99p relaxer in the United Kingdom...real or fake?

I just read this article from the Natural Lounge Blog and thought it was ver important to share, the consequences could be disastrous. Please read on.

 

Would you buy a 99p relaxer?

I already know the answer to my opening question ‘would you buy a 99p relaxer?’ in reality most of you wouldn't as you have natural hair but let me tell you this little story.

Last summer I got an email from someone saying that I should warn my readers about the fake relaxers out there. Well I didn’t. I didn’t know the person, didn’t have any information on the source and didn’t want to spread fear, gossip or lies. I thanked them and ignored it.

Then just before Naturally Fabulous a well known professional in the hair industry more or less told me the same thing. They had heard from an Indian source that ‘black women put anything on their hair’ so inside some of these Relaxer kit were just a cocktail of harmful chemicals, they do the trick but they are much cheaper to produce. They even told me that some have been seized at customs.

Now again didn’t have any paperwork, information or anything that could verify these claims so I didn’t say a thing but I am noticing something. Home Relaxer kit are becoming cheaper than ever! I have seen them in my local shops for £2 and Crystal Afro spotted some in Darlston for £0.99.

At first I thought this was because more and more people are not buying relaxers anymore and they are just trying to get rid of them. Then yesterday I started thinking ‘what if?’ Could it be that these boxes have lots of junk inside? Could these be some of the fake ones packed with unknown/dangerous chemicals? How could they produce and sell it so cheaply and still make a profit?

Results like this could be blamed on a 'bad reaction'
but if it was the product how could we ever prove it?

It really is food for thought readers.

Let’s hope that one of these kits never goes near a child’s head!

 

Buy Genuine Relaxer kit here!

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If you have relaxed hair, here are 7 tips for you

I was reading this great blog and got to an article that might interest all the ladies with relaxed hair, who want their hair to remain healthy and beautiful. It is full of very accurate fact and these 7 tips will make a difference in the state of your relaxed hair. Thank you AfroDeity.

So you havent joined the naturalution and you like keeping your hair straight with a relaxer, there are several things you can do to take care of your hair.

As your hair will be more fragile because of the chemicals in your relaxer (these break the bonds in your hair) you will need to treat it a bit more delicately and if you know how, taking care of relaxed hair isnt actually that difficult and doesnt have to be a chore!

1. Rules for relaxers:

• Dont relax hair too frequently - The generally rule on most relaxer kits is relax every 6 - 8 weeks, It is probably best to leave as long as you can, 10 - 12 weeks if you can. This gives you more new growth so that overlapping relaxer is harder and allows your scalp to rest.
• Dont overlap the Relaxer - adding more relaxer to previously relaxed ends doesnt make them any straighter, they are already weak and all this does is cause them to fall off.
• Wash out the relaxer properly. If you must self relax as I am sure many of us have done at least once, make sure you use the neutralising shampoo in the kit and follow the instructions on the kit. Some have pre-shampoo treatments and some ask you to wait 5 mins before washing out. Make sure you follow this and wash out the relaxer as much as you can, 10 times if you have to!
• Follow the timing instructions, do not leave relaxer in for more time than it says on the box and use the correct relaxer strength for your hair type.
• If in doubt take your home kit to a professional and get them to do it for you.

2 . Moisture - Relaxed hair is dry and needs moisture.

• Wash your hair regularly, this keeps the scalp clean and brings moisture to your hair
• Lock in that moisture in with natural oils - Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, JBCO. So many wonderful oils with so many uses! I fing Jojoba Oil especially beneficial for relaxed hair!
• Invest in a good leave in conditioner and moisturise on daily basis.
• Deep condition every week.

3. Perfect your hair washing technique Shampoo Scalp, Condition Ends

• Shampoo your scalp not your ends. Over-shampooing ends will strip them of much needed moisture, thus leaving the processed ends extremely dry and prone to breakage.
• Condition your ends. Get most of your deep conditioner needs to end up on your ends.

4. Careful Styling Techniques

• Invest in a good heat protectant. Apply liberally before using heat on your hair
• Experiment with a few heatless styles
• Air Dry your hair.
• Avoid metal and plastic brushes and combs as they can pull out and break already weakened strands and cause the dry ends to frizz.

5. Know your Products and Ingredients

• Protein and Moisture balance is important. Try to alternate between the two types of products
• Determine how often your hair really needs a protein treatment and switch between protein-based and moisturising products depending on your hair’s needs.
• Look for natural ingredients in your products
• I recommend trying products with Coconut Oil. It is definitely all it is cracked up to be !

6. Protect Your Ends

• Wear a satin scarf at night
• Protective Styles to keep your ends moisturised and protected from your collar and cotton clothing
• Up dos (such as buns) that look best with the ends tucked in allow you to and protect your ends during harsh weather.
• Stay away from regular rubber bands with metal parts because they will rip out your sensitive strands.

I think I got most of them but If you have tips to share please post! We love to hear from you !!

Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity

Leilu

Source: http://www.afrodeity.co.uk/2012/06/seven-tips-for-relaxed-hair.html

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