I was recently asked what the difference between a texturizer and a relaxer is. The purpose of a texturizer is to unwind the natural curl pattern. Your curl pattern is genetically predetermined from the chromosomes your parents gave you. If you want to change that then you’ll need the help of some strong chemicals. A texturizer will help you keep the curly hair given to you by your parents but make it more manageable. The result will most likely be longer, more defined curls.

On the other hand, relaxers will loosen the curl pattern to the point of near straightness. In order to do this, the relaxer, once applied to the hair, will make the cuticle swell. The cuticle protects the cortex and it runs the length of the hair. Once the cuticle swells, the relaxer then can better penetrate the cortex. All sorts of scientific processes occur once the chemical relaxer penetrates the cortex but the finished product will be permanently straightened hair.

If you are considering one of these two chemical processes, please seek consultation prior to any treatment.