on your hair type and texture because my daughter's curls stayed straight only for a day and bounced back on day two. Still, I found it great for manageability."
6. Best Paraben-Free:Syntonics Botanical Conditioning Creme Relaxer
Image: Syntonics Syntonics relaxer is a conditioning creme made of botanical extracts. It is enriched with tested ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, and calendula that reduce irritation and soothe the scalp. The cocoa butter, shea butter, and honey restore the natural moisture content of the scalp. It makes the hair super soft, smooth, and free-flowing. The scientifically balanced sodium hydroxide formula provides a deep conditioning treatment to the hair.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- No artificial colors
- Contains phyto extracts
- Botanical formula
Cons
- Container is not leak-proof
"The innovative botanical formula seems to work well with my hair. I haven't noticed any flaking or irritation. Moreover, apart from considerably taming and flattening my curls, it even renders a silky feel to my mane. I'm quite happy with this!"
7. Best Moisturizing:Phyto Paris Phyto Specific Phytorelaxer Index 2
Image: Phyto If you want to tame your unruly hair without harsh chemicals, the Phyto Paris Phyto Specific Phytorelaxer Index 2 might be suitable. This moisturizing relaxer for black hair has a unique formula that contains botanical ingredients that relax the hair fibers, making it one of the best natural hair relaxers for virgin hair. Offering visible results, it ensures soft, silky, and healthy-looking hair that is easy to style and maintain.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types
- Easy to use
- Quick and efficient
- No irritation or burning sensation
- 100% natural ingredients
Cons
- May form clumps if not mixed well
- May not suit thin hair
"This relaxer gave me manageable hair quickly. However, it has a short lifespan after mixing, making it slightly challenging to reuse. I would suggest spending some time applying it properly so it softens the hair evenly."
Quick tip8. Best For Sensitive Scalp:Softsheen Carson Precise No-Lye Original Relaxer
Image: Softsheen The gentle formula contains a built-in conditioner that replenishes each hair fiber, making them smooth and healthy. It also has less chance of causing irritation than sodium-hydroxide-based relaxers, making it a gentler relaxer for sensitive scalps.
Pros
- Gentle and safe for all hair types
- Works quickly and efficiently
- Easy to use
- No unpleasant odor
Cons
- May cause dryness for some
- May not work as well on very curly or kinky hair
9. Best For Short Hair:Luster’s Shortlooks Color Relaxer
Image: Luster's The three-in-one diamond black color relaxer from Luster’s Shortlooks gives you hair maximum straightness and strong color. Designed especially for short hair up to four inches, the Colorlaxer colors the hair while relaxing and conditioning it. It takes less than 30 minutes to deposit rich color for full coverage or highlights for existing tones. Using this cream relaxer for black hair can also make the strands softer and silkier. Learn how to use this hair relaxer by watching this instructional video.
Pros
- Peroxide- and ammonia-free formula
- No scalp staining
- Available in three shades
- Suits all hair textures
Cons
- Color may not last longer
"This color relaxer handles grays without irritating my sensitive scalp. It gave me shiny hair, but I must say, though it was quick and efficient, the color faded faster than I had expected. Still, I like that the formula is gentle."
10. Best For Medium To Coarse Hair:Hawaiian Silky 30008 No Base Relaxer
Image: Sunbum Hawaiian Silky introduces this no-base relaxer for black hair with a mild formula. It is enriched with olive oil to strengthen the hair strands. Jojoba and mink oils nourish the scalp and protect the hair during relaxing. The protective oils are known for its proven efficacy and are blended with the relaxer creme that coats the scalp and prevents burning. It uses lithium hydroxide to protect the hair and minimize scalp irritation.
Pros
- Nourishes scalp
- Suitable for medium to coarse hair
- Gives you soft and shiny hair
- No base creme required
Cons
- Not suitable for colored hair
11. Best For Hair Straightening:Africa’s Best No-Lye Relaxer Kit
Image: Africa's Best Store Africa’s Best no-lye relaxer kit for black hair includes an intense dual-conditioning relaxer system that offers superior hair straightening. This is one of the best relaxers for 4C hair that shows visible results as it is enriched with extra virgin olive oil and African herbal extracts to nourish, condition, and protect the hair during relaxing.
Pros
- Makes hair healthy
- eaves hair silky and soft
- Does not irritate the scalp
- Protects from damage during relaxing
Cons
- Not suitable for wavy hair
"After years of flaunting my natural hair, I tried this relaxer and found it effective without being harsh. It gave me quick and long-lasting results. However, apply it carefully and follow the instructions to avoid damaging your hair. A worthwhile purchase overall."
12. Best No-Mix Formula:TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer
Image: Comfilife Logo TCB hair relaxer is a no-base creme formula ideal for permed, colored, textured, or relaxed hair. It is a protective blend of proteins, natural oils, and DNA that help strengthen and shield the hair while relaxing. The proteins offer nourishment to the hair, making it healthy. They provide structural support to the hair and help reduce damage. The formula contains natural mineral oil and petroleum jelly to create a film on kinky hair, making it easy to achieve straight hair.
Pros
- Professional formula
- Irreversible hair straightening
- Makes hair soft and manageable
- No-mix formula
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive scalp
13. Best For Over-Processed Hair:Softsheen-Carson Optimum Salon Haircare
Image: Soft-sheen Carson Store Softsheen-Carson no-lye relaxer provides optimum hair care to minimize breakage for normal hair texture. It is infused with coconut oil and hair strengthening ceramides. The regular strength relaxer kit replenishes the natural hair moisture, making it healthy and smooth. It includes a protective pre-treatment, a conditioning relaxer cream + activator, a neutralizing shampoo, a reconstructor treatment, a leave-in strengthener and a whipped oil moisturizer. The whole relaxer treatment kit is suitable for one application or two retouches.
Pros
- Straightens hair
- Nurtures over-processed hair
- Available in regular and super strength
- Patented formula
Cons
- May cause hair fall
"The relaxer works wonders when used correctly, but I would suggest using it cautiously, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. Consistency is key when using this product. Overall, it's a decent pick."
How To Choose The Right Hair Relaxer For Black Hair?
Keep these factors in mind when buying a hair relaxer for black hair.
- Hair type: Know your hair type and condition to pick a suitable relaxer. It could be your hair color, types of curls, and if your hair is prone to breakage.
- No-lye relaxer: A no-lye relaxer is mild, has low pH, and works well on most sensitive scalps. The relaxer you choose should be able to maintain the pH balance of the hair and scalp.
- Kit: A relaxer kit contains a neutralizing shampoo, an activator, and a conditioner. These work in tandem to relax the hair, resulting in clean, soft, silky, and healthy hair strands. You can pick a relaxer kit from a trusted brand or a dermatologist-tested one.
- Natural ingredients: Choose a relaxer infused with essential oils olive, jojoba, and mink oils. Aloe vera is also an essential ingredient for promoting nourished and hydrated scalp and hair. Natural ingredients work to strengthen the hair roots, reduce damage and the risk of allergic reactions, resulting in relaxed hair strands. So cross-check the ingredient list before buying the right product.
Alexandro Vasquez, a professional hairdresser and hair colorist, says, “The right relaxers can give your black hair amazing results. However, relaxers and perms can damage your hair and scalp if applied incorrectly or at the wrong time. Hence, I would advise you to consult a specialist before using a relaxer. ”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is a relaxer different from keratin treatment?
Relaxers are a permanent treatment to straighten perms, curls, and frizzy hair. They change the structure of the hair cuticles over time. Keratin treatments gradually wash away. The natural curl of the hair returns over six weeks to a few months.
2. How long do relaxers last?
It all depends on your hair type and the formulation of the relaxer. On average, it usually lasts up to 8 weeks.
3. How can I keep my relaxed hair healthy?
To keep your relaxed hair healthy, deeply condition it and minimize the usage of heating tools. Choose the right relaxer that suits your hair type and maintain your scalp health. In addition, avoid washing your hair often, and consider using a dry shampoo.
4. Does a relaxer stop hair growth?
An excess of anything is bad. Continuous use of a relaxer without any breaks can lead to hair loss and damage. Therefore, taking proper care of your hair and giving it time to breathe is necessary for achieving healthy hair.
5. When should I not relax my hair?
It is recommended not to use a relaxer before eight weeks after your previous application.
6. What type of shampoo should I use after using a relaxer?
It is recommended to use moisturizing, sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo on relaxed hair.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our experienced writer and product reviewer, Poulami Nag, is passionate about makeup, skincare, and hair care and writes detailed product reviews to help readers make the right decisions for their skin and hair. She has curated this list of the best relaxers for black hair to help you achieve the desired look. Her review process involves referring to reliable websites for authentic information and user reviews to find the right relaxers to smoothen your hair without damaging it.
The Bottom Line
If you wish to switch up your hairdo and get straight, gorgeous locks, a high-quality relaxer can be a suitable option. You can easily apply the product to your hair in the comfort of your home without wasting time at the salon. However, consider the hair curl type, skin sensitivity, and active ingredients before choosing the right product. For instance, opt for ORS Olive Oil No-Lye Hair Relaxer for volume, Avlon Affirm Creme Relaxer to strengthen the strands, or Profectiv Mega Growth Hair Relaxer to prevent split ends. Always choose mild hair products that won’t cause irritation and are safe for your scalp. We hope our list of the best relaxers for black hair can help you understand the product features, benefits, and requirements.
Infographic: Buying Tips For Black Hair Relaxers
If you have curly or extremely coiled hair, a hair relaxer can be a helpful straightening treatment to keep your hair straight without using any heating device. The infographic below includes useful advice to help you select the right hair relaxer for your curly black hair.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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