Sodium hydroxide relaxers are generally effective on which type of hair?

Sodium hydroxide relaxers are specifically formulated to effectively alter the structure of tightly curled hair. This type of hair has a unique and tightly coiled structure that often leads to resistance when seeking to straighten or relax it. Sodium hydroxide works by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair's cortex, which are primarily responsible for its natural curliness.

The effectiveness of sodium hydroxide on tightly curled hair is due to several factors. This category of hair usually has a more resilient and complex structure, requiring a stronger chemical to break down the tight curls and achieve smoother, straighter results. The high pH of sodium hydroxide relaxers allows for deeper penetration into the hair shaft, making them suitable for this hair type.

Wavy and coarse hair types may also benefit from relaxers, but there may be other products that are more suitable or less damaging compared to sodium hydroxide formulations. Straight hair would typically not require the use of a relaxer, as there is no need to alter its natural state. Therefore, sodium hydroxide relaxers are particularly chosen for tightly curled hair to achieve the desired smoothing effect.