The first time I relaxed my hair was when I clocked 10, even though my Big Aunt had a big argument with my mum over this. Prior to this, I had a full afro hair that could be painful sometimes when combing and difficult to manage, so using a chemical relaxer on my hair seems like the right thing to do.
However, fast forwards to 10-15 years after, my hair looked damaged, very thin hair and lost its healthy look. The high point of it was my edges which were totally in a bed shape. I tried everything I could do to grow it back but it was just working.
Four years ago, I started transitioning into natural hair and I had my big chop in 2015. My hair has continued to get better ever since. Of course, my afro hair can be difficult to comb and all that, but the more I began to understand how to take care of my natural hair, the better it gets.
So before adding a chemical relaxer, think about the pros and cons. And ask yourself if it really worth it. Let’s look at some of the damages that can be done by adding chemical relaxer to one’s hair.
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PERMANENT HAIR LOSS
This is one of the most common side effects of using chemical relaxer. What appears as a burn and turns into a scab can eventually lead to a permanent hair loss and the hair does not grow back. Permanent hair loss can also crop up with a section of thinning and continue to fall out as times goes on. This can be very annoying and disgraceful as a certain part of the head looks like the hair has been chopped off by a rat, Lols. The possibility of a permanent hair loss is further worsens by the use of hot combs, curling irons, and tightly pulling of hair by rollers.
SPLIT ENDS
The hair is made up of layers. By using chemical relaxer on the hair, this will damage the outer layer which is responsible for protecting the hair shaft. When the outer layer is damaged by use of chemical relaxer, this will lead to split ends. This damage can extend up to the hair shaft and cause hair breakage resulting in damaged uneven hair.
FRIZZY HAIR
Frizzy hair is caused by dry hair which can arise as a result of lack of conditioning, use of chemical relaxer, lack of moisturizer, infrequent or too frequent washing etc. Chemical relaxer does not improve frizzy hair; it contributes to the problem by creating dry brittle ends that lead to hair breakage. Flat irons and hair curlers can also increase the problem.
SCALP INFECTION
Even though this is not so common, some women have experienced scalp infection by using chemical relaxer. There has been situation where some women are left with permanent bald spots due to scalp infection after the use of chemical hair relaxers requiring medical treatment.
HAIR THINNING
Hair thinning is unavoidable when using chemical relaxer; this is caused as a result of over processing especially around the natural hairline. What we believe to be improving our hair is actually causing irreversible damage. Even though there are other logical causes of thinning edges; but most of the time when you see women with thinning edges, it is a clear sign of the damage caused by chemical hair relaxer.
SCALP IRRITATION/BURNS
Chemical relaxer can also lead to scalp irritation or burns. This can improve by using additional products containing alcohol such as hair gels or sprays. Alcohol-containing hair products can worsen the affected area causing slow healing, further irritation, or permanent scalp damage.
DRY BRITTLE HAIR
It is no longer news that chemical relaxer dries out the hair; and the more you use it, the more damage it does to the hair.
Interestingly more and more women are going back to their natural roots with dreadlocks and natural kinky twist hair styles. Therefore if going straight is a must for you, there are natural ways to get this look without applying chemical relaxer.