What are the two most common low pH relaxers?
Low pH relaxers – ammonium sulfite and ammonium bisulfite most commonly used.
- Compatible with thio; not compatible with hydroxide.
- Do not completely straighten extremely curly hair.
- Can be used on color-treated, damaged, or fine hair.
What is the pH of relaxers?
The pH of a hydroxide relaxer is typically 13 or higher which is considered a high alkaline concentration. Therefore an acid-balanced shampoo must be used to neutralize the hydroxide, and to return the hair and scalp to a normal pH level.
Are relaxers acidic?
In chemistry, pH is a numeric scale used to state how acidic or basic a substance is. If it has a low pH, it is more acidic and if the pH is high, it is more basic. Hair relaxers are basic, with their pH ranging from 9 to 14 to ensure that they are strong enough to change the hair structure.
What is a no base relaxer?
No base means no mixing of a base chemical to activate the relaxer, you can use it right out of the jar. These usually contain lye (sodium hydroxide) but you can find very few without it. No lye means it straightens without sodium hydroxide so its gentler on your hair and scalp.
What is better lye or no lye relaxer?
Lye relaxers have a higher potential for scalp damage if left on for long, and thus it is best to seek a professional’s help for the process. However, no-lye relaxers are gentler and more suitable for those with sensitive hair and scalp.
What is the least damaging hair relaxer?
Best No-Lye: SoftSheen-Carson Professional Defy Breakage No-Lye Relaxer. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is found in many relaxers because it works to break down curls, but it can also cause burns and has a less than pleasant smell.
What is an alkaline relaxer?
A relaxer is a type of lotion or cream generally used by people with tight curls or very curly hair which makes hair easier to straighten by chemically “relaxing” the natural curls. The active agent is usually a strong alkali, although some formulations are based on ammonium thioglycolate or formaldehyde.
How do I test my pH level?
To calculate the pH of an aqueous solution you need to know the concentration of the hydronium ion in moles per liter (molarity). The pH is then calculated using the expression: pH = – log [H3O+].
