Bring the Salon to You: Best At-Home Relaxer Kits
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Baka Beautiful Natural-Laxer at Home Relaxer Kit -
Creme of Nature Straight from Eden at Home Relaxer Kit -
PhytoSpecific Phytorelaxer Index 1 at Home Relaxer Kit -
ORS Olive Oil Extra Strength at Home Relaxer Kit -
Dr. Miracle's Thermalceutical Intensive No-lye Hair Relaxer -
Buyer's Guide
Home relaxer kits are ideal for those times when you can't get to the salon or don't have a couple hundred bucks to spend on professional hair treatment. Since many relaxer systems tend to destroy hair and fry your scalp, it's best to use the most gentle treatments available and read the directions a few times to ensure you achieve optimum results. All of the following home relaxer kits are formulated without dyes or other chemical ingredients which cause severe scalp irritation, contain moisturizing agents such as olive and avocado oils to protect hair, and make hair more manageable overall. While some of these kits will leave hair straighter than others, each will soften and relax hair regardless. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best at-home relaxer kit in 2022, we have listed below the available home relaxer kits for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
Reviewing the Best At-Home Relaxer Kits of 2022
Baka Beautiful Natural-Laxer at Home Relaxer Kit - Best at Home Relaxer Kit Overall
A chemical-free hair relaxer kit finally does exist, and it's called Natural-Laxer Kit by Baka Beautiful. This 100 percent natural and chemical-free solution contains Natural-Laxer Mix, a gentle hair relaxer that softens and relaxes hair using sun-dried, exotic herbs and pure clay from the Sahara Desert. When mixed with the included Natural-Laxer rose water, it helps your hair retain its natural moisture better. This kit also contains a special shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil to add more softness and smoothness to your hair. Users have noticed a significant difference in the texture, appearance, and overall manageability of their hair. However, it will not provide the drastic straightening results of chemical-based relaxers.
Creme of Nature Straight from Eden at Home Relaxer Kit - Runner Up
Designed for thick, coarse hair, this revolutionary hair relaxer system is 100 percent plant-based. It's made with all-natural avocado, coconut, and olive oils to heal, nourish, and rejuvenate each strand of hair on your head. This breakthrough solution is formulated without lye, parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, formaldehyde, or other harsh chemicals which can damage and burn hair. Each kit contains straightening cream, activator, creme booster, hydrating shampoo, conditioning treatment, and repair oil. Users claim this system leaves hair smoother and more manageable, yet not necessarily straight as a pin.
PhytoSpecific Phytorelaxer Index 1 at Home Relaxer Kit - Honorable Mention
PhytoSpecific Index 1 is a chemical-free kit specifically designed for fine, damaged, sensitive, or otherwise delicate hair types. It contains egg and soy to strengthen hair strands and keep them intact. This odorless and lye-free formula is cheaper than other professional kits and delivers extraordinary results. The Index 2 kit, which contains egg and soy, is better for use with thick, coarse hair. Both relaxers kits contain pre-care balm, straightening cream, an inductor, a combination neutralizing/cleansing emulsion, milky restructurer, gloves, mixing spatula, and instructions.
ORS Olive Oil Extra Strength at Home Relaxer Kit - Consider
This lye-free hair relaxer kit contains olive oil which is rich in fatty acids and known for its healing properties. It imparts moisture directly into your scalp and hair shafts, protecting against any damage during the treatment process. The system is designed to hydrate, relax, and add shine to your hair while continuously protecting it with olive oil. This kit contains a combination relaxer/activator, creamy aloe shampoo, replenishing conditioner, moisturizing hair lotion, plastic gloves, mixing stick, and a step-by-step guide to help you along the process. Users claim it leaves hair "bone straight" and provides the same results as professional hair-relaxing services.
Dr. Miracle's Thermalceutical Intensive No-lye Hair Relaxer - Best at Home Relaxer Kit
Stop breakage and achieve soft, shiny hair with Dr. Miracle's No-Lye Relaxer. It contains proteins and vitamins to condition, moisturize, and restore damaged hair. Formulated without lye, this special relaxer formulation also promotes a healthy scalp and hair growth. It contains shampoo, leave-in conditioner, protective gel, protective gloves, and a mixing spatula. Users claim this relaxer doesn’t burn your scalp the way other relaxers do, and provides real results like smoother, softer hair. It works on even coarse, unruly hair.
Buyer's Guide
What is an At-Home Relaxer Kit?
An at-home relaxer kit is a package that helps you straighten your hair on your own at home, and it provides you with all the products and solutions that you need. They are best for people who can’t find the time to go to the salon or can’t afford to get their hair straightened from their stylist at the moment.
At-home relaxer kits are the perfect alternative to keratin treatments, which are meant to keep your hair straightened for a long time. They are also more beneficial in terms of cost and time.
Why Do You Need an At-Home Relaxer Kit?
At-home relaxer kits are highly useful for women who are always on the go and can’t visit the salon before a big event or gathering. They are perfect for women who have curly hair that is incredibly difficult to tame without keratin treatments. Also, keratin treatments may straighten your hair perfectly, but they can be quite expensive and harmful for your hair as well. Therefore, at-home relaxer kits give you a more cost-effective and safer solution.
As mentioned above, at-home relaxer kits consist of products that are generally safer than what you would get in a keratin treatment. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the health of your hair when you use the products you get in the at-home relaxer kit you choose.
Things to Consider Before Buying an At-Home Relaxer Kit
There are numerous factors that should be considered before you choose an at-home relaxer kit to buy among the numerous options that are out there. These factors will help you find the right product to suit your needs and your hair as well.
Lye or No-Lye
Lye is a common ingredient in most of the at-home relaxer kits you may find, and such products also contain sodium hydroxide as the main ingredient, which makes them stronger. However, they may be better suited for application by professionals, so you should avoid choosing an at-home relaxer kit that consists of lye.
Some of the best at-home relaxer kits don’t contain lye, and they also contain calcium hydroxide. Although they are milder than lye-based relaxers, they do result in the buildup of calcium on the scalp, which is something you don’t have to worry about in the former option.
Scalp Sensitivity
Before using any of the at-home relaxer kits, it is very important to consider how sensitive your scalp is. Otherwise, you may be at risk of scalp irritation or other problems. If you have eczema or any other skin condition, then you may want to choose an at-home relaxer kit that is more gentle on the scalp and doesn’t flare up your skin conditions. Some at-home relaxer kits also come with protective bases that are applied before the relaxer, to make sure that it doesn’t cause any reaction.
Strength
The strength of the formula used in the relaxer also plays an important role in your choice of an at-home relaxer kit. If you have coarse hair, then you would need a stronger formula to tame your hair, but if your hair is light and wavy, then a lighter formula would be the way to go for you. You should also take your hair texture into consideration before choosing the strength that is best for your hair.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness refers to the amount of time for which your hair will stay straight once you have applied the relaxer. Most high-quality products are known to last from 10 to 15 weeks before you need to use the at-home relaxer kit once again. Some of the mid-range options would work for 6 to 12 weeks, so make sure that the product you choose has you covered for a good few weeks. Otherwise, you will have to use the at-home relaxer kit more often than you would expect, and it would also cause the product to run out quickly.
Other Ingredients
When you are considering different products to buy, make sure to check their product description or label for the ingredients they are made of. Apart from lye and sodium hydroxide, finding out the other ingredients is also important. Ideally, you should opt for an at-home relaxer kit that features natural ingredients so that your hair doesn’t get damaged from all of the chemicals present in the kit.
How Do You Use an At-Home Relaxer Kit?
Once you have selected the at-home relaxer kit that you want to use, you can easily apply it using the instructions provided by the company. One thing to remember is that you shouldn’t wash your hair or scratch your scalp at least a week before using the relaxer. Next, wear a cape to cover your clothes, as well as gloves.
If the at-home relaxer kit comes with a protective base, this would be the right time to apply it, in case you have a sensitive scalp that would react with the relaxer solution. The next step is to separate your hair into 4-5 layers and secure them with hair bands or plastic clips. Mix the at-home relaxer into a bowl and start applying it on each layer one by one. Start by applying it in small sections.
Once this is done, you can spread out the relaxer towards the hairline, making sure to coat your hair evenly. Next, you can make use of a comb to smoothen out the hair. Depending on the amount of time prescribed on the product packaging, you will have to wait before washing your hair. To remove it properly, wash your hair for 5-7 minutes and also use a moisturizing conditioner to restore the pH level of your hair. Lastly, rinse your hair, blow it dry, and style it as you like.
At-Home Relaxer Kit FAQs
Q. How do I care for my hair after using the at-home relaxer kit?
A. The key is to keep your hair moisturized after using the relaxer. Also, make sure to get a sulfate-free shampoo for your hair, and get the roots trimmed every 6-8 weeks.
Q. Can I use the at-home relaxer kit on short hair?
A. According to experts, the at-home relaxer kit works fine on short hair as well. If you have previously treated hair, you can choose to get it trimmed before using the relaxer on it.
Q. How often should I use the at-home relaxer kit on my hair?
A. Since the at-home relaxer kit contains chemicals, it is wise to give a gap of at least 8 to 12 weeks before you choose to use it on your hair again.
