Sodium hydroxide relaxer is a special product used to straighten curly hair. It can make your hair look smooth and silky. But what happens if you use a hairdryer after putting sodium hydroxide relaxer on your hair? In this article, we will explore the effects of using a hairdryer with a sodium hydroxide relaxer.
What is a Sodium Hydroxide Relaxer?
A sodium hydroxide relaxer is a strong chemical that helps to change the shape of your hair. It works by breaking the bonds that make your hair curly. When these bonds break, your hair becomes straight. Many people with curly hair use sodium hydroxide relaxers to make their hair easier to manage and style.
How Does a Hairdryer Work?
A hairdryer is a useful tool for drying and styling hair. It blows warm air onto your hair, helping it to dry faster. The heat from the hairdryer can also help set the style you want. Many people use hairdryers to make their hair look good and feel soft.
Sodium Hydroxide Relaxer and Hairdryer: A Bad Combination
Using a hairdryer after applying a sodium hydroxide relaxer is not a good idea. The heat from the hairdryer can cause the relaxer to work too fast, which can damage your hair. This damage can make your hair weak, dry, and more likely to break. Here are some of the problems that can happen if you use a hairdryer with a sodium hydroxide relaxer:
Heat Damage
The heat from the hairdryer can make the sodium hydroxide relaxer work too fast. This can cause your hair to become weak and brittle. It can also lead to split ends and breakage. Heat damage can make your hair look unhealthy and hard to manage.
Uneven Relaxing
Using a hairdryer with a sodium hydroxide relaxer can cause the relaxer to work unevenly. This means that some parts of your hair may become straighter than others. Uneven relaxing can make your hair look messy and unattractive.
Scalp Irritation
The heat from the hairdryer can also cause the sodium hydroxide relaxer to irritate your scalp. This can lead to redness, itching, and even burns. Scalp irritation can be uncomfortable and make it hard to take care of your hair.
Hair Loss
In extreme cases, using a hairdryer with a sodium hydroxide relaxer can cause hair loss. The heat and chemicals can damage the hair follicles, which are the tiny holes in your scalp where your hair grows. When hair follicles are damaged, they may not be able to grow new hair.
How to Use a Sodium Hydroxide Relaxer Safely
If you want to use a sodium hydroxide relaxer, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. This can help protect your hair and scalp from damage. Here are some tips for using a sodium hydroxide relaxer safely:
Read the Instructions
Always read the instructions that come with your sodium hydroxide relaxer. These instructions will tell you how long to leave the relaxer on your hair and how to rinse it out. Make sure to follow these instructions to keep your hair and scalp safe.
Wear Gloves
Sodium hydroxide relaxers can be harsh on your skin. To protect your hands, wear gloves when you are applying the relaxer. This can help prevent burns and irritation.
Use a Timer
It is important to time how long you leave the sodium hydroxide relaxer on your hair. Leaving it on for too long can cause damage to your hair and scalp. Use a timer to make sure you do not leave the relaxer on for longer than the instructions say.
Apply the Relaxer Evenly
When using a sodium hydroxide relaxer, make sure to apply it evenly to all parts of your hair. This can help prevent uneven relaxing and ensure that your hair looks smooth and straight.
Rinse Thoroughly
After the right amount of time has passed, rinse the relaxer out of your hair with warm water. Make sure to rinse your hair very well to remove all the relaxer. This can help prevent scalp irritation and damage to your hair.
Use a Neutralizing Shampoo
After rinsing out the relaxer, use a neutralizing shampoo to wash your hair. This type of shampoo helps to stop the relaxing process and restore the natural pH balance of your hair and scalp. It is an important step to keep your hair healthy after using a sodium hydroxide relaxer.
Condition Your Hair
Sodium hydroxide relaxers can make your hair dry and brittle. To help keep your hair strong and healthy, use a deep conditioner after washing with a neutralizing shampoo. This can help moisturize your hair and protect it from damage.
Avoid Heat Styling
After using a sodium hydroxide relaxer, it is a good idea to avoid heat styling for a while. This includes using hairdryers, flat irons, and curling irons. Heat styling can cause extra damage to your hair after using a relaxer. Instead, try air drying your hair and using gentle styling methods like braiding or twisting.
Conclusion
Using a hairdryer with a sodium hydroxide relaxer is not a good idea because it can damage your hair and scalp. To keep your hair healthy and looking good, it is important to follow the instructions for using a sodium hydroxide relaxer carefully. By taking care of your hair and avoiding heat styling, you can enjoy the benefits of a sodium hydroxide relaxer without the risks.
