When was relaxers made

Why are there different relaxer strengths? The level of hydroxide used in relaxers determines the strength. For example, super strength contains a higher concentration of sodium hydroxide than a regular strength relaxer. Although the result from a relaxer, irrespective of strength, is straighter more manageable hair, the strength of the relaxer used to achieve the result is very important.

The goal is to avoid hair and scalp damage based on the texture of the hair, so you should only use the highest strength for the most resistant healthy hair.

The pH is a measure used to determine the acidity and alkalinity of a substance. The scale is represented by numbers ranging from 0 to 14 where 7 is neutral. Greater than 7 on the pH scale is more alkaline and less than 7 is more acidic.

The pH of hair ranges between 4. Lye relaxers range from 12 — 14 and no-lye relaxers range from 9 — Following a relaxer you should always cleanse with a Neutralizing shampoo.

A neutralizing shampoo will ensure that you remove all traces of chemical residue and restore the hair to its resting pH level of 4. The pH of a hydroxide relaxer is typically 13 or higher which is considered a high alkaline concentration.

Therefore an acid-balanced shampoo must be used to neutralize the hydroxide, and to return the hair and scalp to a normal pH level.

Processing times vary from client to client. However, most processing times are a maximum of 20 — 25 minutes. If you relax the hair until it is bone straight, you are essentially over relaxing the hair.

This removes any degree of elasticity, thus weakening the hair. Over a period of time of continuous over relaxation, blow drying and hot curling, the hair will become damaged and prone to breakage. Thio relaxers are also used to straighten hair. The primary agent, ammonium thioglycolate ATG is also used in permanent waving. The first hair relaxer was invented by Garret Augustus Morgan, Sr.

At a young age, Morgan, the child of former slaves, excelled in school and always had an eye for inventions. Like many African-American children, though, he ended his formal education after elementary school to work on the family farm. Eventually, he left Kentucky and headed for Cincinnati, working and getting assistance from a tutor to continue his studies in English grammar.

Before creating hair relaxers, he invented many objects we use for public safety, such as three-position traffic signals. He also invented safety hoods and smoke protectors. The idea for hair relaxers came from working on sewing machines in his workshop. He found that chemicals used to repair sewing machines relaxed the curls of kinky hair. His first live test subject was an Airedale dog, a breed that has naturally curly hair.

The same results occurred when he tested the chemicals on his own head. In , Morgan founded the G. Founder and creator of hair relaxer, Garrett Augustus Morgan. African-American model and natural hair advocate, Benny Harlem with his daughter. Actress and natural hair guru, Fezokuhle Zulu. Did you know that the relaxer was created by a black man? Which team are you?

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