Afro-Caribbean hair can be very versatile and great to work with. It’s coarse texture makes it easier to maintain a style when cared for. It is a lot weaker than European hair, especially when chemically treated, which is why it’s really important that it’s cared for properly with the right treatments and aftercare to maintain its health and strength.
Chemical Relaxers
How can chemicals “relax”, or straighten hair? Well first of all, as assumed, the chemical would need to be potent enough to do so. Both lye and “no lye” relaxers are very strong chemicals that work in the same manner by changing the basic structure of the hair shaft. The chemical penetrates the cortex or cortical layer and loosens the natural curl pattern. This inner layer of the hair shaft is not only what gives curly hair its shape but provides strength and elasticity. Once this process is performed it is irreversible.
What to expect during a relaxer treatment…
There are three basic steps that are performed during the process: -
- A protective petroleum “base cream” should always be applied to help protect the scalp so that no chemical product comes in contact with your scalp.
- After the relaxer chemical has been applied, and left to set for the appropriate amount of time, the chemical needs to be completely removed with warm water, and then a neutralizing formula is applied. This step is essential to lower the pH – If not lowered the hair will break.
- Then a conditioner is applied to the hair to restore some of the natural oils and proteins removed by the chemical.
For best results…
It’s really important that this process is done by an experienced professional using the right relaxer that best suits your hair. With the right treatments and aftercare to maintain its health relaxers can leave great results!
Why Relax?..
If you ask most people why they relax their hair, the main reason would be because it’s easier to manage than in it’s natural state. Depending on personal preference, you can opt for a texturised relaxer which loosens the natural curl and maintains some if its body; or you can go ‘poker-straight’ which takes the curl away totally and leaves a silky, straight finish. Ether way you can achieve great results as well as having manageable hair!
At Benjamin Ryan Hair & Beauty we offer a range of services for Afro-Caribbean hair, including relaxing, which when done professionally can give great results! We also offer the ‘Brazilian blow dry’, which is a Keratin based product that works really well on Afro-Caribbean hair, making it look and feel much healthier.
Sarah is our Creative Director and Afro-Caribbean hair specialist, with over 16 year’s professional experience, so you are in expert hands! Sarah says “I love working with Afro-Caribbean hair! As well as being creative with it I am very passionate about ensuring that my client’s hair is kept at it’s best, looking strong and healthy. It’s definitely a specialist skill and here in Birmingham there doesn’t seem to be many quality salons who can offer this expertise and a good professional service for Afro-Caribbean hair.”
Prices for Afro-Caribbean Hair services can be found in our price list, under ‘Creative Director’
In addition to those services we offer: -
Relaxer – £65
Relaxer, Cut & Blow Dry – £98
Brazilian Blow Dry – Price Upon Consultation
Weft Extensions – Price Upon Consultation
