What is the primary ingredient in most hair relaxers?

The primary ingredient in most hair relaxers is sodium hydroxide. This chemical is well-known for its ability to break the bonds in the hair's structure, effectively straightening curly or wavy hair. Sodium hydroxide works by raising the pH of the hair and altering the protein structure, allowing for easier manipulation and smoothing of the hair.

Because of its potent nature, sodium hydroxide-based relaxers are often referred to as "lye relaxers." They are particularly effective for coarse or resistant hair types because they offer strong, long-lasting results. When applied correctly, sodium hydroxide relaxers can transform curly hair into straight hair, but they must be used with caution to avoid damage.

While other ingredients like calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate are found in various hair care products and relaxers, they serve different purposes or are used in formulations that are generally less common for standard hair relaxation procedures. Calcium hydroxide is often used in alternative formulations, potassium hydroxide can also provide similar results but is less frequently used than sodium hydroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate is more commonly associated with permanent waving than relaxing hair.