The debate about relaxed hair vs. natural hair is not about to end anytime soon. The constant reinforcement in different media platforms as to what holds the beauty standards in the most desirable and acceptable manner according to societal norms plays a significant role. The same goes for hair especially the hair of a black woman.
Self hate is a topic that always comes up anytime there’s a discussion on relaxed hair vs. natural hair. Black hair, kinky to be precise was considered unprofessional and hard to deal with over the years. However, things have changed significantly in the black hair community. Before that, most people were conditioned to believe that natural kinky hair was not as beautiful as straight hair.
Some people still argue that wigs are a manifestation straight hair in the 21st century. The debate on relaxed hair vs. natural hair can be easily put to bed seeing how most black women deny themselves the autonomy they rightfully deserve in terms of their choice of hair. This is precisely why we’ll not see the end of the relaxed hair vs. natural hair debate.
A huge percentage of the black hair community across the divide can relate to having straight hair especially at a tender age. Most black women can achieve straight hair using the hot comb technique which thanks to the modern day advanced technology is referred to as silk press. You can also use hair relaxer for the same results – straight, silky and shiny hair.
It’s safe to say that relaxed hair usually lasts longer as compared to silk press now that you can achieve straight, shiny and silky hair with ease.
Relaxed Hair Vs. Natural Hair
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is relaxed hair?
This is when you use chemical lotions, creams and other hair products to alter the natural state of your hair. The chemicals typically break the overall texture and curly pattern of the hair making it appear sleek straight hence the name relaxed hair.
- Is it healthy to relax your hair?
When it comes to healthy hair, it always narrows down to proper care whether you are dealing with relaxed or natural hair. Either way, how well you take care of your hair will determine whether you’ll have healthy hair or not.
- How can I make my relaxed hair healthy?
You can make your relaxed hair healthy by simply deep conditioning and moisturizing regularly. In addition, you can always go for no to low heat hair styling options and seeking professional help from stylists especially when it comes to chemical treatments.
- How do I ensure my relaxed hair stays moisturized?
Relaxed hair is usually stripped off natural oils owing to the use of chemicals which makes it dry. In this case, you can deep condition your relaxed hair frequently to ensure it stays moisturized to prevent breakage and damage.
- Is relaxed hair more prone to breaking?
As earlier mentioned, using chemicals to relax your hair tends to strip it off its natural oils making it dry. Relaxed hair tends to break easily due to dryness especially compared its natural counterpart. It’s important to ensure that your relaxed hair is always moisturized.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Relaxed Hair
Advantages
- Most people prefer relaxing since they are convenient
- Relaxed hair is easy to maintain since you only need to retouch once in a while when the roots start to grow out
- Relaxed hair is equally easy to style since its straight
Disadvantages
- Relaxed hair is prone to breakage and damage owing to the chemical ingredients in the products used and its nature
- You should observe proper maintenance routine to lower the risk of hair breakage. The maintenance routine is sometimes expensive.
- You can only relax your hair a few times in a year since doing it too much can result in over processing
Pros and Cons of Natural Hair
Pros
- Natural hair is versatile since there are limitless styling options
- Natural hair is usually healthier as compared to its relaxed counterpart. However, matters healthy hair is subject to debate since the two aren’t synonymous. It’s safe to say that since the curly patterns are not interfered with along with lack of chemicals, you will grow strong healthy hair.
- Natural hair tends to grow healthy and fast although it’s dependent on a number of factors
Cons
- Achieving certain natural hairstyles takes a lot of time depending on the length and texture of your hair
- Most hair products for natural hair usually fall on the higher side of the pricing spectrum
- Discrimination – this will only make sense if you have been subject to it. Some people tend to discriminate people basing on their texture of their hair.
Maintaining Relaxed Hair
- Ensure you deep condition relaxed hair regularly to ensure its properly moisturized
- Avoid any heat styling and other hairstyles that require heat application to prevent hair breakage and damage
- Trim the ends regularly as it helps promote hair growth
- Relax the roots only and not the entire hair to avoid over processing especially after relaxing it within a short time
- Always seek professional services when it comes to relaxing your hair and the products to use
- Always wear protective hairstyles such as cornrows and braids
- Take enough breaks before retouching your hair probably two to three months to prevent hair breakage and damage.
Relaxed Hairstyle Ideas
- Relaxed Hair Curly Pixie Cut
You can achieve this style by using a curling iron
Get ready to embrace the sassiest and most adorable look with a relaxed hair curly pixie cut! This style combines the best of both worlds, giving you the freedom of short hair with the playful bounce of curls.
Unleash your inner diva with a relaxed hair curly pixie cut that exudes confidence and style. The perfectly defined curls add a touch of elegance to your short haircut, making heads turn wherever you go.
Rocking a relaxed hair curly pixie cut is like having a party on your head! The curly texture adds a fun and flirty twist to your look, creating a hairstyle that is effortlessly chic and full of personality.
Rocking a relaxed hair curly pixie cut is like having a party on your head! The curly texture adds a fun and flirty twist to your look, creating a hairstyle that is effortlessly chic and full of personality.
- Relaxed Hair Sleek Ponytail
Use gel to sleek down your relaxed hair then use a hair extension or braiding hair to create a braided ponytail if you are going for a ponytail look.
Get ready to slay with a relaxed hair sleek ponytail that screams sophistication and style! This sleek and polished hairstyle takes your everyday ponytail to a whole new level of fabulousness.
Put your hair in the spotlight with a relaxed hair sleek ponytail that’s sleeker than a runway model. This ultra-smooth and elegant hairstyle is the perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a fancy night out or a casual hangout with friends.
Embrace the sleekness and unleash your inner diva with a relaxed hair sleek ponytail that is fierce and flawless. With every strand perfectly slicked back, this hairstyle is the epitome of chicness and will make you feel like a true queen.
- Relaxed Hair Short Bob
You can style your relaxed hair into a bob with curly ends.
Get ready to rock the ultimate cool-girl vibes with a relaxed hair short bob that’s short, sassy, and oh-so-stylish! This chic hairstyle is perfect for those looking to make a bold statement while keeping things low-maintenance and fabulous.
Embrace the power of the short bob and unleash your inner trendsetter with a relaxed hair short bob that’s all about confidence and attitude. Whether you opt for a sleek and polished look or go for some edgy texture, this hairstyle is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Step up your hair game with a relaxed hair short bob that’s the perfect balance of sophistication and playfulness. This versatile hairstyle allows you to experiment with different lengths, angles, and styling options, giving you endless possibilities to express your unique personality and style. Get ready to slay with your fabulous short bob!
- Sleek Hair with Buns
Use gel to sleek down your relaxed hair and edge control to lay the edges. After that, section your relaxed hair in two different parts then add the curly buns
Conclusion
Choosing between relaxed hair and natural hair ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual needs. Both styles have their own set of pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh them against your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and desired look.
Whether you decide to embrace your natural texture or opt for a relaxed style, what matters most is that you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. Remember, beauty comes in all forms, and the most important thing is to love and embrace your hair, no matter which path you choose.