If you've been blessed with naturallywavy,curly, orcoily hair, but prefer to wear itbone straight, then you've likely heard of hair relaxers. These lotions or creams work by chemically altering the structure of the hair for temporarily (usually about six to eight weeks) straighter strands. Itsounds intimidating, but the good news is thathair relaxershave come a long way since the '90s.
"You can definitely havehealthy, relaxed hair," saysLyonisha Sanders, hairstylist and owner of Lavish Salon & Extensions Bar. "Just like any other chemical hair manipulation, youhave tocare for it properly with TLC." That includes following protocols for prepping your hair before relaxing. While a professional stylist offers the safest option for chemical relaxing, plenty of over-the-counter options will give you the sleek, straight strands you're looking for.
To find the best hair relaxers, we conducted hours of research on the top-rated products, evaluating each based on their active ingredients and how well they straighten wavy, curly, and coily hair textures. After consulting our hair expert and considering dozens of formulas, we landed on our faves.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Relaxer
- Lye Versus No-Lye: Relaxers that use lye have sodium hydroxide as the primary ingredient. These relaxers tend to be stronger and have more of a potential for burns, so they are typically applied by a licensed professional. However, they tend to be easier on the hair since they don’t leave behind a mineral deposit. Most at-home relaxers are no-lye relaxers that use calcium hydroxide. These tend to be a bit milder on the scalp but could result in calcium buildup and dryness if not used properly. Whichever you choose, be sure to check in with a stylist regularly and stick to a good hair care regime to ensure your hair’s health.
- Scalp Sensitivity: If you have a dry, sensitive scalp or sensitive conditions like eczema, you’re going to want to purchase a relaxer that is gentle and specifically formulated for scalp sensitivity. You should also be sure to pretreat your hair with a protective base and be sure to never apply the relaxer directly to the scalp.
- Formula Strength: Coarse hair and tighter textures are going to need a stronger formula, while light waves and finer textures might need a milder formula. Take your hair texture and level of porosity into consideration before choosing a relaxer.
Our Top Picks
Best for Damaged Hair:
Runner-Up, Best for Damaged Hair:
TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer with Protein and DNA at Amazon$9
Best for Dry Hair:
Best for Coarse Hair:
Best for Sensitive Scalps:
Best Texturizer:
What We Like
Softens hair
Adds shine
Easy to use
What to Consider
Needs a larger serum for longer hair
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil | Hair Type: Coarse | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: No
Dark & Lovely’s Triple Nourished Silkening No-Lye Relaxer is a classic for a reason. The results are consistent, and the formula aims to protect the five signs of healthy hair—moisture, shine, strength, softness, and body—using hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba, and avocado oils. We loved that it didn't burn our scalps (which can be common when relaxing hair) and that it left our hair smooth and shiny.
Who It’s For
The kit—which includes a moisture mask and shine cream enriched with moisturizing coconut oil—is also super easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for newbies.
What We Like
If You *Must* DIY Your Relaxer, These Kits Will Make Sure You Don't Eff It Up
Gentle formula
Ensures up to 90% less breakage
Easy to use
What to Consider
Some reviewers reported dry hair
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil, coconut oil | Hair Type: Kinky, curly, wavy | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: No
Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is found in many relaxers because it works to straighten curls, but it can also cause burns and has a less-than-pleasant smell. This no-lye relaxer kit, which uses calcium hydroxide instead, is more gentle. It puts the health of your hair first with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil and comes with six easy steps (from pre-treatment to conditioner) to ensure up to 90% less breakage than traditional relaxers. That said, some users still said it dried their hair out, so if that’s a concern for you, try double conditioning.
Who It’s For
If you’d rather avoid harsh lye formulas, this no-lye product is a winner. It delivers good results while protecting the hair from breakage.
What We Like
Creamy, easy-to-apply texture
Softens the hair
Professional-grade
What to Consider
Not as strong as the original
Not for beginners
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil | Hair Type: Color-treated, fine | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This no-frills, no-fuss relaxer gets the job done without breaking the bank. Fair warning: This is a professional-grade relaxer made for those with some cosmetology knowledge. However, if you’re a self-relaxing pro, go for this conditioning formula.Interestingly, for a professional-level formula, some online reviewers said this product wasn’t as strong as it could be, but we still feel confident recommending it based on how overwhelmingly positive the reviews are.
Who It’s For
Anyone who’s relaxing their hair on a budget should try this option (as long as you’re not new to hair relaxing).
What We Like
Strengthens hair with infiltrated protein
Moisturizing with infused olive oil and shea butter
Rinses quickly
What to Consider
Might be drying for some
Active Ingredients: Water, sodium hydroxide, shea butter, olive oil | Hair Type: Coarse | Size: 64 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If your hair is already dry and damaged, it’s essential to find a relaxer with moisturizing ingredients. This sodium hydroxide relaxer is infused with hydrating olive oil and shea butter and enhanced with hydrolyzed collagen (a structural protein that forms the building blocks of hair) to add strength while it straightens your hair.
Who It’s For
If your hair is feeling parched and brittle, this moisture-rich relaxer is the product we recommend.
What We Like
Protein-rich formula
Easy to use
Smoothing
What to Consider
Can damage the scalp if left on too long
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil | Hair Type: Coarse | Size: 15 oz | Cruelty-Free: Not listed
This professional-grade relaxer is also a great choice for damaged or fragile hair, as it contains hydrolyzed collagen, which strengthens the hair follicle to support new growth and healthier strands. Reviewers love that it makes their hair soft and shiny, that the product has good value, and lasts for multiple uses. Be sure to set a timer so you don’t leave the product on too long and risk harming your scalp.
Who It’s For
Those with dry, damaged hair will benefit from the strengthening ingredients in TCB No Base Creme Hair Relaxer with Protein and DNA. That said, if you have a sensitive scalp, make sure to just leave it on as long as directed to avoid irritation.
Best Gentle
Just for Me Conditioning Creme Relaxer
What We Like
Gentle on the skin with no lye
Highly hydrating ingredients
Makes the hair sleek
What to Consider
Not as strong as other formulas on this list
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil, coconut milk, shea butter, vitamin E, sunflower oil | Hair Type: Coarse | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: No
Sure, this formula is designed for children, but adults looking for mild results or with sensitive skin can also benefit from it. It’s a no-lye formula but instead is formulated with calcium hydroxide, which is a more gentle relaxing chemical. It delivers the sleek strands you’re looking for but it’s also hydrating with ingredients like coconut milk, shea butter, vitamin E, and sunflower oil.
Who It’s For
If you know you have sensitive skin and a scalp that’s easily irritated, this gentle, no-lye formula could be the ideal product for you. But if you know you have super-coily hair that needs a strong relaxer, this one might fall short.
What We Like
Strengthens and conditions
Easy to wash out
Smooth texture
Comes with a protective pre-treatment
What to Consider
Might take a bit longer to fully straighten
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil, coconut milk, shea butter, cocoa butter, honey | Hair Type: All, fine, color-treated | Size: 30 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
You don’t have to settle for dry, brittle hair just because you choose to relax it. This transformative relaxer leaves hair smooth and more manageable while also hydrating it with popular moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and honey. It comes with a protective pre-treatment to prevent burns, and users rave that it washes it out easily. That said, it may take a little longer to do the job than other, more intense products on this list.
Who It’s For
If your hair is already on the dry side and you don’t want to risk dehydrating your strands even further, this rich, nourishing relaxer is a smart choice.
What We Like
Has extra strength for resistant hair types
Adds shine
Built-in protection
What to Consider
Might not work on all types
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil, castor oil, olive oil | Hair Type: Coarse | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: No
For hair textures that are more resistant to relaxers, this extra-strength formula gets your hair straighter without compromising its integrity. The kit comes complete with hydrating castor oil (an ingredient that can help boost hair growth) and olive oil-infused treatments for nourishment and shine as you prepare to style your hair.
Who It’s For
If your hair has a thicker, more coarse texture, this hydrating formula promises to make it more manageable and leave it feeling nourished. If you have a finer hair type, be aware that this extra-strength formula might be a little too intense for your strands, ultimately leaving them damaged.
Best for Sensitive Scalps
Avlon Affirm Sensitive Scalp Relaxer
What We Like
Sensitive on the scalp
Adds elasticity to the hair
Restores moisture and shine
What to Consider
Doesn't include deep conditioner
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil | Hair Type: Color-treated, damaged | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’ve been relaxing your hair for a while, you’re likely no stranger to scalp burns—but this doesn’t have to be the norm. In fact, scalp irritation is one of the signs that a relaxer is damaging your hair. This gentle formula is safe for color-treated hair and even the most sensitive scalps. Users report that it can relax coarse hair with ease and minimal to no irritation. This formula doesn’t come with a deep conditioner so we recommend slathering a hydrating treatment on for an added moisture boost.
Who It’s For
If you’re prone to scalp irritation, this gentle, relaxing formula is a great choice. Follow with one of our tested and reviewed scalp treatments for better hair health.
What We Like
Creates a looser curl pattern
Gentle on the hair
Reversible
What to Consider
Hair reverses but to a lesser degree
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil, olive oil | Hair Type: Coarse | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: N/A
If you’re not quite ready to permanently straighten your hair but do want to try a looser curl or wave, this texturizer kit is a great option. We also love that it’s temporary (so if you hate the look, it won’t last forever). The reversible system lasts for up to six weeks, allowing you to straighten your hair less and experience less reversion. Some users are happy with the way it loosens curls. A minority of others were disappointed that their tighter texture didn’t return, so only use this product if you’re okay with potentially ending up with a looser pattern than your normal curl type.
Who It’s For
If you would prefer a looser curl rather than a super straight style, texturizers like this one work really well. But remember, texturizers use the same chemicals as relaxers and require the same aftercare (a good hydrating mask or treatment, ideally).
Best for Gray Hair
Gentle Treatment Conditioning Creme Relaxer for Gray Hair
What We Like
Good on gray hair
Gentle
Neutralizes brassiness
What to Consider
You need to condition the hair first (doesn’t come with the product)
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil | Hair Type: Gray, curly | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: N/A
As hair turns gray it tends to become more coarse and less elastic, leaving it drier and more prone to breakage. This gentle formula can relax delicate gray hair while also having enough strength to straighten unruly textures. It’s also formulated with pure aloe vera gel, a natural conditioning ingredient that can help soothe the scalp and moisturize dry strands. Note: This product doesn’t come with a conditioner, but we recommend you use your own prior to straightening.
Who It’s For
If you’re rocking silver or gray hair these days, this no-lye formula will relax and condition while also neutralizing any brassiness thanks to its yellow-out formula.
What We Like
Doesn't leave hair thin
Works quickly
Gentle
What to Consider
Does not include a neutralizing shampoo or conditioner
Active Ingredients: Water, petrolatum, mineral oil | Hair Type: Coarse, kinky, curly | Size: 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: N/A
One of the downsides of using a relaxer is that you might end up with hair limpness. That’s not a worry with this product though—it adds plenty of volume back. We also love that the formula contains shea butter and coconut oil to give hair moisture and shine.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a shampoo and conditioner like many other formulas, so remember to add those to your shopping list.
Who It’s For
Going straight doesn’t have to mean losing your enviable volume. The Linange Shea Butter Cream Relaxer will give finer textures a volume boost.
FAQ
How long do hair relaxers last?
“Depending on your hair texture and growth, relaxers last from six to 12 weeks before needing a re-touch,” says Sanders.
Is it safe to relax hair at home?
“I don’t typically recommend over-the-counter relaxers due to them potentially causing the hair to develop calcium buildup, which could eventually cause the hair to become brittle, dry, and break," says Sanders. "However, if one must do their relaxer at home, choose a mild formula that’s safe for a sensitivescalp.”
How can you keep relaxed hair healthy?
To keep relaxed hair healthy,Sanders advises seeking a professional stylist for regular hair maintenance, including getting ends regularly trimmed. Other recommendations include always keeping hair moisturized and conditioned and sleeping on a satin pillowcase or satin scarf.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Kindra Moné has been creating fashion and beauty content since 2013. Whether contributing to some of the top women’s lifestyle magazines or working in-house with global brands, Kindra has collaborated with some of the most knowledgeable beauty professionals in the industry. When she isn’t writing or trying out Instagram recipes, she’s giving wellness tips and sharing fashion news on The StylingSOUL Podcast.
Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in November 2023 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list of the best hair relaxers.
Team Byrdie worked with an expert to inform these picks:
- Lyonisha Sanders, hairstylist, and owner of Lavish Salon & Extensions Bar