Top Relaxers for Black Hair Reviews

The first thing to do when it comes to a relaxer, is to get the one that fits your hair the best. There are many types of hair relaxers out there and this may get you off track for a while, especially if you don’t know much about the texture, health, or type of your hair.

One thing to highlight is that relaxers are quite powerful hair products so may really cause some damage to your hair when not used or chosen right, to begin with.

What makes a relaxer good for the black hair?

A no-lye relaxer is always the better choice for the black hair as it’s lower on the pH scale. A lye relaxer is wise to use on sensitive scalp as it works faster, so know your skin and hair too.

It’s also a good idea to get the kits that include the relaxer and some sorts of neutralizer/conditioner too. You want to relax your hair and take good care of it at the same time. Relaxing is rough on your hair strands, so you should never skip the conditioner.

Some tips for the road

When you’re using a relaxer, it’s fundamental to apply some rules that are going to protect your hair and improve the relaxer’s results. For instance, you shouldn’t wash your hair for one week before relaxing your hair. If you’re going to use a new relaxer, never skip the strand test. You may develop an allergy at any time.

Work your hair in small sections when applying the relaxer and use a comb for better separation. Never forget about using the timer and follow the directions religiously.

Reviews of the Top 15 Relaxers for Black Hair

1. Especially designed for coarse and thick hair, which black hair is pretty often, the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer isn’t an option to skip on, especially when you’re on a tight budget.

SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer review

The no-lye relaxer gives a pleasant body to your hair, softening it and leaving it silky smooth. It adds healthy shine to your hair and leaves it stronger and healthier. It’s formulated with moisture seal conditioners that explain the softening abilities.

The deep conditioner is made with shea butter and natural oils, leaving your hair so soft to touch. Your hair becomes straight as an arrow and the price is unbeatable.

The directions are easy to follow and the relaxer gives results.

Here’s what we like the most about it:

  • It’s made for the coarse hair
  • It gives nice body and softens your hair
  • It straightens and strengthens your hair
  • It’s good value for the money

Don’t let the inherent flaws stand in your way when shopping:

  • It may burn when not following the directions
  • Some got the package damaged

All in all, for the price you’re paying, the relaxer is a good choice for the black hair most of the time.

2. Just because your money is tight doesn’t mean you should come back home empty handed. The Optimum Care Defy Breakage No-lye Hair Relaxer Regular Strength is a good option to consider when relaxing your hair for less than $10.

Optimum Care Defy Breakage No-lye Hair Relaxer Regular Strength review

The formula is quite strong, so you need to follow instruction religiously. The relaxer is made with ceramide, which are going to reduce the hair breakage even after the 1st use. Your hair isn’t just going to get bone straight, but also stronger and healthier.

The relaxer works for all types of hair, black hair included. It’s gentle on scalp and leaves your hair soft and fluffy. As for the price, that’s going to seal the deal for many.

Here’s what we like the most about it:

  • It straightens the hair
  • It works for all hair types
  • Its formula is based on ceramide
  • Its price is great

Pay attention to the downsides too:

  • The risk for an allergic reaction isn’t null
  • It dries out the hair in some situations

Beggars cannot be choosers and for the buck you’re paying, the relaxer is quite a valid choice for the black hair.

3. The professional formula of the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil No-lye Relaxer Extra Strength Kit is one thing to appreciate on the kit, but there are many other things to like about it. The straightener is going to leave your hair silky smooth and a lot softer too. It comes with a conditioning treatment that not only strengthens the damaged hair, but also smells very nice.

Organic R/s Root Stimulator Olive Oil No-lye Relaxer Extra Strength Kit review

The formula is based on olive oil which is known for its ability to restore and rebuild hair. The kit comes with easy to follow directions and it’s a great value for the price.

Our favs would have to be:

  • The relaxer softens and straightens the hair
  • It conditions and strengthens the hair
  • The conditioning treatment has a pleasant smell
  • It’s rather easy to use

Don’t let the minor issues be a problem when shopping:

  • Some expected better quality for the included shampoo
  • Not everyone is going to get impressive results, but it depends a lot on how you’re following the directions

Nevertheless, for the buck you’re paying, the relaxing kit is worth to try from time to time.

4. Especially formulated for fine to medium hair textures, the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Professional Crème Relaxer, Normal Strength is a nice surprise for the money.

Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Professional Crème Relaxer, Normal Strength review

The relaxer is going to straight your black hair, while reducing the over-processing. It’s made with olive oil and lanolin, leading to a softer and silkier hair.

The formula is pretty gentle and doesn’t cause burns. It has a great smell and it doesn’t leave a greasy feel on hair. It leads to silkier and softer hair. it comes as a cream that is ready to use right of the jar. A little goes a long way and the relaxer may get you through one year of use.

Our favs look like this:

  • It straightens the hair, with minor risk for damage
  • It doesn’t leave a greasy feel on hair
  • It leaves the hair silky smooth
  • It comes ready to use out of the jar

Don’t let the minor issues change your mind:

  • It may be a bit harsh for the really thin hair
  • The risk for damage is to be taken under consideration

All in all, for a decent price, you get a dependable relaxer that is ready to use out of the jar and has a great smell too.

5. Formulated for the color treated hair, the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer – Color-Treated  should definitely be on your shopping list.

SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Healthy-Gloss 5 Shea Moisture No-Lye Relaxer - Color-Treated  review

The relaxer is going to give a pleasant softness and nice body to your hair, without damaging it. It moisturizes the hair, leaving a healthy radiance to it. It softens the hair and strengthens it at the same time. It doesn’t burn and it’s a reliable option for the coarse and black hair. It detangles your hair without ruining it.

Here’s what we like the most about it:

  • It’s made for the color treated hair
  • It softens and strengthens the hair
  • It detangles the hair without burning it
  • It gives a nice body to your hair

We’re not making a drama out of some minor flaws:

  • It may cause a stinging feel in the first 36 hours
  • Not everyone gets results, especially if not following the instructions accordingly

Regardless of the minor problems, the relaxer is a valid choice for the color treated black hair.

6. Providing strong, healthy and shiny growing hair, the Dr. Miracle’s Feel It Formula Thermalceutical Intensive No-lye Relaxer, Regular does a lot more than simply straightening your hair.

Dr. Miracle\'s Feel It Formula Thermalceutical Intensive No-lye Relaxer, Regular review

The formula is quite special and reduces breakage, sustaining a healthy and well moisturized scalp. The special relaxer formulation is gentle and conditions efficiently your hair. You also get a neutralizing shampoo and protective gel.

Easy to apply, the relaxer leaves your hair straight and maintains the health of your hair at the same time.

Listing our favs:

  • The relaxer conditions and straightens the hair
  • It reduces the risk for breakage and moisturizes your hair
  • It sustains a healthy growth on your hair
  • It’s good value for the money

We’re not stressing out over some minor flaws:

  • It doesn’t give a smooth finish
  • It’s a bit smelly after the application

Having said that, the relaxer is great not only because it straightens your hair, but also for keeping your hair healthy and protected.

7. Taking care of your black hair is one thing and things can get pretty wild when trying to tame your girls’ hair, right? Formulated to give you some control over the stubborn black curls of your girl, the Organic Root Stimulator Girls Relaxer Kit gentle, yet powerful enough to give results.

Organic R/S Root Stimulator Girls Relaxer Kit review

The relaxes straightens the hair right away and it doesn’t damage the fragile hair. It’s made with natural ingredients so it does moisturize, condition and protect the kids’ hair. It contains olive oil and softens the hair, giving you the chance to handle it better and easier. Detangling gets easy and the relaxer works even on the tightest curls. It leaves the edges flat and eliminates frizz.

Listing our favorite parts about it:

  • The relaxer straightens the hair
  • It moisturizes, conditions and protects the hair
  • It makes the hair easier to manage
  • It’s made for girls’ hair

We’re completing the picture with the downsides:

  • It’s wise to use an edge gel for protecting the edges
  • It’s not organic

Having said that, the relaxer is strong enough to put the tight curls under control, yet gentle enough not to ruin girl’s hair.

8. The delicate, yet effective formula of the Gentle Treatment No-Lye Conditioning Crème Relaxer System is the best quality of the relaxer, but there’s more to it.

Gentle Treatment No-Lye Conditioning Crème Relaxer System review

The relaxer presents an improved conditioning formula and it’s made with pure aloe Vera gel. The formula also includes two conditioning agents that reduce the risk for dullness, dryness and damage. The treatment conditions and relaxes your hair at the same time.

The relaxer doesn’t burn and leaves your hair soft with minimal risk for breakage. It works for all hair types, but you shouldn’t use it on treated hair.

We’ve shorted our favorites to the following:

  • The relaxer is gentle, yet efficient
  • It works for all hair types
  • It relaxes and conditions the hair
  • Its formula includes aloe Vera gel

We’re not changing our mind over some minor problems:

  • You need to pay attention when applying it so that you get nice results
  • You cannot use it on treated hair

All things considered, the hair relaxer stands out as a gentle, yet effective option that gives nice results on black hair as well.

9. The special formula of the Mizani Rhelaxer for Fine/Color Treated Hair addresses to color treated hair or fine hair and you should keep it in mind if that’s your case.

Mizani Rhelaxer for Fine/Color Treated Hair review

You can use it daily and you should store it in a cool dry place for preserving its qualities. It softens the hair and doesn’t dry it out. It leaves your hair silky smooth and makes it easier to style.

It gives permanent results and may be used by women and men alike.

Our favorite parts about it:

  • It’s for fine and color treated hair
  • It softens the hair and straightens it nicely
  • It gives good results
  • It’s for women and men alike

We’re not overly concerned about the inherent flaws:

  • One may not get the expected results
  • There is a slight risk for burning

As long as you’re applying it according to the directions, you should expect nice results on your black hair with the relaxer, especially if your hair is color treated or has a fine texture.

10. Even if the Wella Strate Wellastrate Intense Straightener Straightening Hair Cream is designed for the professional use, you should take the leap of faith and give it a try at home, especially if you got the skills and know a thing or two about hair.

Wella Strate Wellastrate Intense Straightener Straightening Hair Cream review

The relaxer is strong and straightens the thick and curly hair. the risk for damage and breakage for your hair is minor, as long as you’re following the directions accordingly.

The relaxer works for normal to resistant natural hair and moisturizes your hair, while straightening it. It’s dermatologically tested for skin compatibility and the risk for drying out your hair is minor.

Let’s list our favs about it:

  • It’s made for professional use
  • It’s strong, yet helps the hair hold on to its natural moisture
  • It works for normal to resistant natural hair
  • It’s good value for the price

Let’s complete the picture with the downsides:

  • The smell isn’t great
  • The instruction is rather poor

If you’re up for it and you’re not afraid of taking chances, you should definitely try the relaxer.

11. It may sound incredible, but, for a very good price, you’re going to get a kit that you can use for 4 applications. The Mizani Relaxer Kit for Unisex contains everything you need for relaxing your hair 4 times. The butter blend is formulated for the sensitive scalp and the formula gives better results on normal black hair.

Mizani Relaxer Kit for Unisex

The relaxer straightens the hair and leaves it silky soft. There’s no brittle feel after using the relaxer and the risk for burning is minor.

Here are its bets parts:

  • The butter blend is for the sensitive scalp
  • You get everything you need for 4 applications
  • The relaxer straightens the hair
  • You don’t get a brittle feel on your hair

We’re not backing down over some minor downsides:

  • It may damage the shine of your hair
  • Some did get burns, but following the directions religiously is crucial for the results

Affordable and gentle for the sensitive scalp, the kit is a valid option for regular relaxing of black normal hair.

12. Leaving your hair straight, beautiful and with a nice soft touch feel, the MO33815 Motions Classic Lye Relaxer Formula, Super is one relaxer that almost never disappoints.

MO33815 Motions Classic Lye Relaxer Formula, Super review

The relaxer is made with natural humectants and straightens your hair, without drying it out. It softens your hair and eliminates unwanted wave or curls from your hair. it reduces dullness and dryness and keeps the risk for breakage under control.

Its formula is based on triple hydration complex, which is a hydrating combo of moisturizers that reduce the dryness of hair. Easy to use, the relaxer is dependable and gives nice results.

What we appreciate a lot about it:

  • It straightens and softens the hair
  • Its formula moisturizes and eliminates dryness from hair
  • It reduces risk for breakage
  • It’s easy to use

The minor issues shouldn’t be deal breakers:

  • It’s not all natural
  • A thick hair may need a bit more than 25 minutes for better results

Able to straighten, but also to condition and moisturize your hair, the relaxer is money well spent any given day.

13. Leaving your hair silky straight but also well-conditioned, the Affirm Relaxer Kit 4 Applications  is one choice to take under consideration when shopping for a good relaxer.

Affirm Relaxer Kit 4 Applications  review

The relaxer is a 4-step system that softens your hair and leaves it elastic and strong. It’s made to moisturize efficiently the dry hair and to ensure comfort to scalp too. It relaxes all hair types and works even on color-treated hair.

It gives consistent results on black hair.

What we like a lot about it:

  • It straightens and conditions the hair
  • It gives the hair a nice body and elasticity
  • You can use it on color-treated hair
  • It ensures consistent results

We’re not backing down over some minor issues:

  • It’s not ready to use out of the box
  • There is a slight risk for burns

Even if the relaxer isn’t all roses and rainbows, you should still give it a try on your black hair.

14. When you’re looking not only for relaxed hair, but for longer lasting results when straightening your hair, maybe Moroccan Keratin Most Effective Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment is the right choice for you.

Moroccan Keratin Most Effective Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment review

The keratin treatment takes relaxing to the next level and it’s going to smooth, straighten and repair your hair for 3 to 7 months. It doesn’t break or damage your hair, but strengthens it. It’s made with Moroccan oil which protects the hair from thermal damage.

The keratin treatment eliminates frizz and strengthens the hair, repairing the hair from inside out. Your hair becomes flexible, soft, elastic and radiant.

Listing briefly the best parts about it:

  • It straightens the hair for 3 to 7 months
  • It strengthens the hair and sustains its health
  • It makes the hair flexible, soft and radiant
  • It eliminates frizz

The inherent problems aren’t major at all:

  • It takes a while until you’re completely done.
  • You need to use the flat iron for sealing the keratin treatment

As long as you’re determined to have your hair straight, soft and healthier for a longer time, you should give this one a try.

15. If price tag is the last thing you’re checking on your hair-related products, you can definitely splurge your hair and put your money at stake with Design Essentials Honey Nectar Time Release Regular Relaxer.

Design Essentials Honey Nectar Time Release Regular Relaxer. review

The relaxer is formulated on honey nectar which moisturizes efficiently your hair, but also makes your hair feel healthier from inside out. The formula is based on sodium hydroxide released in increments, which means you get more time when applying the relaxer.

The creamy consistency of the relaxer is nice and lets you spread easy and even the relaxer. The relaxer gives consistent results and rinses pretty fast too. Due to its conditioning abilities, it also reduces the risk for irritation.

Great for all hair types, black hair including, the relaxer doesn’t over process your hair and doesn’t require flat ironing. It’s not harsh on hair and its directions are printed right on the container.

What we like a lot about it:

  • It relaxes without over processing the hair
  • It moisturizes and conditions the hair
  • It’s not harsh for the hair
  • It has a pleasant smell and creamy consistency

It’s always good to have the full picture so here are the downsides:

  • You need to store it in the fridge
  • It’s not a cheap relaxer

Apart from its minor issues, the relaxer is a great solution for the hair, especially when you’re willing to pay the extra buck.