how long does a relaxer stay in your system?

[kittykhat]

I've heard and read that after your last relaxer (BC, Transition), that the relaxer residue stays in scalp or your body. Like up to five years! Something like that. Have any of you guys heard anything like that?erplexed

 

[LittleLuxe]

I've heard from the naturals on this board that's basically why they have scab hair after going natural (very coarse, dry, difficult to moisturize and etc) but it doesn't effect every natural so I'm not sure whether that's 100% for every individual.

 

[Boujoichic]

I've heard from the naturals on this board that's basically why they have scab hair after going natural (very coarse, dry, difficult to moisturize and etc) but it doesn't effect every natural so I'm not sure whether that's 100% for every individual.

Ive heard of scab hair but isnt scab hair usually just a short portion of your growth after you stop relaxing if the relxer was still effecting you hair for up to five years any hair you grew for that period woud be scab hair which doesnt seem to be the case even with those who have experienced scab hair. But no Ive never heard of a relaxer staying in your "system" especially not as long as 5 years

 

[kittykhat]

Boujoichic, that makes sense. I was just curious. Thanks girls.

 

[glamazon386]

I remember reading somewhere that when they did autopsies on black women who were relaxed they found relaxer remnant under the scalp. It effected the brain and skull some kind of way. I'm guessing these were women who relaxed their whole lives. There was a thread here about it before.

ETA: Here's a few threads about it. It looks like people are debating the validity of the statement. It may be an urban legend.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=451056&highlight=relaxer+autopsy

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=194763&highlight=relaxer+autopsy

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=52328&highlight=relaxer+autopsy

 

[MonPetite]

^^^ I've read on many a legend-busting-site that is an urban legend.

 

[Opulence]

I am about to start a thread to get advice on something similar but more related to my personal hair problem. i just had a discussion about this with a friend. I have been natural now for about 3 yrs. The transition was rough at times but for the most part it was easy if I stuck to a routine. The texture of my hair was manageable until the last 3 months. I had a serious growth spurt and now my hair is just very hard to handle. I am having a hard time finding a protein/moisture balance and it seems to be much coarser.

My theory was/is that I may have finally got all the relaxer out of my system and now I'm dealing with my "real" hair texture. I had a texturizer about 10 months ago and that has pretty much grown out, it's at the tips of my hair now. That's the only thing I can think of.

 

[ppp422]

My old stylist said one year. Idk

 

[kittikat24]

This is very interesting, I've never heard of these theories before...
Thanks for posting!

 

[Ishtar]

I've heard one year as well.

 

[KurlyNinja]

I don't think relaxer could stay in your system for 5 years. What I do believe is that the chemical can affect your actual hair follicle though. Chemicals can cause mutation... And depending on how long you've been using that chemical it could take your body a while in order to fix itself...