What's that Darn BAD Ingredient in my Relaxer Box that they talk about?

Ya'll ever wondered what's the difference in Lye and no Lye? Or what the hell is Sodium Hydroxide or Guanidine Hydroxide? I want to know but I'm too lazy to actually do a search for it. So if you find out let me know ok! ....................I'm joking y'all.

But first lets talk a lil history. Do you know who first patented the first chemical straightener? No not Madamn CJ Walker! It was Garrett Augustus Morgan around 1910. He was the child of former slaves. His intentions was not to invent the lye but he was working to invent a lubricating liquid for a machine needle and instead created lye!

I just stumbled across this good site and here's what I found out:

"Sodium Hydroxide is the strongest type of principal chemical used in some chemical relaxers because it provides the most long lasting and dramatic effects. However, this same sodium hydroxide is found in drain cleaners which well demonstrates the strength of this chemical. It is what is used in products that are referred to as “lye” relaxers. The strength varies from a ph factor of 10 to 14. With higher ph, the faster the straightening solution will take hold, but the more potential the damage.

Guanidine Hydroxide is the other common option of relaxer chemical used today. This is what is referred to as “no-lye” relaxers. This label can be misleading to some consumers. It does not imply that there aren't any strong chemicals used or that the chemicals used are somehow less potentially damaging. Some have mistakenly thought that with “no-lye” relaxers there are less steps and all the worry of chemical hair straightening is removed. Although this type of chemical hair relaxer can be less damaging than its counterpart, the hair and scalp should be in top condition before attempting treatment, and this type also requires special care when applied."

All relaxers require conditioning treatments before and after application.

...sorry you had to read all that, but was it helpful? What did you say? Speak up I cant hear you. No not really... well keep reading on at this site: Chemical Relaxers . It's well worth it and takes about 10 minutes!