Living in Denver, Colorado, the crunchiest place on Earth, can inspire us all to embrace the natural life and leave the “yuck” of harsh chemicals behind. Beside our granola bars and paraben-free cosmetics, chemical-straightening treatments and relaxers can feel like a dirty little secret. We’d love for the world to believe we “woke up like this.” Unfortunately, our natural hair doesn’t always cooperate the way we’d like it to. The salon professionals at Deseo Salon & BlowDry believe natural is beautiful! Finding effective alternatives to chemical straighteners and relaxers is a daunting endeavor, but well worth the leap of faith into a whole new realm of #hairgoals. Here are some insider tips and tricks for loving every bit of the amazing journey you’re about to embark on.
Two Ways to Smooth, Straighten, and Smile
Gone are the days of perms and relaxers! Today’s stylists are embracing a new range of straightening options for clients who prefer a softer, natural aesthetic. The focus has shifted from forcibly molding hair into a cookie-cutter standard of beauty to using high-quality products that promote overall hair health, strengthen roots, and bring out your inner glow. Two top choices for more natural relaxation include:
Brazilian Blowouts
The Brazilian blowout is one of the most popular options for fighting frizz and managing curls to create a style you’ll love. A key difference between the Brazilian blowout and traditional straightening treatments is that a blowout works with your natural texture, not against it. There’s no need to adhere to a pin-straight look. Brazilian blowouts sculpt wavy hair and bring out its shine.
Curly, coily, kinky, fine, or coarse… this treatment works well with any hair type or texture! There’s no downtime and natural texture returns after about twelve weeks, sparing cautious beauty gurus the fear of making a permanent change.
Keratin Treatments
Keratin treatments are the latest smoothing technique to make it onto runways and celebrity photoshoots the world over. This option is perfect for anyone who wants smooth, straight hair. Unlike straightening treatments, which alter the chemical composition of your hair, a salon-quality keratin treatment infuses naturally occurring keratin protein into the hair follicle to achieve silky perfection. The non-permanent process strengthens roots and improves integrity and elasticity, rather than drying and damaging.
The Big Chop
While it’s said that there’s joy in the journey, sometimes the best beauty moments are those of radical change. Years of straightening treatments, relaxers, and heat styling can occasionally leave behind too much damage to easily fix. Cutting longer locks is also a good way to remove relaxed hair and start fresh with a clean, textured aesthetic. The feeling of freedom can be empowering as well as dramatic!
Consider a chic pixie cut, classic A-line, or curly bob. Add a pop of color for an extra wow factor! Our expert colorists are happy to suggest a hue that suits your personal style.
All About the Styling Products
Any big change to your hair means you’ll get to try a new range of styling products to conquer unruly locks. If you’re beginning your transition to glorious, natural hair, there’s no greater rule than conditioning often. Say goodbye to your old hair with a deep conditioning treatment to start the journey off right!
From there, it’s important to treat your hair to high quality, moisture dense products that condition as well as restore. Turn to Kérastase’s natural products to protect your hair. They have a nutrient-rich line of shampoos and conditioners infused with proteins to straighten, smooth, and protect. For some added TLC, consider weekly masquing treatments as a fabulous way to keep your hair energized and fresh.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and try one of these alternatives to chemical straighteners, we have your hair options covered. Book an appointment today with our expert stylists to take your next step forward!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best alternatives to chemical hair straighteners and relaxers?
The top alternatives to traditional chemical relaxers include: Brazilian Blowouts (a treatment that works with your natural hair texture to fight frizz and enhance shine, with results lasting about 12 weeks) and Keratin Treatments (which infuse naturally occurring keratin protein into the hair follicle for smooth, straight results that strengthen hair rather than damaging it). For those with heavily processed or damaged hair, cutting to start fresh is also a valid option.
What is the difference between a Brazilian Blowout and a chemical relaxer?
A chemical relaxer permanently alters the chemical structure of hair to force it straight, often causing dryness and damage over time. A Brazilian Blowout, in contrast, works with your natural texture to smooth, reduce frizz, and enhance shine. Results last about 12 weeks, and your natural texture returns gradually after that. There’s no permanent chemical change, and the treatment works on all hair types, curly, coily, kinky, fine, or coarse.
How does a keratin treatment differ from a relaxer?
Unlike relaxers that chemically restructure the hair, keratin treatments infuse naturally occurring keratin protein into the hair follicle to create silky, smooth results. The treatment strengthens the hair’s integrity and elasticity rather than breaking down its chemical bonds. It’s a gentler, non-permanent alternative that leaves hair healthier and more manageable without the long-term damage associated with traditional straightening methods.
What products should I use when transitioning away from chemical relaxers?
Deep conditioning is the foundation of any relaxer transition. Start with a deep conditioning treatment, then maintain healthy hair with protein-rich, moisture-dense products like Kérastase’s natural shampoos and conditioners. Weekly masque treatments are also highly recommended to keep hair energized, hydrated, and protected during the transition period.
Is ‘the big chop’ a good option for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair?
For some, cutting relaxed or heat-damaged ends is the most empowering way to start fresh with natural hair. It removes years of processed hair and gives your natural texture a clean canvas to grow from. Styles like a chic pixie, A-line bob, or curly bob can make the cut feel like a bold, intentional fashion statement rather than a sacrifice.