Best Relaxer for Color Treated Hair: Top Picks for Safe, Smooth Results
Choosing a relaxer that respects color-treated hair requires balancing effective straightening with moisture retention and scalp safety. The following picks prioritize gentler formulations, conditioning ingredients, and color-conscious performance. This guide compares five options that cater to color-treated or delicate hair, helping you decide which relaxer best fits your regimen and maintenance routine.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| OGILVIE Salon Styles Home Perm | OGILVIE | Color-safe perming with heat-activated formula |
| Luster’s Shortlooks Color Relaxer 3-n-1 Diamond Black | Luster | Color-friendly conditioning and shine |
| SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Triple Nourished Silkening Relaxer | SoftSheen | No-lye formula with moisturizing oils |
| Originals by Africa’s Best Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Kit | Originals by Africa’s Best | Olive oil enriched for healthier feel |
| LIW pH Plex Relaxer Steps 1 & 2 | LIW | Bond protection and scalp comfort during relaxer use |
Ogilvie Salon Styles Home Perm The Original
OGILVIE’s Home Perm kit is designed for curl creation at home with color-treated or fine hair in mind. The kit features a heat activator that helps waves form easily, delivering salon-style results without frequent visits. Its formula is positioned for delicate or color-treated strands, and claims to minimize excessive processing. The kit’s scent and drip guard components aim to improve user experience and reduce mess during application.
Luster’s Shortlooks Color Relaxer 3-n-1 Diamond Black
This relaxer line emphasizes beauty and conditioning alongside straightness, offering a 3-n-1 approach that includes color-friendly shine. It is designed to suit color-treated hair by focusing on a balanced finish that adds body and a healthy appearance while providing strength for various hair types. Consumers often seek its conditioning benefits in addition to smoother results.
SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Triple Nourished Silkening Relaxer
This no-lye relaxer blends shea butter, jojoba, and avocado oils to help preserve moisture during processing. The kit is marketed toward fine to regular hair, aiming to deliver straight, sleek results with softness and body. For color-treated hair, the added conditioning components may help mitigate dryness often associated with chemical processing.
Originals by Africa’s Best Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Kit
This olive oil-based relaxer aims to deliver softer, silkier straight hair with a health-focused approach. The formula emphasizes moisturization and conditioning, which can be beneficial for color-treated hair that has experienced prior processing. The kit targets a balanced straightness with an emphasis on hair health over harsh processing.
LIW pH Plex Relaxer Steps 1 & 2
pH Plex 1 & 2 is a supplemental system designed to be used with relaxers to reinforce bonds and protect the hair during processing. It is positioned to minimize damage when color-treated or chemically processed hair undergoes relaxation. The formula aims to reduce itching and burning on the scalp while preserving overall hair integrity.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when selecting a relaxer for color-treated hair include:
- Type: Choose no-lye or low-lye formulas if sensitive to alkaline treatments, and prefer conditioners with added oils or silicones for moisture.
- Moisture and conditioning: Look for products featuring shea, olive oil, jojoba, or avocado oils to counteract dryness after processing.
- Color compatibility: Some lines advertise color-friendly formulations or conditioning benefits that help maintain color vibrancy post-relaxer.
- Protection aids: Bond builders or pH-balancing steps (like the LIW system) can reduce damage to cuticles and bonds, especially for color-treated hair.
- Application experience: Drip guards, pleasant scents, and ease of use matter for home procedures, particularly when dealing with delicate hair.
- Versatility: If you plan to switch between perms or relaxers, consider brands offering complementary products for post-application care and maintenance.
When choosing, compare the conditioning level, scalp comfort, and guidance provided by each kit. For color-treated hair, prioritizing moisture retention and bond protection can help maintain hair health while achieving the desired straightness. Always perform a strand test and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for timing and neutralization to minimize damage and preserve color.