The 16 best hair relaxer brands
ORS, Dark and Lovely and Africa's Best lead our ranking of 16 hair relaxer brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Hair Relaxer brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
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1
ORS
ORS makes no-lye and lye relaxer kits, including its Olive Oil and Organic Root Stimulator relaxer lines for home use.
Website: orshaircare.com |Brands like ORS
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Dark and Lovely
Dark and Lovely makes relaxer kits and creams for home use, aimed at textured and relaxed hair.
Website: africa.darkandlovely.com |Brands like Dark and Lovely
Popularity 9.1/10
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3
Africa's Best
Africa's Best makes relaxer kits in regular and super strength, sold for home relaxing of textured hair.
Website: africasbesthair.com |Brands like Africa's Best
Popularity 8.4/10
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4
African Pride
African Pride makes Dream relaxer kits, including no-lye and sensitive scalp options, sold for home use.
Website: africanpridehair.com |Brands like African Pride
Popularity 7.5/10
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5
Creme of Nature
Creme of Nature makes relaxer kits, including argan oil and other moisturizing formulas for relaxing natural hair.
Website: cremeofnature.com |Brands like Creme of Nature
Popularity 5.6/10
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6
Dr. Miracle's
Dr. Miracle's makes relaxer kits and creams sold for home use, mostly in regular and super strengths.
Website: drmiracleshair.com |Brands like Dr. Miracle's
Popularity 5.2/10
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7
MIZANI
MIZANI is a salon hair care brand that sells professional relaxer and straightening systems for textured hair.
Website: mizani.com |Brands like MIZANI
Popularity 4.9/10
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8
Luster Products
Luster Products makes Pink Lotion relaxer kits, a long-running line for home relaxing, including a kids version.
Website: lusterproducts.com |Brands like Luster Products
Popularity 4.5/10
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9
Designer Touch
Designer Touch makes relaxer kits sold for home use, including regular and super strength options.
Website: designertouch.com |Brands like Designer Touch
Popularity 2.8/10
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10
Miracle
Miracle Silver is a natural colloidal silver spray with numerous applications. It contains countless therapeutic characteristics that aid in treating a variety of skin ailments and diseases. The colloidal silver spray has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities, making it useful...
Website: miraclesilver.us |Brands like Miracle
Popularity 1.8/10
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11
Design Essentials
Design Essentials makes natural hair care lines, including some relaxer products sold for textured hair.
Website: designessentials.com |Brands like Design Essentials
Popularity 1.5/10
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12
Sofn'Free
Sofn'Free makes relaxer kits and creams, sold as a long-running home relaxer brand for textured hair.
Website: sofnfree.mobi |Brands like Sofn'Free
Popularity 1.5/10
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13
OneTouch
OneTouch has been working on its goal for over 40 years. The company started to create a world without any limits for diabetic people back in the day. They have worked with undying commitment and have helped improve the standard...
Website: onetouch.com |Brands like OneTouch
Popularity 1.1/10
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14
Dominican Magic
Dominican Magic makes relaxer creams and kits sold for home use, popular in textured hair care.
Website: dominicanmagic.com |Brands like Dominican Magic
Popularity 1.1/10
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15
Tec Italy
Tec Italy makes professional salon relaxers and straightening creams used by hairdressers.
Website: tecitaly.com |Brands like Tec Italy
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
ISOPLUS
Isoplus® offers products for your hair's deep conditioning, anti-breakage, and moisturizing needs. You may transform your dry, damaged hair into smooth, healthy hair by using shampoos, conditioners, scalp treatments, or style gels. Among the most popular products, natural hair care...
Website: isoplus.com |Brands like ISOPLUS
Popularity 1.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORS | orshaircare.com | /ORSHairCare | orshaircare | @orshaircare | – |
| Dark and Lovely | africa.darkandlovely.com | /darkandlovelyafrique | darkandlovelyafrica | – | Dark and Lovely Africa |
| Africa's Best | africasbesthair.com | /AfricasBestHaircare | africasbesthaircare | – | Africa's Best |
| African Pride | africanpridehair.com | /MyAfricanPrideHair | curlycharlotte | @myafricanpride | – |
| Creme of Nature | cremeofnature.com | /CremeOfNature | cremeofnature | @CremeOfNature | CremeNatureOfficial |
| Dr. Miracle's | drmiracleshair.com | /Dr.MiraclesHair | drmiracles/ | @drmiracles | UCux1C6LPnn17MZQhEQUB-A |
| MIZANI | mizani.com | /Mizaniusa | mizani | @MizaniUSA | MIZANIUSA |
| Luster Products | lusterproducts.com | /lusterspink | lusterpink | @lusterspink | lusterspink01 |
| Designer Touch | designertouch.com | – | – | – | – |
| Miracle | miraclesilver.us | /miraclesilverus | miraclesilverus | – | Miracle Silver |
Hair Relaxers Buying Guide
Hair relaxers are essential products for people who want to have straight hair without using hot tools daily or damaging their hair permanently. However, with so many different types of hair relaxers available on the market today, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your hair type and preferences. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this buying guide that covers all the important factors you should consider when searching for the best hair relaxer for your hair.
Types of Hair Relaxers
Before we dive into the factors to consider when selecting a hair relaxer, it’s important to know that there are four types of hair relaxers available:
- Lye Relaxers
- No-Lye Relaxers
- Thio Relaxers
- Keratin Treatments or Brazilian Blowouts
Lye Relaxers
Lye relaxers, also called sodium hydroxide relaxers, are the most common and most potent of all relaxers. They typically have a pH level between 10 and 14 and work by breaking down the protein bonds in the hair shaft to straighten the hair. Lye relaxers are recommended for coarse or resistant hair textures, but they can also cause irritation or burning of the scalp if not used properly.
No-Lye Relaxers
No-lye relaxers, also called calcium hydroxide relaxers or “no mix, no lye” relaxers, are milder and gentler on the hair and scalp than lye relaxers. They have a pH level between 9 and 11 and work by swelling the hair shaft to straighten the hair. No-lye relaxers are recommended for fine or medium hair textures, but they may not be as effective in straightening kinky or extremely coarse hair.
Thio Relaxers
Thio relaxers, also called ammonium thioglycolate relaxers, are not as popular as lye or no-lye relaxers but are still used by some people. They typically have a pH level of 9 or less and work by breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft to straighten the hair. Thio relaxers are recommended for fine or medium hair textures, but they are not suitable for highly textured or kinky hair.
Keratin Treatments or Brazilian Blowouts
Keratin treatments or Brazilian blowouts are not technically hair relaxers, but they are often used to smooth and straighten curly or frizzy hair. These treatments use keratin, a protein found naturally in hair, to coat the hair shaft and make it smoother and more manageable. Keratin treatments are recommended for all hair types, but they may not be as effective in straightening highly textured or kinky hair.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hair Relaxer
Now that you know the different types of hair relaxers, let’s look at the factors to consider when selecting the best hair relaxer for your hair.
Hair Type
Your hair type is the most important factor to consider when choosing a hair relaxer. If you have coarse or resistant hair, you will need a stronger relaxer like a lye or thio relaxer. If you have fine or medium hair, you may be able to use a no-lye relaxer.
Scalp Sensitivity
If you have a sensitive scalp, you will need to choose a hair relaxer that is gentle and mild. No-lye relaxers are generally milder than lye relaxers and may be a better option for people with sensitive scalps. Regardless of the type of relaxer you choose, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid scalp irritation or burning.
Experience Level
Your experience level with hair relaxers is also a factor to consider. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a milder relaxer and gradually work your way up to stronger relaxers as you become more experienced.
Results
The results you want to achieve are also an important factor to consider. If you want straight and sleek hair, a lye or no-lye relaxer may be the best option. If you want to smooth and tame frizz, a keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout may be a better option.
Ingredients
The ingredients used in the hair relaxer are also an important factor to consider. Look for a hair relaxer that contains moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter. Avoid hair relaxers that contain harsh or damaging ingredients like formaldehyde or sulfates.
How to Use Hair Relaxers
Now that you’ve chosen the right hair relaxer for your hair type and preferences, it’s important to know how to use it properly to achieve the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use hair relaxers:
- Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any dirt or product buildup.
- Divide your hair into sections using clips or elastics.
- Apply a protective cream or petroleum jelly to your scalp to prevent burning or irritation.
- Mix the hair relaxer according to the instructions on the package.
- Starting from the back of your head, apply the hair relaxer to each section of hair. Use a comb to distribute the relaxer evenly and ensure that every strand is covered.
- Leave the hair relaxer on your hair for the recommended time, which can vary depending on the type of relaxer and your hair texture.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water to remove the hair relaxer.
- Apply a neutralizing shampoo to your hair and massage it into a lather. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly.
- Apply a deep conditioner to your hair and leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes. Rinse the conditioner out thoroughly.
- Use a towel to blot your hair dry, but avoid rubbing or tugging on your hair.
- Style your hair as desired or let it air dry.
Conclusion
With this hair relaxer buying guide, you should have all the information you need to choose the best hair relaxer for your hair type and preferences. When choosing a hair relaxer, consider your hair type, scalp sensitivity, experience level, desired results, and ingredients. Remember to follow the instructions carefully when using hair relaxers to avoid scalp irritation or burning, and always use a deep conditioner afterward to nourish and moisturize your hair.
