Hair relaxers are chemical treatments designed to straighten curly or wavy hair. They work by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair’s protein structure, allowing it to be reshaped into a straighter configuration. While relaxers primarily target the overall texture of the hair, their interaction with pre-existing damage, such as split ends, is significant.
The application of a relaxer to hair already exhibiting split ends can exacerbate the problem. The chemicals weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage and further splitting. Historically, relaxed hair required careful maintenance to minimize damage. The benefits of straightened hair, such as ease of styling, must be weighed against the potential for increased fragility and the need for diligent hair care practices.
