Do relaxers encourage hair growth? What to know

In Nigeria, the quest for long, beautiful hair is a common desire among many.

Relaxers, known for their ability to straighten and smooth out curly or kinky hair, have become a popular choice for those looking to manage their hair with ease.

However, the relationship between relaxers and hair growth is a topic filled with myths and misunderstandings. Let’s talk about what relaxers really do and how they can impact your hair growth journey.

What do hair relaxers do?

Hair relaxers are chemical treatments that work by breaking down the protein bonds in your hair, making it straighter and more manageable. They can transform even the tightest curls into smooth, straight locks. This process, while effective for achieving a certain look, does not directly influence hair growth. In fact, the chemical components in relaxers can sometimes do more harm than good.

The impact of relaxers on hair growth
While it’s a myth that relaxers make hair grow faster, the truth is they can actually hinder hair growth in several ways:

• Making hair weaker and more prone to breakage: The chemicals in relaxers weaken your hair’s natural structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and split ends. This means that even if your hair is growing at the roots, you might not see the length you desire because it’s breaking off at the ends.
• Potential scalp damage: Relaxers can also irritate and damage your scalp, an essential area for healthy hair growth. A damaged scalp can lead to hair loss or thinning, further affecting your hair growth goals.
• Focusing on hair health for growth
  Achieving long, healthy hair involves more than just chemical treatments. Here are some healthy practices to promote hair growth:
• Deep conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments can help restore moisture and strength to your hair. Natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil are readily available in Nigeria and excellent for deep conditioning treatments.
• Trimming split ends: Regularly trimming split ends helps maintain your hair’s health and prevents further breakage.
• Protective styles: Embrace hairstyles that protect your hair from damage, such as braids and weaves. These popular Nigerian hairstyles can help reduce manipulation and breakage, promoting healthier growth over time.

Alternatives to relaxers

For those seeking straight hair without the potential damage of chemical relaxers, there are alternatives like keratin treatments. While often more expensive, keratin treatments can be a safer option for achieving straight hair, as they don’t break the hair’s bonds but instead coat the hair, making it smoother and frizz-free.

Healthy hair is happy hair
Relaxers can give you the straight hair look you might desire, but they don’t promote hair growth and can even impede it by causing damage. The secret to achieving long, healthy hair lies in proper care and maintenance. Whether your hair is relaxed or natural, focusing on nurturing and protecting your hair will help you reach your hair growth goals. Remember, beautiful hair is healthy hair, and taking good care of your hair, relaxed or not, is the true secret to enjoying beautiful, long locks.