RELAXER OR KERATIN? Trying to distinguish between the two treatments can be tricky! It is essential to have the right information before you commit to any kind of smoothing or straightening treatment. If you are a woman with very curly hair, wanting to soften and straighten your hair professionally, then chemical relaxers and Keratin straightening treatments are your best options. Below is information that will help you best decide which option is best for your hair type. Keep in mind that a thorough consultation with one of Sanctuary Salon & Med’s Spa’s experienced stylist is the first and most important step to achieve the desired results. Keratin Treatment Keratin is a type of protein that is high in the amino acid "cystine". This special amino acid is what makes the hair super tough and extremely elastic. Keratin treatments are not relaxers but a smoothing treatment that infuses a special blend of hydrolyzed keratin deep into the cuticle. The Keratin is then adhered to the cuticle with a flat iron to relax the hair strands at the sub-cuticle layer. At Sanctuary Salon & Med Spa, our Keratin Treatments are more of a restorative treatment that strengthen the hair shaft and makes your hair more resilient It will not straighten but will soften and calm unruly hair, creating a smooth, silky, sleek and frizz free appearance. Keratin treatments work on a wide variety of hair textures including African American and all ethnic hair types that tend to be unmanageable, frizzy or curly. Keratin treatments are not recommended for hair that has been severely damaged from too much bleaching or extremely fragile, however color treatments can be done prior to a Keratin treatment and will help seal in the color which will result in a longer lasting color. It is important to know that Keratin treatments are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Keratin treatments will last 3 – 6 months depending on your home care products and your lifestyle RELAXER By definition, a hair relaxer is a lotion or cream that makes the hair easier to straighten and manage. Relaxers reduce the curl by breaking down the hair strand thus chemically altering the texture. Most women who decide to get their hair relaxed have curly hair and want it to be stick straight and frizz free. The results vary depending on your hair type, but usually a hair relaxer will leave your hair straight for approximately six to eight weeks. A “strand test” is highly recommended. This will test the strength of your hair in order to further assess which type of relaxer is best for you.
Hair relaxers, most commonly, are available in two types: Lye relaxers and No-Lye relaxers. Opinions on the two vary, but as with everything, it depends on your hair type and texture. Lye relaxers are known to work quickly on the hair, but as a result they might also rinse out of your hair easily. Their main ingredient is sodium hydroxide, and they are also known as “alkali” relaxers. No-lye, on the other hand, is mostly made of calcium hydroxide, which can dry out the hair. However, no-lye is better for people with sensitive scalps. When using no-lye, it is imperative that you use a “decalcifying” shampoo to prevent calcium buildup. Many people praise the magical abilities of hair relaxers, and return to their stylist over and over for it. However, it is important to understand that achieving manageable, straight hair cannot be done without proper care. If you decide to get your hair relaxed, you must be prepared to pay special attention to it. Keep your hair properly moisturized, as hair relaxers are very drying to the hair. You will need to use deep conditioners weekly, drink plenty of water and utilize leave-in conditioners. Be sure to use a reconstructing shampoo and conditioner the week following your hair relaxing, and stay away from heat that will further dry your hair. And of course, understand that if you get a relaxer, your hair will be damaged in the long run and will require special care to repair it. At Sanctuary Salon & Med Spa, voted top hair salon in Orlando our team of highly trained professionals are available to answer all your questions. Please call and schedule your free consultation!