What is the main active ingredient in relaxers?

The main active ingredient in relaxers is sodium hydroxide. This compound is a powerful alkaline agent that works effectively to break down the disulfide bonds in the hair's protein structure, allowing the hair to be straightened. Sodium hydroxide is commonly found in chemical relaxers due to its strong alkalinity, which is essential for the relaxing process.

When applied to the hair, sodium hydroxide raises the pH, causing the hair to swell and soften, which facilitates the alteration of the hair’s structure. This process is critical for achieving the desired straightened look, especially for those with naturally curly or textured hair.

While other options, such as calcium hydroxide, amines, and potassium hydroxide, may also be present in various hair products, they are not the primary active ingredient in relaxers specifically designed for hair straightening. For instance, calcium hydroxide is often used in combination with other ingredients in certain types of relaxers, but it does not function solely as the active component like sodium hydroxide does. This makes sodium hydroxide the most commonly recognized and utilized ingredient in the formulation of hair relaxers.