Dealing with curly or tightly coiled hair can be challenging, but chemical treatments like relaxers and texturizers offer solutions to your hair issues. Understanding the difference between a relaxer and a texturizer can help you manage your hair more effectively, reducing the frustration of dealing with difficult hair textures.
The difference between a relaxer and a texturizer is their effect. Relaxers straighten hair entirely, while texturizers soften curls while keeping some texture.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Relaxer
3. What is a Texturizer
4. Similarities Between Relaxer and Texturizer
5. Relaxer vs Texturizer in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Relaxer vs Texturizer
7. FAQ – Relaxer and Texturizer
What is a Relaxer?
A hair relaxer is a chemical product used to straighten naturally wavy or curly hair. It’s a permanent process that removes curls, achieved by applying strong alkaline chemicals that break down protein structures in the hair strands and reshape them. Typically, it’s left on the hair for about 20 minutes for optimal results.
Straightening your hair with a relaxer reduces styling time and minimizes tangles. It also allows you to see the true length of your hair. However, once the process is complete, your natural curls will start to return gradually over a few months as your hair grows out.
However, improper application of hair relaxers can lead to damage, scalp irritation, and even hair loss. Therefore, following instructions carefully and considering potential risks before using a relaxer is important.
What is a Texturizer?
A texturizer is a chemical treatment that people with very curly hair use to make their curls looser and softer. It’s different from relaxers, which straighten hair completely. Texturizers come in various forms, including sprays, gels, and creams. When applied to hair, it can loosen the bonds in hair protein. Unlike relaxers, they don’t completely break down the bonds in hair.
Texturizers contain mild chemicals that relax tight curls while still keeping some curl or wave. They’re applied to the hair for a specific time (usually 5 – 10 minutes), rinsed out, and then the hair is treated to stop the chemical process. Texturizers can damage hair if used incorrectly, so it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and take care of your hair afterward.
Similarities Between a Relaxer and a Texturizer
- Relaxers and texturizers are chemical treatments designed to change the natural texture of hair.
- They’re applied to alter the hair’s curl pattern, aiming for straighter or more manageable hair.
- Both treatments need careful application and care afterward to avoid potential hair damage.
- Improper use of relaxers or texturizers can result in issues like dryness, breakage, or hair loss.
Difference Between a Relaxer and a Texturizer
Definition
- A relaxer completely straightens curly or tightly coiled hair by breaking down protein bonds, resulting in permanently straightened hair.
- A texturizer softens and loosens tight curls or coils without fully straightening the hair, maintaining some texture and volume.
Result
- Relaxers create a drastic change by straightening the hair entirely.
- Texturizers create a more subtle change by loosening curls while preserving some texture and volume.
Time
- Relaxers are typically left on the hair for a longer duration, usually around 20-30 minutes.
- Texturizers are applied for a shorter duration, usually around 5-15 minutes.
Potential Damage
- Relaxers can cause major damage if not applied properly or left on for too long, including dryness, breakage, and hair loss.
- Texturizers are generally milder than relaxers but can still cause damage if overused or left on for an extended period.
Below is a summary of the difference between a relaxer and a texturizer in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Relaxer vs Texturizer
Relaxers and texturizers are two types of chemical treatments used to alter hair texture, but they have distinct effects and purposes. Relaxers completely straighten curly or tightly coiled hair, while texturizers soften curls while maintaining some texture and volume. Understanding the difference between a relaxer and a texturizer is essential for choosing the most suitable treatment based on individual preferences and desired outcomes.
FAQ: Relaxer and Texturizer
1. Is a texturizer better than a relaxer?
- Texturizers are milder and maintain some curl pattern, while relaxers completely straighten the hair but can cause more damage. Therefore, most people consider texturizers to be better than relaxers.
2. Can texturized hair turn back natural?
- Texturizers are designed to alter the natural curl pattern of the hair by loosening and softening tight curls or coils. However, because texturizers do not permanently change the structure of the hair, the natural curl pattern can gradually return as new hair grows. This process typically occurs over several months as the treated hair grows and is replaced by new, untreated hair.
3. How long does a texturizer last?
- On average, texturizers can last anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks before the effects begin to diminish. During this time, the treated hair will gradually revert back to its natural texture as new growth appears. Regular touch-ups may be required to maintain the desired level of texture alteration.
4. Is Keratin a texturizer?
- No, keratin is not typically considered a texturizer. Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair, skin, and nails, and it’s often used in hair care products and treatments to strengthen and improve the condition of the hair. Keratin treatment is a semi-permanent chemical procedure to straighten hair.
5. Can I use texturizer on relaxed hair?
- Using a texturizer on hair that’s already been relaxed can cause unpredictable and harmful changes because both treatments change how the hair is structured. Plus, using too many chemical treatments at once can damage the hair even more.
Reference:
1. “Relaxer.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “What You Should Know About Natural Hair Texturizers.” Natural Girl Wigs.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Close-Up Photo of Woman With Curly Hair” (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Woman in White Sleeveless High Neck Top Showing Her Back” (CC0) via Pexels