How do you choose your relaxers

[gymfreak336]

I know we have plenty of threads on what you use and such but how did you pick it.

Did you pick it because it was the "professional" choice
Ingredients??
Reviews here??
pH??
Claims??

I am asking because I am thinking of trying something new and would like some advice on how to choose.

 

[Artemis]

Hey, girl!!

I started a similar thread when I was thinking of switching relaxers...I'll see if I can find it and post the link for ya...but anyways, a few of the responders said it was based on what the ingredients were.

ETA: I ended up switching from Motions Oil Mild to Mizani Mild btw.

But to directly answer the posted questions:
Did you pick it because it was the "professional" choice??
Yes, in a way. I have found that my hair responds faster/better to more "professional/salon" products. For example, I have found my HG in Joico. PM got kicked to the curb.
Ingredients??
Yes, this was a component. But moreso, if a lot of unneccessary ingreds were there, I'd skip it.
Reviews here??
DEFINITELY!! I searched the boards like a madwoman for at least a week before I even narrowed my decision down to 2, then once I picked a brand, I searched some more
pH??
This wasn't really something I thought a/b, I just knew I'd be picking a mild lye relaxer
Claims??
I try not to jump onto every bandwagon there is, so claims don't really phase me. I look at the hair of the folks who use the product, not by how the company tries to sell you on their ish.

HTH

 

[Artemis]

Here's the link to the thread I started :
http://http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=124634

 

[LovelyLionessa]

Did you pick it because it was the "professional" choice
I don't use "professional" relaxers like Affirm or Mizani. I choose what's inexpensive and is readily available.

Ingredients?? Ingriedients are important to me. That's why I like Silk Elements, it has jojoba, avocado, coconut oils, shea butter, collagen & silk proteins.

Reviews here?? I do go by LHCF reviews, mos def.

pH?? I don't know to much about the ph of my relaxer.

Claims?? Again, I use LHCF as my guide, not advertising.

I have been using Silk Elements Lye and have been very happy with it, but I also have a tub of ORS Lye waiting in the wings that I'll give a whirl later this year.

 

[LocksOfLuV]

I know we have plenty of threads on what you use and such but how did you pick it.

Did you pick it because it was the "professional" choice
Ingredients??
Reviews here??
pH??
Claims??

I am asking because I am thinking of trying something new and would like some advice on how to choose.

What thebox says is nothing to me, so claims is out the door.

Here is my order:
Ingredients
LHCF reviews
Price
and that's it.

 

[gymfreak336]

Thanks for your replies. I think I know what I am going to go with but I ain't sure yet.

 

[HoneyDew]

For me, ingredients. I find that those with protein and conditioning agent in the actual cream (not just the conditioner or shampoo in the kit) are better for my hair. There aren't too many that I can find like that, though.

Price is next. Like, PhytoRelaxer has great ingredients, but I don't think I am willing to support that $65 habit when Profectiv is just as good, if not better.

 

[*Michelle*]

I know I'm going out on a limb but here goes...Most relaxers are about the same, yes I know there are exceptions to the rule. I am a firm believer that once you find a relaxer that works for your hair the most important thing is the way your hair is maintained. You could have the "best" relaxer in the world but IF you are not maintaining your hair properly it won't matter your hair WILL be damaged and break at some point...or you can use the "worst" relaxer BUT you timed, rinsed out properly, maintain the proper PH level, moisture/protein balance etc...the hair is MUCH more likely to thrive.

I wish you well in your decision and hope you find what works best for your hair!

PS I'm not saying you are not, I'm just making a generalized statement.

 

[gymfreak336]

I know I'm going out on a limb but here goes...Most relaxers are about the same, yes I know there are exceptions to the rule. I am a firm believer that once you find a relaxer that works for your hair the most important thing is the way your hair is maintained. You could have the "best" relaxer in the world but IF you are not maintaining your hair properly it won't matter your hair WILL be damaged and break at some point...or you can use the "worst" relaxer BUT you timed, rinsed out properly, maintain the proper PH level, moisture/protein balance etc...the hair is MUCH more likely to thrive.

I wish you well in your decision and hope you find what works best for your hair!

PS I'm not saying you are not, I'm just making a generalized statement.

You make a good point. I do understand what you mean.

 

[gymfreak336]

Here's the link to the thread I started :
http://http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=124634

Thanks. I am actually thinking of going with mizani mild.

 

[thiccknlong]

Did you pick it because it was the "professional" choice
I don't use "professional" relaxers like Affirm or Mizani. I choose what's inexpensive and is readily available.

Ingredients?? Ingriedients are important to me. That's why I like Silk Elements, it has jojoba, avocado, coconut oils, shea butter, collagen & silk proteins.

Reviews here?? I do go by LHCF reviews, mos def.

pH?? I don't know to much about the ph of my relaxer.

Claims?? Again, I use LHCF as my guide, not advertising.

I have been using Silk Elements Lye and have been very happy with it, but I also have a tub of ORS Lye waiting in the wings that I'll give a whirl later this year.

Really, Silk Elements have all that ? I might have to change.

I've never looked at the ingredients, but I wll start now.

I've been using Affirm w/ fiberguard and as long as the stylish perms it right ( dont leave it in to long, breaks it down only half way) my hair is much thicker and stronger.

While thinking about perms, do keep in mind how long it stays on your hair and how much it is broken down is important. It's not complicated. Just make sure its not on more than 15 mins, and ask your stylist to break it down to what you like (bone str8, some texture, lot of texture)

 

[gymfreak336]

Really, Silk Elements have all that ? I might have to change.

I've never looked at the ingredients, but I wll start now.

I've been using Affirm w/ fiberguard and as long as the stylish perms it right ( dont leave it in to long, breaks it down only half way) my hair is much thicker and stronger.

While thinking about perms, do keep in mind how long it stays on your hair and how much it is broken down is important. It's not complicated. Just make sure its not on more than 15 mins, and ask your stylist to break it down to what you like (bone str8, some texture, lot of texture)

Silk elements has excellent ingredients and a really good price.

 

[thiccknlong]

Silk elements has excellent ingredients and a really good price.

Have you ever tried Affirm w/ fiberguard ? I wonder about the ingredients ....and other ppl's results

 

[gymfreak336]

Have you ever tried Affirm w/ fiberguard ? I wonder about the ingredients ....and other ppl's results

I haven't tried affirm with fiberguard. I'll look online to see if I can find it.

 

[RubyWoo]

I find that those with protein and conditioning agent in the actual cream (not just the conditioner or shampoo in the kit) are better for my hair.

This is exactly what I look for in a relaxer. I'm actually looking for conditioning properties in a relaxer. This is how I chose my fav relaxer(Profectiv) which I found before I became a member here. I don't look for anything else really.

 

[Energist]

I agree with the poster who said that the relaxers are basically the same. I usually choose by what protection is offered in the box. I am now using Optimum Anti Breakage Therapy, because they have a good anti breakage cream (you use it before you relax the hair). I also like their leave in treatment, it doesn't leave my hair all brittley feeling.

 

[tnorenberg]

Well, I just went from Phyto II, which I liked a lot, to Silk Elements lye, which I love.:notworthy I chose SE because I miss the shine my hair had using lye relaxers. My hair was healthy w/ Phyto but lacked much luster. The SE relaxer also has shea butter & silk proteins in it and my hair feels really soft & silky like everyone talks about w/ SE. HTH

 

[gymfreak336]

Thanks for the replies.

Energist- your hair is beautiful

 

[Chromia]

Thanks. I am actually thinking of going with mizani mild.

That's the one I use, Mizani for fine/color treated hair even though my hair is neither fine nor color treated.

I didn't choose the relaxer. My former stylist chose it years ago, back when I was ignorant about hair care, so I'm lucky that she decided to use that on me. I didn't even ask her what she was using. I just looked at the container and saw that it was the Mizani mild. I'll continue to use it because it has always worked well.

 

[cocoa32]

This is a good thread.

Where do you get Silk Elements? It sounds wonderful. I self-relaxed for the first time with Motions Regular Strength Lye. I was very disappointed.

 

[amy1234]

I go by the reviews mostly from this site and I can relate with the OP.
I was using lye relaxers in the past and wanted to try a no-lye relaxer. After reading so many good reviews on the ors no-lye relaxer I went ahead and tried it and now I'm realizing that my hair loves no-lye relaxers. I just took a chance and tried something new.

 

[angelbaby]

Finding the right relaxer was all trial and error for me. I started out with Dark 'n Lovely, went to Gentle Treatment, then on to Optimum, they were all no-lye and years ago. I was on this constant cycle of breakage and growth. Thank goodness I have fast growth. I then started using Affirm. I failed to neutralize enough and it took my hair out. I had to cut it off up to my ears and then had braids put in. After I took the braids down my hair was past my shoulders and thick. Stupid me, I used Affirm again. It didn't take my hair out because I neutralized to excess. Then I noticed something strange.....my hair was coming out at the roots everytime I washed it. It was coming out big time. I gave up on the Affirm altogether, something just wasn't right. I used the Silk Elements and voila! No more hair coming out at the roots. No more excessive breakage just by running my hands through my hair. Of all the relaxers I've used, Silk Elements has given me the best results with the least amount of drama.

I'm leaving relaxers alone for awhile until I can get some thickness back. I like the convenience of relaxed hair though.

 

[LovelyLionessa]

This is a good thread.

Where do you get Silk Elements? It sounds wonderful. I self-relaxed for the first time with Motions Regular Strength Lye. I was very disappointed.

Sally's

 

[secretdiamond]

Ingredients & Reviews (esp. from those with my hair type)

I stopped caring about price when every relaxer I tried was horrible to my hair. I was even willing to go with Phyto, but it was no-lye and ppl complained of dryness. Then SE came along and we are living HAPPILY ever after!!

It has superb ingredients, doesn't have a strong relaxer smell at all, and leaves my hair silky and shiny with just the right amount of body AND straightness and no overprocessing. I'll always love my SE.

 

[gymfreak336]

Ingredients & Reviews (esp. from those with my hair type)

I stopped caring about price when every relaxer I tried was horrible to my hair. I was even willing to go with Phyto, but it was no-lye and ppl complained of dryness. Then SE came along and we are living HAPPILY ever after!!

It has superb ingredients, doesn't have a strong relaxer smell at all, and leaves my hair silky and shiny with just the right amount of body AND straightness and no overprocessing. I'll always love my SE.

I loved SE too but it increased my shedding. I still love it though for the same reasons you do. It fact that it has no smell is what I love the most. Who knows, I might tip toe back and give it one more go.

 

[BrownBetty]

I have been using Silk Elements Lye and have been very happy with it, but I also have a tub of ORS Lye waiting in the wings that I'll give a whirl later this year.

Where did you find the ORS lye?

 

[secretdiamond]

I loved SE too but it increased my shedding. I still love it though for the same reasons you do. It fact that it has no smell is what I love the most. Who knows, I might tip toe back and give it one more go.

I shed too...But I only comb when I wash (1-2x/wk) so a lot of the shed hair comes out then and I use MTG so I attribute it to those factors. I don't think I shed more than usual though, and if I did, I'd say it was the MTG b/c I did notice that when I first started it, which was a long time before I used the SE.

Like someone else said, the ORS lye looks really good. Have you tried that one yet? If I didn't love SE so much, that would be the next relaxer I tried. I tried the no-lye and HATED it. Even though it got straight, my hair felt like hay and I had the worst case of dandruff and itchies ever.

 

[Energist]

Energist- your hair is beautiful

Thank u

 

[MiWay]

For years, I went by the way the lady's hair on the box looked. If it didn't look bone straight, then that wasn't the relaxer for me.

I tried Phyto because of all the raves on the board, and now, I compare everything else to Phyto.

 

[HoneyDew]

This is exactly what I look for in a relaxer. I'm actually looking for conditioning properties in a relaxer. This is how I chose my fav relaxer(Profectiv) which I found before I became a member here. I don't look for anything else really.

I had been using Profectiv before I came to this board, as well. When I came here I started trying all these other brands because others were raving. I am sorry that I stopped using it because I started having problems with underprocessing, etc. I am not going to use anything else from now on.