A week or two ago, I had someone leave a comment asking me about relaxers used for texlaxing. So today I’m sharing a few different relaxers I’ve used to texlax my hair over the last few years. Each has its benefits and will achieve certain results. I have a texlaxing series that covers how I prep for texlaxing, how I mix and apply my texlax, my steps for the week after I texlax. I also have a page dedicated to texlaxing tips that you may find extremely helpful.
I’m going to share with you my back story and below and I have my recommendations noted for each relaxer that you will find beneficial.
A little back story…In July of 2011, I was completely natural with Armpit Length (APL) hair and I decided that I could no longer handle my natural hair as I was growing it out. Honestly, the washing process was just becoming too much and I knew it would only get worse as my hair grew longer. My decision was to texlax my hair with the goal of leaving enough texture to still do natural-looking wash n go’s. I wasn’t removing too much of my curl but simply making it more manageable.
Kid’s Organics Relaxer by Africa’s Best
I went out and purchased two children’s formula relaxers, Kid’s Organics Relaxer by Africa’s Best. A few years prior, I went natural and returned to texlaxing. My stylist at the time recommended using a children’s relaxer or a relaxer for fine hair. I used the entire container of both relaxers. Yes, my hair is just that thick. LOL! I loved my hair after I was finished but over the next couple of weeks, I realized it still had more texture than I wanted. I waited about 10 weeks or so and I attempted a corrective texlax using the same brand of relaxer.
If you decide to use this brand and you are doing a virgin texlax, buy two containers and mix each one separately.
Botanicals Relaxer by Soft and Beautiful
The next relaxer I tried was Botanicals by Soft and Beautiful. It’s a sensitive scalp relaxer and I never had an issue with burning. In the past, the results were great and it did not disappoint the next time around. My hair turned out perfect and it was gorgeous. The only issue is there is not much product in the container.
If you decide to try the Botanicals relaxer, be prepared to purchase two of these if you have thick hair. This is the only relaxer that I would trust texlaxing with and not mixing oil into the relaxer.
Bantu Relaxer
Like a fool, I decided to try another favorite from the past to see which relaxer would give the best results. Not to mention, the container had more than enough product for all this hair of mine. I decided to try Bantu relaxer with Shea Butter. The results were good but it burned the mess out of my scalp! I felt like I was going to have a head full of scabs and the ACV rinse portion of my process made me scream and tear up. No ma’am! I based my scalp prior to texlaxing and did not scratch the week before…I forgot just how strong Bantu is and why I stopped using it.
I would not recommend using Bantu unless your hair is extremely resistant to relaxing and you don’t have a sensitive scalp. Otherwise, run far away and leave this where you see it. Please don’t do it!
Mizani Rhelaxers
The same stylist mentioned above suggested trying Mizani Rhelaxer for Fine/Color Treated hair. I totally forgot that I had half of a tub left from a couple of years back. Don’t judge me but I tried to texlax when my hair was bleached blonde (…fail). I was a little hesitant to use the relaxer because I had it for so long. However, I decided to give it a go. I already had the Mizani neutralizer and I didn’t need anything else. Just mix and apply. The first time I used it, I didn’t leave it on long enough so I didn’t get the results I wanted. My hair was texlaxed but still had some curl to it. The second time worked perfectly. No burning…no nothing just great hair!
This is my go-to relaxer used for texlaxing and I’ve continued to use it for years. I have my top three out of all of the relaxers mentioned in the post that I would say are must.
Mizani Butter Blends Rhelaxer
Anyone that knows me knows I’m a product junkie. After the first time I used the Mizani, I decided I was going to stick with it and make it my permanent brand. Here comes the junkie in me…one of the ladies on a hair board was selling the Regular formula of the Butter Blends for $20 with shipping. I couldn’t resist! I figured I could just reduce the processing time and add more oil to make it work. It would be perfect…Wrong! The Regular no matter what is too strong for my hair. Most people can use Mizani without mixing it and still end up texlaxed. Not me! I realized I have to stick with the Fine/Color Treated formula or I will end up with scalp irritation and semi-straight hair.
I would recommend using the regular for most people. Unless you have fine or lightly textured hair, I would say go with the Butter Blends Regular…natural texture in the 4’s would work best with this relaxer. Hair in the 3’s that has looser curls, I would recommend the fine/color treated mentioned above.
TCB Relaxer
I have been using the Mizani Rhelaxer since 2012 and I absolutely love it. However, for some reason, the last texlax I decided to try the TCB relaxer I had left from my daughter’s texlax. I loved how her hair turned out when I used it, so I figure I would see how it worked for me. I knew on her hair the TCB left her with curls. Plus, I have tried this one in the past when I was using the whole TCB line. Yeah, way back in the day when I was my daughter’s age. LOL!
Anywho, my regret in using TCB again was that it left my hair feeling rough…like the texture changed. This leads me to the assumption that TCB is right for her, but it is just too strong for my hair. I hoped this is only temporary and I had to create a plan to reverse the roughness. It took a bit but I got it worked out.
I would recommend using TCB on well moisturizer hair that has a natural texture in the 4’s. For my daughter, it too her hair what appeared to be a 3C curl pattern. She loved it and I mixed hers the same way I mentioned in my application post.
Relaxer Wishlist
On my list of relaxers and texturizers is (affiliate) Alter Ego’s Linange Texturizer. I love the results I’ve seen on hair boards. I want some of my curls back but still, have my hair manageable. I’m going to try Kid’s Organic one more time and then give Alter Ego a try. It’s a tad bit pricier than all of the others on the list but the results I’ve seen make it seem worth it to try.
Trying new things has never been a problem for me. However, I would not advise anyone else to jump from relaxer to relaxer. I only tried different ones because I’ve used them in the past or a different strength of the same product. Everyone’s hair is different and what may work for me, may not work for you. More importantly, what may work for me may make your hair fall out. IJS Proceed with caution!
I’m sure other texlaxers have their favorite brands and I have heard of some using ORS relaxers, Optimum, Just for Me, and Motions. I cannot recommend those or give an opinion because I have not tried them but they are options.
Most of the relaxers above are typically found at major retailers or your local beauty supply store.
What brand of relaxer do you use?
I have super sensitive scalp, I stopped using relaxers cos my scalp would bleed if it stayed for even 8 minutes (plus application time). I have 4c hair type that I can’t even manage in its natural state, I tried for a year in my adult life- punishment. I tried Just For Me texturizer last month and my scalp still bled before the stylist was done applying. My search led me to your site. I’ll try the Soft n Beautiful Botanicals for sensitive scalp as soon as I find it. I’ve never come across it in any store but I’ll search with purpose now, Lol. No more bleeding or I’m going to have to shave off the hair. Lord, no..
Tiki, love your blog and you as always, I will be heading this direction in January for texlaxing, thank you so much
I am relaxed bone straight now with Mizani Butter Blends sensitive scalp, but I am considering texlaxing with Lineage Texturizer. I don’t want wig shopping to be my end result, I am also a product junkie……help
Sorry I can’t help you b/c I’m a junkie myself. All I can do is enable you. LOL!
LOL…I know what you mean about cutting back on your stash. I have cut back on mine too LOL, and yes it is hard to stop buying so many hair products!!! Ok, I thought that Africa’s Best Organics Olive Relaxer Systems says that you cannot use bleach at all??? I always wait 2 weeks after I relax before doing any coloring!!!
Wow! I’ve never heard of a relaxer that says no bleach at all. That is crazy! LOL
Yeah, that’s the same thing I say! But if you look on the box it says they don’t recommend using bleach with their products, and also the Organic Root Stimulator Relaxer System as well. LOL
I would be too afraid to use bleach with those since they say it. I’m a scaredy cat when it comes to certain things and my hair. LOL
Me too.LOL I’m a scaredy cat when it comes to using chemicals on my hair too. But the Africa’s Best Organics Olive Oil Relaxer System works my hair wonders! But I know a couple of really good relaxer systems that I can use with bleach, and that is Gentle Treatment or Bantu Mild with Shea Butter. There’s this bleach I used to love to use on top of my Gentle Treatment Relaxer, and it was called, “Revlon Frost and Glow Bleach Blonding Kit.” I was able to use those 2 products. I was skeptical at first but my hair still felt great after using the bleach on my relaxed hair. I followed the instructions on the bleach as it tells you to wait 14 days after relaxing, and did not have any damage at all. But the product is discontinued but I’ve found that it is sold on Amazon.com. There is a store on Amazon.com that sells it still. I’m thinking of purchasing it very soon. I really miss my blonde hair. When I used it the first time I got some amazing results!! My hair turned platinum blonde!!! That’s what I really wanted!LOL
That’s good. I think I found the color I will use to dye my hair. I normally use a semi-permanent but I think I want to try a permanent color this time around.
Oh, ok. Yeah, I like to semi-permanent dyes too. Instead of permanent all of the time. Cuz, those permanent ones seems to dry your hair out. Especially, when you both color and relax. But since I also do both as well I do lots of protein packs and moisturize afterwards. The best semi-permanent hair dye I like to use is Jazzing by Clairol. Or, adore. I’ve heard that Jazzing gives your hair a nice shine. The best permanent hair dye I like to use with my relaxer is Nice N’ Easy also by Clairol.
I can also say too that like you I am a product junkie 🙂
LOL! I promise that I am trying to cut back my stash and only buy necessities. It’s so hard! LOL
The kind of relaxer I use is Africa’s Best Organics Olive Oil Relaxer System. It is awesome!!! I love my hair after I use it every 6 weeks!!! May I ask you..How do you texlax and bleach your hair at the same time???
Thanks for the question. Unfortunately, it is not possible to bleach and texlax on the same day. You have to wait at least two weeks or it will damage your hair. You can use a temp or semi-permanent dye the same day but not bleach. I’m waiting my two weeks b/c I am going to do my hair in a permanent burgundy.
What is textlaxing?
Article and vid coming soon
You are so kind to have posted this article on the various options for texlaxing. This is the only article of this kind that I have seen. Fantastic analytical job in explaining everything. MANY MANY MANY THANKS Growitgirl!
I love your pointing out that you have sensitive scalp, I do too.
A couple of questions about your opinion on:
-what is the consequence of having fine hair for the type of relaxer one should choose?
-what is the consequence of hair porosity?
OTHER FEATURES
-Did you try adding a protein treatment in between?