Philosophical Question: Why Risk a Relaxer?

[jendazzler]

I grew up in a town where there were no black people. I had no ideas about perms or black hair. When I moved to the city, the first thing people told me was don't get a perm! So, I straightened it. But the more people did my hair, the more people said "You need a perm" because it was hard to deal with. Also, my hair was often frizzy. It seemed like the only way I could do anything with my hair was get a perm. So I did, but sparingly. I now get perms 3-4 times a year even though I know it is bad for my hair. On top of that, people complement me on my hair all the time. So I perm over and over again. I am either too lazy or a victim to society's standards

 

[msa]

Women relax because the benefits of having straight hair outweigh the risks associated with relaxers.

 

[Skiggle]

Girl I relaxed my hair throughout all my three pregnancies! No wonder my grandbaby is always giving me a dirty look.

TOO CUTE!
She has the "what you talking about willis"
look..
​

 

[AllAboutTheHair]

I feel like regular heat straightening is just as bad and relaxing because heat changes the structure of any protein, just as relaxer changes the structure of the hair protein...to what degree depends on how you use the heat or the relaxer. I choose to continue to relax/texlax because I loose less hair now than I did when I was completely natural.

 

[Supergirl]

Why risk it? Because women (ALL RACE OF WOMEN) will risk life, tooth and limb to be considered beautiful. And straight hair is associated with beauty.

I didn't know straight hair was associated with beauty.

 

[Supergirl]

I'm going to be one of those irritating people that answer's a question with a question (don't you hate when people do that)

The OP is asking why risk a relaxer. I beseech you therefore bretheren:

*Why get in your car and drive everyday? (you could have a wreck)
*Why eat? (you could get food poisoning)
*Why go out and get the mail? (you could get robbed)
*Why go to the movies? (someone behind you could poke you with an aids needle)
*Why go into a building? (it could cave in)
*Why use the potty? (a snake could come up the sewer pipes and bite your booty)
*Why wash your face with tap water? (there's chemicals and stuff in the water)
*Why don't you shut up now Supergirl?

 

[msMicaela]

You know i have honestly put a lot of thougth into this...and i must say you are quite brave cause some peps will jump down your throat if you talk about their relaxer. I feel that it is a shame that we have to Break down our hair in order for it to be manigable. I totally understand the dilemna, but it is still sad nonetheless.

Ive had relaxers before and every time i think ill just baby my hair and it will be fine...NOPE... it turns my thick, coarse, strong hair into a limp fragile mess...this has led me to stay at neck legnth almost my ENTIRE life! Even though i have spent thousands on hair products....the tearing down the structure of my hair is just too much.

I feel that we are a priveldged few that have found this board... so we have access to infomation that millions of Black woman with perms choose not to interest themselves in. So while we may be able to maintain and see growth and health with a perm, i feel that the majority do significant damage to their hair and its not worth it.

If your going to purposefully tear down your hair...then put the TIME, MONEY and EFFORT it takes to build it back up!!

 

[imaccami]

People use relaxers because they can. I've never had horrible problems from relaxing, and no offense I don't know how it happens. Unless a person or stylist completely and totally disregards the directions, it's pretty hard to mess up imo.

People take a risk every time they get in a car and drive, some people inc the risk of an accident by drinking, or talking/texting on their cell, or speeding. Same thing with relaxers, some people inc the risk of damage by not rinsing well, not basing their scalp, running it through to the ends each time, using regular shampoo as a neutralizing shampoo, and on and on.

When someone has a car accident it's usually the fault of the driver and it's less likely that it was a car malfunction. It's the same with relaxers, when someone has a serious problem with a relaxer it's usually the way that it was applied/removed that's to blame and not the relaxer itself.

 

[that_1_grrrl]

You know, except for a traumatic experience I had when I was real little, I never had any setbacks from relaxers. I didn't even know about under/over processing until I came here.

I still do not like the idea of using chemicals to change something that for me, does not need to be changed, but I do not think everyone has bad experiences with them.

 

[that_1_grrrl]

I'm going to be one of those irritating people that answer's a question with a question (don't you hate when people do that)

The OP is asking why risk a relaxer. I beseech you therefore bretheren:

*Why get in your car and drive everyday? (you could have a wreck)
*Why eat? (you could get food poisoning)
*Why go out and get the mail? (you could get robbed)
*Why go to the movies? (someone behind you could poke you with an aids needle)
*Why go into a building? (it could cave in)
*Why use the potty? (a snake could come up the sewer pipes and bite your booty)
*Why wash your face with tap water? (there's chemicals and stuff in the water)
*Why don't you shut up now Supergirl?

Does this really happen? I know I read about this in a short story but the author was kind of old, and she was talking about using an outhouse when she was a kid... so...

Seriously, does this still happen?

 

[sunbubbles]

You know i have honestly put a lot of thougth into this...and i must say you are quite brave cause some peps will jump down your throat if you talk about their relaxer. I feel that it is a shame that we have to Break down our hair in order for it to be manigable. I totally understand the dilemna, but it is still sad nonetheless.

Ive had relaxers before and every time i think ill just baby my hair and it will be fine...NOPE... it turns my thick, coarse, strong hair into a limp fragile mess...this has led me to stay at neck legnth almost my ENTIRE life! Even though i have spent thousands on hair products....the tearing down the structure of my hair is just too much.

I feel that we are a priveldged few that have found this board... so we have access to infomation that millions of Black woman with perms choose not to interest themselves in. So while we may be able to maintain and see growth and health with a perm, i feel that the majority do significant damage to their hair and its not worth it.

If your going to purposefully tear down your hair...then put the TIME, MONEY and EFFORT it takes to build it back up!!

PREACH!!! ITA Most ppl dont have access to this forum. Or if they do, sometimes they just dont take the time to look because they dont know its possible to build your hair back up after a perm. Im all for having the RIGHT to choose whatever you want for your hair, but when the KNOWLEDGE isnt there (which is the case for MOST AA women with perms) its detrimental and SOOOOO not worth it.

 

[Crackers Phinn]

I don't look at it as a risk.

The problems that I had in the past using relaxers was because of misuse.

Now that I know the correct or better way of using them, I don't have any issues.

 

[brucebettye]

I texlax my hair because I want to.

 

[girlyprincess23]

U-hem............****Cleaing throat************

Ok - first things first..... We know - and I am sure you know - - DrainO could never be used for a hair relaxer....
But then again, I would not use Lava soap to wash my hair...

Anyway...............
The bolded up above - described my relaxer experience - to a Tee....

There have been debates ad Nauseum ( Thanks Nonie ) abou this issue.
For me - and for many fine haired ladies.... Relaxers are just not the way to go. It killed my hair. I won't go near one again. EVER.

But - For OTHERS.................. It may work for them.
I ( just me, please don't jump me!!!!! )choose not to take the risks associated with chemical processes on my hair...Because it was detremental to my hair - and now I believe - it would be detremental to my health.

I completely agree. My hair is fine also and the relaxers are just not it no matter what I do it breaks in one area. I'm starting to feel the way you ladies feel too but I would have to have an alternative (like BKT) as I do not have mountains of available time to care for my hair in its natural state.

 

[RedVelvet310]

Because to some.. straight hair equals beauty, acceptance, professionalism, length and until a certain people begin to admire curly/kinky hair straight hair will always be "in".

 

[Supergirl]

People use relaxers because they can. I've never had horrible problems from relaxing, and no offense I don't know how it happens. Unless a person or stylist completely and totally disregards the directions, it's pretty hard to mess up imo.

People take a risk every time they get in a car and drive, some people inc the risk of an accident by drinking, or talking/texting on their cell, or speeding. Same thing with relaxers, some people inc the risk of damage by not rinsing well, not basing their scalp, running it through to the ends each time, using regular shampoo as a neutralizing shampoo, and on and on.

When someone has a car accident it's usually the fault of the driver and it's less likely that it was a car malfunction. It's the same with relaxers, when someone has a serious problem with a relaxer it's usually the way that it was applied/removed that's to blame and not the relaxer itself.

That is a good way to put it. Like you, I have not had any horrible experiences with relaxing save one time when I was 12 and it was ALL MY FAULT. I decided to get my dumb butt in a chlorinated pool with no swim cap/shower cap/other protection the day after a relaxer. The disaster was my fault, not the relaxer cream's fault.

 

[Supergirl]

Does this really happen? I know I read about this in a short story but the author was kind of old, and she was talking about using an outhouse when she was a kid... so...

Seriously, does this still happen?

Yes! My mother said it happened at her job (before she retired) once. She said they found the snake's skin in the toilet and later found the snake hangin' out at the job. Because of this, I stay on my husband about keeping toilet seats in our house down!

 

[Supergirl]

PREACH!!! ITA Most ppl dont have access to this forum. Or if they do, sometimes they just dont take the time to look because they dont know its possible to build your hair back up after a perm. Im all for having the RIGHT to choose whatever you want for your hair, but when the KNOWLEDGE isnt there (which is the case for MOST AA women with perms) its detrimental and SOOOOO not worth it.

If that is the case, then couldn't we also say that someone who has natural hair but is not knowledgeable/informed about how to take care of their hair could also experience "risks" and issues with their hair?

 

[Supergirl]

You know i have honestly put a lot of thougth into this...and i must say you are quite brave cause some peps will jump down your throat if you talk about their relaxer. I feel that it is a shame that we have to Break down our hair in order for it to be manigable. I totally understand the dilemna, but it is still sad nonetheless.

Ive had relaxers before and every time i think ill just baby my hair and it will be fine...NOPE... it turns my thick, coarse, strong hair into a limp fragile mess...this has led me to stay at neck legnth almost my ENTIRE life! Even though i have spent thousands on hair products....the tearing down the structure of my hair is just too much.

I feel that we are a priveldged few that have found this board... so we have access to infomation that millions of Black woman with perms choose not to interest themselves in. So while we may be able to maintain and see growth and health with a perm, i feel that the majority do significant damage to their hair and its not worth it.

If your going to purposefully tear down your hair...then put the TIME, MONEY and EFFORT it takes to build it back up!!

I am curious as to whether the relaxer was the cause of your hair staying neck length. You are natural now, and in your avatar your hair appears to be neck length as well.

 

[Purfectalibi]

I was natural for 4 years. The only way i could stay natural is in braids. My hair was BSL but you would not have ever known because it coiled so tight that my fro was 2inches high. I had to be braided at all time or else it would mat and knot badly. It doesn't stay pressed so forth and so on....
Bottom line, If my hair wasn't 5z i wouldn't relax.. Since it is, ima keep doing me.

 

[msa]

If that is the case, then couldn't we also say that someone who has natural hair but is not knowledgeable/informed about how to take care of their hair could also experience "risks" and issues with their hair?

I don't think there are "risks" associated with staying natural. For example, there's no risk of chemical burns on your scalp or your hair falling out due to overprocessing. But, there are definitely issues, especially when you aren't knowledgeable. For example, using a comb can be a problem when you don't know how to use it correctly.

I guess in my definition of risks, there aren't any when it comes to natural hair as long as you aren't using heat. Then you're back where you started in my opinion.

 

[*Happily Me*]

I relax my hair to make it more manageable and I like long hair. it's that simple.

i relax (texlax), but my hair is not straight. I don't like straight hair on me all that much. :/

I recognize the risks associated with relaxing but it's what I choose because I know it'll be ok.

My hair will remain thick and healthy for as long as I choose to relax. Thank you, God

 

[prospurr4]

I texlax because I want to...for me, it really is just that simple.

 

[Ladyhenri]

Well, most of you know that I like to throw out these kinds of questions on occasion. After reading of the horror story threads about burning, under processing, over processing, breakage, loosing edges, all-over hair loss and the use of Drain-o, I have to finally ask--why even risk using it?

Now, I used to have a relaxer for years when I was a teenager and into early adulthood. I got burned regularly, my hair was alway limp (I have fine hair) and my hair never passed shoulder length, if that. I finally decided that I didn't want to be dependent on chemicals for the rest of my life so I gave it up without a BC (you can imagine my breakage).

It seems that with other modes of hair styling in which there is a temporary alteration--color rinses, pressing, flat ironing, twisting, etc.--things can be UNDONE. But with relaxers or even permanent color, if there is damage, forget it. There doesn't seem like much can be done. I know that many on this board have been able to successfully stretch their relaxers, thereby reducing some risk. But, it still only takes one wrong move, one rogue hairdresser, and it could be all over.

So...why do it? Is it like smoking? We know the risks, weigh the benefits, and cross our fingers?

I must be telepathic.
I knew you were natural once i had read your first paragrapherplexed

I will give two words in response
'Personal Preference'

 

[sunbubbles]

If that is the case, then couldn't we also say that someone who has natural hair but is not knowledgeable/informed about how to take care of their hair could also experience "risks" and issues with their hair?

I can definately see your point with the Issues part cause lawd knows I had NO clue what to do wit my hair after I did my BC *HOT DRY MESS*
but as far as "Risks" Im not so sure because a risk is something that if you mess it up your chopped and screwed so to speak (this is all relevantly speaking. Things regarding social viewpoints and the like would be a different form of "Risk" IMO). So like MSA said besides heat I cant see how there would be any risks (or definitely not the same AMOUNT of risk) in wearing chemically unaltered hair. It just doesnt compare.

But I digress..............ANYTHING can be a risk in this world, but what about the big ones?? Whats so enthralling about taking those serious risks?

 

[*Happily Me*]

^^^

word ladyhenri

 

[*Happily Me*]

why are "naturals" always so "concerned" about other people heads?

good grief

I mean, I concentrate on my own hair's health. I'm not all like "why ya'll using heat". "Why you eating that?", "did you excercise today?". All things could prohibit healthy hair growth...

just direct self and you'll be good.

 

[Supergirl]

I don't think there are "risks" associated with staying natural. For example, there's no risk of chemical burns on your scalp or your hair falling out due to overprocessing. But, there are definitely issues, especially when you aren't knowledgeable. For example, using a comb can be a problem when you don't know how to use it correctly.

I guess in my definition of risks, there aren't any when it comes to natural hair as long as you aren't using heat. Then you're back where you started in my opinion.

I was thinking of naturals who use heat, some that I know IRL. They are quick to holla "I'm natural" but they are at the salon getting blow fried and flat ironed weekly and their hair is not benefiting (if there were to be any benefit) healthwise from being natural.

But you're taking heat out of the equation. Okay. But I'm also thinking of naturals who are not knowledgeable/informed and may "risk" their hair with practices such as:

*manipulating roughly (with a comb)
*not protecting hair at night
*not moisturizing or not moisturizing enough
*pulling hair back too tightly

So back to my original point--anyone who is not knowledgeable of healthy hair practices, natural or relaxed, is more likely to put their hair "at-risk" than someone, natural or relaxed, who is knowledgeable of healthy hair practices.

 

[msa]

I was thinking of naturals who use heat, some that I know IRL. They are quick to holla "I'm natural" but they are at the salon getting blow fried and flat ironed weekly and their hair is not benefiting (if there were to be any benefit) healthwise from being natural.

I agree with you...I think relaxers and heat have equal risk.

But you're taking heat out of the equation. Okay. But I'm also thinking of naturals who are not knowledgeable/informed and may "risk" their hair with practices such as:

*manipulating roughly (with a comb)
*not protecting hair at night
*not moisturizing or not moisturizing enough
*pulling hair back too tightly

So back to my original point--anyone who is not knowledgeable of healthy hair practices, natural or relaxed, is more likely to put their hair "at-risk" than someone, natural or relaxed, who is knowledgeable of healthy hair practices.

I think we just have different views of what "risk" means. IMO opinion, breakage or poor retention is not something I would consider a risk, relaxed or natural. That's why I dislike when people say "relaxers made my hair break off and I couldn't retain length". I think, for the most part, their haircare was more of a culprit. Though there are some people who, no matter how they take care of their hair, the relaxer itself is just too damaging.

Anyway, I think of a risk as something that is dangerous or can have severe outcomes. With relaxers, you run the risk of chemical burns. With heat, you run the risk of being burned by the hot comb or flat iron. The burns, depending on their severity, can lead to permanent bald spots or scarring. That's a risk, IMO.

I don't think there are any inherent risks associated with being natural, like there are with the use of relaxers and heat.

(I also think there are huge health risks with relaxers, but since that's debatable there's no point in addressing it.)

 

[SmartyPants]

VS

You did not go there!!!!