Stress is an unavoidable aspect of modern life, impacting mental and physical health. However, it is possible to manage stress effectively and improve overall well-being with the right strategies. Various approaches, from natural remedies to professional support, can help mitigate the effects of stress. Understanding the role of family dynamics, social media, and personal hobbies can also provide valuable insights into stress management. By exploring these diverse methods, individuals can find personalized solutions that promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Recognizing Stress and Its Physical Impact Stress can manifest in various physical symptoms that disrupt your daily routine. Common signs include headaches, often caused by muscle tension or altered blood flow, and muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and back as your body gears up to face perceived threats. Additionally, stress may lead to fatigue, leaving you feeling draine...
A "relaxer" is a chemical based lotion or cream designed to straighten curly or kinky (tightly curled) hair. It is used to help people who have difficulties styling their hair because their hair texture is not very soft. A relaxer is commonly used among African Americans, Blacks and other ethnicities that have this type of hair. Many people that are not regular users of the "perm" will refer to it as a "straightener" however, the two are very different. A perm (or relaxer) for an individual with curly hair will make it straighter, however a perm for a Caucasian is used to make their hair go from straight to curly.
A "relaxer" can be applied professionally at your local hairstylist or it can be done at home using a box perm. Many people find this method to be cheaper and less time consuming. There are several different types of relaxers that can be purchased, including chemical relaxers for young children.
This may seem like a strange question to numerous individuals, but if you have ever been in a situation where you were anticipating the next dosage of the creamy crack (Nicknamed this because getting a relaxer can be EXTREMELY addicting), then you are probably aware of these before and after rules that should strongly be followed:
Refrain from scratching scalp a few days to a week before getting a relaxer. DO NOT get a relaxer if you head is covered in sores. This can create bald patches and even baldness. Remember that these are chemicals that you are putting into your scalp.
Be careful of not wearing hairstyles that may pull and irritate your scalp without you knowing it. For example, if you are wearing braids, it is smart to give it a reasonable amount of time between removing your braids and putting in a relaxer.
Check with your local hairstylist or read the inscription on the box, but is is generally highly recommended to wash your hair within three days prior to getting a "relaxer." This is simply because a relaxer has chemicals that will immediately dry your hair completely out. Your hair needs to retain some of it's natural oils to protect itself from becoming badly damages. If you strip all the oil in your hair prior to getting a relaxer.....GOOD LUCK!
After getting excited that their is a chemical that can be used to straighten you hair, there are a few things that may happen. Burning of the scalp is the most common side effect of using these chemicals. Sometimes it does not matter if you have scratched your hair or not, these chemicals burn to the extreme. Depending on how straight you want your hair, the longer you have to sit still and try to ignore that your head is on fire.
Burning is normal, however, if it starts to feel like someone is dumping black coals on top of your head, please immediately rinse your scalp. There should always be a deactivate shampoo that comes with any relaxer. This will ensure that the chemicals are completely out of your scalp. Whoever is doing your relaxer, MUST be sure that they wash ALL of the chemicals out of your hair. Leaving in a tiny bit of these chemicals can be extremely dangerous, resulting in a dry scalp and hair loss. Shampoo is used as a neutralizer, as relaxers are typically alkaline--pH greater than 7--in nature. If a neutralizing shampoo is not used to restore the pH balance to the hair, it may swell and break.
Hair care is essential to an individual who has relaxed their hair. After the process is finished, it is strongly encouraged NOT to wash you hair for up to two weeks nor go swimming in a pool. Sometimes these habits will deactivate the "relaxer" almost instantaneously. Any chemicals that you decide to put within your head should be allowed a legitimate amount of time to settle, before you expose your scalp to washing, sunlight or extreme chlorine.
Also, DO NOT USE A HOT COMB! This is a chemical substance that is being put in your hair and has to be maintained. There are severe consequences that can result in loss of hair if they are not followed. Be sure to:
Keep your scalp from becoming dry.
Wrap your hair every night.
Refrain from scratching.
Refrain from using a hot comb.Try using a flat iron to reduce breakage and to ensure that your style can remain straight between perms.
Generally 4-6 weeks is the average time frame a person will wait before they get their next relaxer. This is typically VERY soon, it is strongly not suggested and it is extremely rare to find someone who will wait an extreme amount of time between relaxers. Most people will go for the creamy crack if they see one tiny curl forming on their scalp. Seldom do people go 6 months or longer before their next dosage.
Anytime you are putting in chemicals in your hair or on your body, their are ENORMOUS risks associated. A relaxer definitely fits into this category. Some of the strongest chemicals included in sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide.
Sodium Hydroxide - A strongly alkaline white deliquescent compound, NaOH, used in many industrial processes, e.g. the manufacture soap and paper. Synonyms include: Caustic soda.
Calcium Hydroxide- A soluble white crystalline solid, Ca(OH)2, commonly produced in the form of slaked lime.
To a person who is unfamiliar with these chemical terminology, this just boils down to one fact. The ingredients within a relaxer are equivalent to frying your hair. These are similar ingredients that can be used to break down corrosion on the inside of your car. Other risks include:
Hair loss
Hair texture change
Pain and burning
Sores developing on your scalp
Hair breakage
Change in the natural texture of your hair regrowth.
Stunted hair growth.
SIDE NOTE: With all of the potential side effects it is always a good idea to go to a local hairstylist AND to withhold from relaxing your child's hair. Children have very sensitive scalps that are constantly changing and developing. Using chemicals that are this powerful on a developing scalp, has the potential to destroy a child's head for life.
ARE THEIR ANY ALTERNATIVES TO ACHIEVE STRAIGHT HAIR?
YES!
You can go natural, flat iron your hair or try the keratin treatment. Each one of these involve being informed. Stay tuned for more information on this area of "hair" and more for all ethnicities!
