Relaxers, Keratin Smoothing Treatments
A Comprehensive Guide
In recent years, hair care has undergone a significant transformation, with a growing focus on health-conscious and environmentally friendly practices. From traditional relaxers to modern keratin treatments, Botox smoothing systems, amino acid repair therapies, and stem cell hair repair treatments, the industry has expanded its offerings to meet diverse hair needs. This post delves into the differences between these systems, their eco-friendliness, and the evolution of hair treatments toward safer, more sustainable options.
- Relaxers: The Traditional Approach to Straight Hair
What Are Relaxers?
Relaxers are chemical treatments designed to permanently straighten curly or wavy hair by breaking down the bonds within the hair’s structure. These treatments typically use sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide, which effectively straighten the hair but can cause significant damage over time, leading to dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation.
Relaxers may also use the same chemicals found in perms, such as ammonium thioglycolate (commonly known as perm salt). This chemical breaks down the hair’s disulfide bonds and reshapes the hair, altering its internal structure. While this provides the desired straightening effect, it can also negatively impact the hair’s resistance, elasticity, and integrity, limiting its capacity to retain color. The structural change in the hair can make it more fragile and prone to damage after coloring treatments.
In contrast, newer relaxers or perms that use cysteine offer a gentler alternative. Cysteine-based treatments are less harsh on the hair’s bonds but are generally less long-lasting compared to traditional acid or exogenous perms. These milder treatments smooth the hair with less damage but may need to be reapplied more frequently.
Eco Impact:
Traditional relaxers are known for their harsh chemicals, which can negatively affect both the scalp and the environment. Many consumers are now seeking safer, more eco-friendly alternatives, including cysteine-based treatments that are less damaging to both the hair and the environment.
2. Keratin Treatments: From Formaldehyde to Formaldehyde-Free
What Are Keratin Treatments?
Keratin treatments involve infusing the hair with keratin, a protein that smooths and strengthens the hair. The treatment is activated using heat, sealing in the keratin and leaving hair smoother, shinier, and easier to manage.
The Evolution from Formaldehyde to Formaldehyde-Free:
In the past, keratin treatments contained formaldehyde, which posed serious health risks, including respiratory issues and allergic reactions. Modern formaldehyde-free keratin treatments have replaced formaldehyde with safer aldehyde substitutes like acetic acid, glycol, and amino acids. However, even formaldehyde-free treatments can release small amounts of formaldehyde-related compounds when heat is applied, though at much lower levels than the older formulas.
Eco Impact:
While formaldehyde-free keratin treatments are much safer, the heat used during the process can still release minor amounts of formaldehyde-related compounds into the air. However, these treatments are still far more eco-friendly compared to traditional options.
3. Botox for Hair: Smoothing and Volume Retention
What Is Hair Botox?
Hair Botox is a treatment that infuses the hair with vitamins, proteins, and amino acids to hydrate and smooth the hair without drastically altering its natural texture. Unlike keratin treatments, Botox focuses on conditioning and smoothing, rather than straightening the hair.
Procedure Differences: Full Keratin vs. Botox Treatments
The same product can be used for both full keratin treatments and Botox-like smoothing treatments, but the procedure differs significantly:
• Full Keratin Treatment: Ideal for very curly or thick hair, this option involves leaving the product in for up to an hour. The treatment includes a blow-dry and flat iron process while the product is still in the hair. Once the hair is sealed, the product is washed out, a sealer is applied, and the hair is blow-dried and ironed again. This process is more time-intensive but offers long-lasting results.
• Botox (Smoothing) Treatment: A milder alternative that smooths the hair while preserving volume. The product is left in for 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a shorter blow-drying and ironing process. This version doesn’t last as long as a full keratin treatment but still delivers smoother, frizz-free results.
Eco Impact:
Botox treatments use less product and involve a shorter process, reducing chemical exposure and the amount of heat required, making them a more eco-friendly option.
4. The Side Effects of Acidic Bases: Color Changes and Fading
One side effect of using acidic bases like acetic acid (vinegar) in these treatments is the potential for color changes or fading. The longer and hotter the process, the more likely the hair color will shift, especially in chemically treated or colored hair.
To avoid drastic changes, it’s essential to conduct a strand test before the treatment. This test will help assess whether the hair color will change significantly, and whether color correction might be necessary afterward.
After these treatments, it’s generally recommended to wait four to seven days before applying any color treatments. The strand test also helps determine the ideal heat settings and timing for coloring post-treatment, ensuring the best results.
5. Amino Acid Repair Treatments: Rebuilding Hair from Within
What Are Amino Acid Repair Treatments?
Amino acid repair treatments are designed to strengthen and rebuild damaged hair by infusing it with naturally occurring proteins. These treatments target the hair shaft, providing deep nourishment and helping to restore strength and elasticity without the use of harsh chemicals.
Eco Impact:
Since amino acid treatments rely on natural protein-based ingredients, they are one of the most eco-friendly options available. They help repair the hair while minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals.
6. Stem Cell Hair Repair Treatments: Cutting-Edge Hair Care
What Are Stem Cell Hair Repair Treatments?
Stem cell treatments use plant-derived stem cells to promote hair growth and repair damaged follicles. These treatments regenerate the scalp and hair, offering long-term benefits for hair health and growth.
Eco Impact:
Stem cell treatments are among the most sustainable options in hair care, using plant-based ingredients and avoiding harmful chemicals. They represent the future of eco-friendly hair restoration.
Fume Extraction and Air Quality Considerations
Even with formaldehyde-free treatments, some chemicals can still irritate the lungs or create unpleasant odors. At holistic salons, using fume extractors helps minimize exposure to fumes. The amount of smoke and odor depends on the product type and the treatment method:
• Full Keratin Treatment: More product and heat lead to more fumes and smoke during the treatment.
• Botox (Smoothing) Treatment: Involves less product and produces fewer fumes due to a shorter treatment process.
The texture and consistency of the product – whether cream, gel, or foam – also affects the amount of smoke generated. Foam-based products tend to produce less smoke, though they may not deliver the same smoothness as cream-based products.
7. Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper aftercare is key to extending the life of keratin and Smoothing treatments:
• Curing Period: Avoid sweat, ponytails, or anything that could crease the hair for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
Please wash even if it looks good ,Some people develop a sulfur smell if you let it longer.
• Weekly Masks: Use weekly conditioning masks to protect the silicone layer and maintain smoothness.
• Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Use sulfate-free shampoos to avoid stripping the treatment from the hair.
• Wear and Tear: Exposure to sweat, chlorine, styling or harsh weather conditions can reduce the longevity of the treatment.
Conclusion: The Future of Eco-Friendly Hair Care
The hair care industry is moving toward more sustainable and health-conscious solutions, with safer alternatives available for relaxers, keratin treatments, and Botox smoothing systems. While no treatment is completely free of chemicals, modern options are far safer than traditional formulas. Conducting strand tests, using fume extractors, and applying proper aftercare ensure that clients can achieve smooth, healthy hair with minimal environmental impact.
Takeaway: Choose treatments that balance beauty, health, and eco-friendliness, and stay informed about the ingredients and procedures used in your hair care routine. Always consult with your stylist to determine the best approach based on your individual hair needs.
561–372–5354
Ibana Villaseñor
