Perm Vs. Relaxer Vs. Texturizers – What Are the Differences?

Some ladies usually find it challenging to distinguish between a hair perm, relaxer, and texturizer. All three are effective types of chemical treatments that are quite popular with back ladies.

This article will define, distinguish, and talk about everything else related to these aforementioned chemical treatments. 

What is perm?

Perm is a process by which your hair structure is altered using a chemical treatment to get either a permanent curl or wave on your natural hair. The chemicals used typically break off the peptide bonds, and you will insert the hair rods to attain your desired curls or waves.

Finalize by using a neutralizer to cover the already broken bonds to achieve maximum results. It's worth mentioning that a perm is neither a form of relaxer nor a hair texturizer.

The history of perm dates back in the '80s where it was a form of a trendy fashion statement for ladies. Today, perms have been modified and made so that the rods typically alter your hair structure, ensuring that it perfects and maintains your style. The perm styling normally varies depending on how you place your rods.

Types of perm

• Alkaline perm

This particular perm is ideal for those ladies who have grey-resistant hair, non-elastic natural hair, coarse and even fine hair.

• Acid perm

Acid perm is mild in nature and is ideal for damaged hair. This particular perm is also used on tinted or naturally fragile hair 

Who can wear a perm hairstyle?

A Perm can be worn with all hair types and textures unless you have over-processed hair, which can be tricky. Perming hair that's over-processed will require you to seek the services of a hair specialist.

Hairstyles that shouldn't be permed 

• Highlighted hair

This particular hair is type isn't better suited for perming as the hair strands already have enough chemicals on them. Also, the perm chemicals usually don't blend well with those on the bleach or highlight, causing damage to your hair.

• Dry hair

Another hair type that isn't perm-friendly is dry hair. A perm will damage your already dry hair and will also strip it of its moisture.

• Short layer perm

Perming short layered hair can be a challenge, as using the rod is usually difficult. When you choose larger rods, you won't have any curls, and when you choose smaller ones, you'll have tighter unnatural curls.

How long does the perm procedure last?

It usually depends on your weave length, although the entire procedure usually takes 2 hours on average. Afterward, you can style it according to the texture and curl you want. It's recommendable to give your perm at least two days before washing if you want to maximize your results. 

How long does the perm hairstyle last?

This particular hairstyle can last for at least six months as it typically grows naturally with your real hair.

 How to increase a perms longevity

Seeking a professional hairstylist's services is ideal, especially when you want your perms to last longer. They are usually well acquainted with which chemical to use and at what precise time to attain maximum results.

Having an effective maintenance routine is essential if you want to increase your perms lifespan. It's always recommended to avoid using styling tools, alcohol, and silicone-based products to keep your perm intact.

Also, when choosing a perm type, you should take your lifestyle into account. For instance, when you often like going to the gym or swimming, this particular style might not be suitable for you. Chlorinated water or excessive sweat is usually harmful to your hair.

What Is a Hair Relaxer?

This is a type of method used to straighten your hair completely. The results will leave your hair looking sleeker than any other relaxer method. Although hair relaxers and hair perm procedures are closely related, they are totally different.

The hair relaxer process typically works through resetting and breaking of keratin bonds on your hair. In case your hair isn't curly or wavy, this particular procedure will straight it. 

The two Forms of relaxers

Relaxers can be categorized into two, namely the No lye and the Lye. Your choice, however, is usually dependent on an individual's hair type and texture.

• No lye: 

This particular relaxer has chemicals that usually disrupt the protein bonds on the hair without causing any harm to your hair. No lye method typically uses calcium hydroxide, which can easily cause your hair to dry up, and even cause hair breakage when applied excessively.

• Lye:

This relaxer is commonly used as it's fast and also effective. It usually contains sodium hydroxide, which makes it more of an alkali relaxer.

The disadvantage with this relaxer is that it easily washes away and isn't recommended for those who have a sensitive scalp. Lastly, after lye application, ensure that you use a decalcifying shampoo to eliminate all the calcium build-up on your hair.

What you need to know about hair relaxing. 

• Hair relaxing weakens your natural hair; hence it's advisable to practice this procedure only when your hair is healthy.

• Before the relaxing procedure, always ensure that your hair is washed at least 5 days before releasing natural lubricant oils.

• Purchase a relaxer that's gentle on your scalp. For example, a mild, regular, or super hair relaxer is ideal, especially when considering texture.

• Avoid curly hairstyles one week before hair relaxing, and ensure that your hair is tangle and knot-free.

• After relaxing your hair, avoid weave or wig installation at least for the next three weeks. This period usually gives your hair time to reconstruct itself.

• After relaxing your hair, always moisturize it as often as possible to avoid it being dry.
• Before the hair relaxing procedure, ensure that you have all the supplies at your disposal to have maximum and effective results.

• Before relaxing your hair, always ensure that you conduct a strand test. This will enable you to know whether or not you have allergies.

• Always use a timer when relaxing your hair. This will reduce the risk of your scalp burning, and it also minimizes hair damage.

• Relax your hair after every 8 to 10 weeks to maintain its health and minimize hair breakage or damage.

Which hair is texture suitable for a relaxer?

All hair textures are ideal for relaxing except thin hair. This style is also recommended for those ladies who prefer straight hair that's easy to maintain.

Is a relaxer an ideal style for you?

It depends on whether you want a permanent hairstyle or not. A relaxer typically alters the structure of your hair and leaves you with silky relaxed hair.

Factors that determine a relaxer choice

• Hair type

The type of hair structure you have will greatly determine your relaxer choice. For instance, having thick strands will require using a different relaxer instead of having thin hair with fine strands.

• Results

How straight should your hair be? Do you want it slightly or completely straight? If your answer is the former, you can use mild relaxers, providing a short time solution. 

• The Extra products a relaxer comes with

Relaxers usually come with different hair products that vary. For instance, some relaxers come with shampoos that prevent hair breakage, which isn't the case with normal shampoos.

 Neutralizers that come with relaxers prevent the chemical in this process from eating through your hair. Lastly, the conditioner that comes with a relaxer helps your hair regain moisture leaving it healthier than ever.

How to prevent flakiness and dryness on relaxed hair

• Use apple cider vinegar after washing out the relaxer to prevent scab from forming.
• Before the procedure, always ensure that you apply a base, oil, or Vaseline on your scalp.
• Avoid brushing or scratching your hair before applying a relaxer, as this will cause abrasion and even pain.
• After the procedure, use either the steam treatment or natural oils to keep your hair hydrated.

The advantages of relaxing hair

• Hair relaxing will leave you with sleek straight hair strands that will make you stand out.
• It's easier to style your hair after relaxing it, unlike when you have naturally curly hair.
• A relaxer will leave your hair looking neat and frizz-free.

Disadvantages of relaxing hair

• You are usually stuck with a permanent straight hair texture.
• A hair relaxer is a high maintenance, and a lack of proper hair care will eventually lead to hair breakages.
• The strong chemicals used in a relaxer that changes the texture can lead to hair breakage, thinning, and even stagnate hair growth.
• A relaxer can sometimes cause skin irritation and scalp burns, especially if you have sensitive skin. It's therefore advisable to seek a hairstylist's services or test the relaxer on your palm before applying it to your hair.
• Lastly, the other disadvantage of using a relaxer is that it usually strips your hair of its oils, making it dry.

 Relaxed hair maintenance tips

• When it comes to maintaining relaxed hair, all you need to do is moisturize your hair regularly after deep conditioning. It's recommended to use a leave-in conditioner for your daily usage.
• Before applying a relaxer, use reconstruction shampoo and conditioner to strengthen your hair and withstand all the chemicals used. 
• Avoid using excessive heat as it usually tends to dry your hair even before the relaxing process begins.
• Avoid relaxing your hair, especially when you have a broken or inflamed scalp.
• When your scalp gets inflamed after the procedure, apply cold milk and water to that particular spot to soothe your hair.
• To protect your hair ends when using a relaxer, ensure that you use unsalted butter.

What causes breakage?

Hair growth is one cause of hair breakage. Overgrowth hair is typically prone to breakage, hence the need for having a proper maintenance routine. Hair straightening, although convenient when overdone, usually causes hair damage. 

Does a relaxer burn the scalp?

If misapplied, it can cause burns that eventually lead to breakage and even hair loss.

The difference between a relaxer and a perm

• Hair perm is used to introduce waves and curls on a preexisting straight texture. A relaxer, on the other hand, is used for straightening hair.
• The chemical composition for each hair type is different. For instance, a perm comes in liquid form, while a relaxer comes in a paste-like substance.
• Perm application is normally simple; all you have to do is remove the chemical liquid from the bottle and then apply it directly to your hair. On the other hand, a relaxer will require your cosmetologist to mix the solution to create a paste-like substance that is then used on your hair.
• The PH levels between the relaxer and perm are usually different. The former is more alkaline than the latter. Regular relaxers come with a PH of between 12-14, while a perm has a PH of between 9.0- 9.6, which is basically acidic.

What Is a Texturizer?

A texturizer is a mild form chemical-based relaxer which usually relaxes your natural curl patterns. Although there are several similarities between a perm and a texturizer, they're totally different from each other.

 A texturizer usually relaxes your already tight curls; in other words, it relieves the hair of its tight curls. You usually develop loose waves making it easier to comb your hair in the end.

It's worth mentioning that once you texturize your hair, it usually seizes being natural. The texturizer typically alters your hair texture by making it artificially different, even when you have tight kinks.

Which hair type should you texturize?

Short hair is ideal for texturizing as you typically don't have to worry about matching your grown hair with the already processed hair. On the other hand, long hair is challenging, particularly when it comes to blending your entire hair texture. In most cases, you'll end up straightening some strands while leaving others out.

 When texturized, long hair has a high chance of being damaged when compared with short hair. It's always advisable not to texturize long hair because, in the end, you'll only make it dry.

Advantages of texturizing

• Texturizers are usually less damaging to your hair when compared to other relaxers. The chemicals on the texturizer usually stay for a shorter period, unlike when using other relaxers.
• It allows you to maintain the same curly pattern on your hair, even in loose form. In turn, your curls will remain bouncy, and your waves lose hence transforming your entire look.
• Texturizing is ideal, especially when you want an easier method of straightening or curling your natural hair, with the aid of styling products and tools.
• Texturizing is an effective method of managing your hair. It typically detangles your natural hair making it easier to style.

Disadvantages of texturizing

• When you have long hair, it's usually a challenge attaining uniform results. It's therefore recommended that you have at least medium or short hair when texturizing.
• This particular style usually changes your hair texture permanently hence not convenient for those ladies who might want to change to tresses or locks.
• The chemical used while texturizing makes the entire procedure unnatural.

Difference between a texturizer and a relaxer

• The duration takes to process the hair is different. For example, a texturizer takes only 10 minutes for the chemicals to alter your hair strands. However, relaxers usually take 20 minutes to straighten your hair completely.

• The result is usually different for both. The relaxer works to give you a straight texture, while the texturizer is used if you don't want to remove all the curls on your hair. In other words, a texturizer will partially straighten your hair 

How to make a hairstyle last longer

• Get a regular trim or cut to get rid of split ends and allow your hair to grow properly.

• Avoid frequent hair was as it usually tends to damage your hair strands in the long run. Instead, condition it regularly to keep it more manageable and also looking healthier.

• Protein treatment is another way of prolonging your hairstyle. The chemicals used during treatment usually tend to weaken your hair. Applying the protein treatment will therefore reconstruct your strands.

• Minimize the chemical treatment frequency. It's usually recommendable to wait at least one month between the current treatment and the next one.
• When going to sleep, always ensure that you wrap your hair with a silk scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase.

• After applying a perm, relaxer, or texture, always let it sit for 48 hours before washing your hair.
• Always moisturize your hair and keep it hydrated. This not only allows your hairstyle to last longer but also keeps your hair healthy.
• Deep condition your hair by using a hair mask, especially after applying a perm or relaxer, to help maintain your hairstyle.

• Use the right combs and brushes to maintain your hair. Use a small tooth comb on relaxed hair and a wide-tooth comb on permed and texturized hair.

With the right hair texture and procedure, whether you choose a perm, relaxer, or texturizer, the result is always going to leave you looking stunning. While always keep in mind that every time whether you relaxer, perm or texturizer your hair, they will make your hair fragile to some extend. A Human Hair Lace Wig is a good choice if you are looking for changing your hairstyle frequently. HeyMyWig offers a variety of best-quality lace wig & non-lace wig (U-part wig, 2021 Trendy Headband Wig) at affordable price. Head over to www.heymywig.com to shop!