The no lye versus lye hype

I have to agree about the Motions line of products. I dont have any complaints. I used to use an over the counter relaxer ( i cant remember which) and when i switched to motions it made a huge difference. And the lavish conditioning shampoo is great!

16-Aug-2002 8:49:59 AM by Carmen
Carmen
UnRegistered User posted on 16-Aug-2002 8:49:59 AM
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Thanks Caramela for your insight on this. You are right and that was a point that I didnt consider and that is if you base your scalp the way that you are suppose to when using a relaxer this will somewhat eliminate the chance of damaging your scalp. So then that would only leave the question which is better for the hair? the answer we all know is lye relaxers. I may have to reconsider my theory (laughing.....)

Also Caramela I wanted to comment on your pics. They are very nice and I know you mentioned something about condition only washes. During the summer months I wash my hair twice a week and give myself at least one condition only wash a week so thats 3 times a week I wet my hair . Especially when its been very humid and my hair feels dry. My question to you is when you did it for a month did you experience alot of build-up? I notice when I do the condition only wash my head itches alot and I cant wait till its time for me to shampoo again. Please advise. Also my hair is a couple of inches shorter than yours,I think I`m about 2-3 inches past my shoulders,so you`re my inspiration (smile).

It`s true that no-lye relaxers are harder on the hair than lye relaxers. As far as scalp damage, you must base the scalp to prevent scalp burns wether you use a no lye or lye. You shouldn`t be applying a relaxer down to the scalp anyway, but if some of the relaxer gets on the scalp, the base acts as a buffer. In my opinion, and I`ve tried both, lye is better. But, it`s a personal preference. What we have to remember, is they are both HARSH chemicals, neither of them is gentle, so to speak. But you will get a lot less damage to your hair with a lye relaxer.

-Aug-2002 12:34:27 PM by Carmen
Carmen
UnRegistered User posted on 14-Aug-2002 12:34:27 PM
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I agree with you and with no lye relaxers versus lye relaxers the truth is that when we pick one over the other it really is the lesser of two evils. But I guess I`m still a believe that I`ll take a risk on my hair over my scalp anyday!

I have a concern that I want to bring to the board and am hoping to get some insight on. Please keep in mind that these are just my theories and are not factual but I`m really starting to believe them. Here goes:

Everyone has been saying that lye relaxers are better for your hair because they make the hair look better,more silky,straighter and manageable. Also they are not as drying to the hair.

For no lye relaxers,which are getting a bad rap,they are saying these types of relaxers are more drying to the hair and more damaging and dont get your hair as straight.

The overall majority says that no lye is more gentle on the scalp but drying to the hair and lye relaxers are easier on the hair but harsher on the scalp. Here is my theory:

I understand that lye perms are better for the hair,less drying and all of that but they are bad on the scalp. Isnt our scalp what we want to preserve anyway? I mean,it seems to me that my hair follicles on my scalp is what I want to protect because that is where my hair will grow from. True,no lye may be more drying to the hair but moisture can be put back in the hair constantly with frequent washings,oil and regular deep conditioning treatments to combat the dryness.In other words hair from no lye relaxers can be saved with regular moisture treatments but once the scalp is damaged from a relaxer whether its no lye or lye its almost always irreversable and the results are hair loss and/or thinning.Since no lye has a lesser chance of ruining the scalp I have chosen to use no lye relaxers. Most people I know who regularly use lye perms after awhile their hair starts to look thin. I`m not saying that no lye is better or lye is better I really dont know for sure since they are both hydroxides (sodium and calcium) and can both be damaging. I just want some opinions on saving the hair versus saving the scalp theory. Please share with me your thoughts on this.

Thanks,
Carmen