To Lye - or No Lye

[Islandgurrl]

Now I have seen the question go back and forth but forgive me I do not know the difference. What is the difference, someone please hair educate me.

 

[Islandgurrl]

Bumping for some responses please.

 

[Missi]

BUMP: cuz I don't know either: I dried asking jeeves but that didn't help

 

[SleekandBouncy]

I'd like to know too. If lye is harsher on the scalp I'm wondering if it might mean healthier hair now but cost me the ability to grow my hair years later (ie. damaging my folicles/scalp).

 

[deltagyrl]

Q: What is the difference between lye and no-lye relaxers?


A: The difference is in the type of chemicals used. In lye relaxers, the active ingredient is sodium hydroxide. In no-lye relaxers, the active ingredient is calcium hydroxide. No-lye relaxer is usually a little milder and good for sensitive scalps, but the calcium can cause hair to be slightly drier. Most relaxer kits made for home use are no-lye formulas.

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[pisceschica]

Q: What is the difference between lye and no-lye relaxers?


A: The difference is in the type of chemicals used. In lye relaxers, the active ingredient is sodium hydroxide. In no-lye relaxers, the active ingredient is calcium hydroxide. No-lye relaxer is usually a little milder and good for sensitive scalps, but the calcium can cause hair to be slightly drier. Most relaxer kits made for home use are no-lye formulas.

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basically everything that you said. Nolye relaxers are less harsh on the scalp because they have buffers that lye doesn't (that is why you will see on most lye relaxers "no base" which I take to mean no buffers. Lye straightens faster and ususally lasts longer for most people and its ususally better for the hair because it doesn't cause build up the way no lye does.

The good thing for people like me who prefer no-lye relaxers all you have to do is to use a chelating shampoo to remove calcium buildup associated with no-lye relaxers.

The funny thing is that in my cosmetology book it says that sodium hydroxide straightens better and lasts longer. But for ME that is not the case. I burn very easily w/ lye, it doesnt' come out that smooth even when I leave it on a little bit longer, and it reverts.

Just choose what works for you. No lye works for me so thats what I will stick to.

 

[Islandgurrl]

Thanks Ladies.....

 

[LoveLiLi]

I prefer lye. I used no-lye for years and my hair was dull and dry. With a lye relaxer my hair was so shiny and it just bounced and flowed. I don't get relaxers anymore, but if I did I would stick with lye.