Hair care is a part of everyone's daily life. The way we style our hair makes an impression on others, especially in the corporate world.
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Although styling your hair is important, it can be a hassle. The solution for some is to use straightening combs, flat irons, and blow dryers. But for others, this hair routine is cumbersome. A relaxer may be a better option.
When we think of relaxers, mostly women come to mind. However, grooming and looking nice are important to men as well.
We didn't find any men's relaxers but the relaxers that are on the market are suitable for men. We will take a look at the top 10 relaxers for men.
Our Top Ten Picks For Best Hair Relaxer For Men
Best Overall
This relaxer by Soft Sheen-Carson is the best overall relaxer suitable for men. This product is a no-lye relaxer. We rate this relaxer the best overall because all hair types can use it.
It has added moisturizers that are good for dry hair and ideal for those with sensitive scalps. This relaxer is suitable for men who want to relax regularly.
PROS
- Added moisturizers in the formula
- Ideal for texturizing instead of relaxing
- Safe on colored hair
- Has everything needed to relax and condition
CONS
- Strong lye smell
- Can damage hair if not applied according to instructions
Value: Quality relaxer safe for all hair types. This product straightens hair while moisturizing.
Best Mild Formula
Motions Classic Lye Relaxer is a trusted product among ethnic hair care for over 20 years. Men with medium to normal texture can use it.
Although it is a lye relaxer, it has three moisturizing oils infused in its formula: Argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. These oils penetrate the hair shaft, moisturizing and strengthening them.
Men who use this product will not be disappointed. Motions Classic Lye Relaxer is mild and won't cause scalp irritation.
PROS
- Specially formulated to condition the hair
- One premixed kit
- 20-year proven track record
CONS
- Contains lye so take precautions
- Not for all hair types.
Value: Gentle relaxing with no irritation.
Best for Sensitive Scalp
Regardless of the relaxer you use, chemicals are involved. Each person's scalp has a different tolerance to various chemicals. Syntonics Botanical Conditioning Creme Relaxer focuses on sensitive scalps.
Calendula, aloe vera, and green tea are active ingredients in this relaxer, scientifically proven to heal and protect the scalp.
It comes with an activator that allows you to adjust the strength of the relaxer according to your needs. This is why this relaxer is suitable for straighter hair types, especially white men who want to relax their hair.
PROS
- Infused with herbs to heal and maintain scalp health
- Activator to control the strength of the relaxer
- No artificial colors or parabens
CONS
- Must use the correct amount of activator to prevent hair breakage
Value: Uses natural herbs to counteract the chemical used in the relaxer.
Best for Dry Hair
ORS Olive Oil Zone Relaxer formula combats dry hair, moisturizes, and protects hair from breakage. It is a target relaxer meant for touch-ups to small sections of hair.
A lot of black men relax their hair but keep it cut short. This zone relaxer is perfect for maintaining edges and low cuts in check.
PROS
- Deep moisturizing formula
- Prevents split ends and breakage
- Strengthens hair shaft
CONS
- Can not be used for the entire head, only as a zone relaxer
- A small amount of product
Value: This product is highly moisturizing. Combats dry hair with olive oil.
Best For Root Touch Ups
Dr. Miracle's New Growth Thermalceutical Intensive No-lye Relaxer has herbs mixed in its formula to prevent breakage, and strengthen and moisturize hair. It is meant only as a retouch and not for a full head.
However, many men keep a low haircut, so this hair relaxer is perfect for men with curly hair and low-cut hairstyles.
PROS
- Strengthens and moisturizes with soy protein, aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, and vitamins C, E, and B3
- Inexpensive
CONS
- Comes with a stiff warning.
- Not suitable for the scalp
- Harmful for bleached or colored hair
- Harmful to hair permed with ammonium sulfite
Value: The price is inexpensive and provides you with just enough to get the job done.
Best For Damaged Hair
Avlon Affirm Fiberguard Sensitive Scalp Relaxer works great for damaged hair. It is so gentle that many customers said they did not experience any burn, pain, or tingle. Men who do not want to lose all of their curl patterns or want to texturize will find that this product is perfect.
PROS
- Strengthens the fibers of the hair
- Mild formula
- Conditions hair
CONS
- A 4-product system
- Expensive
Value: This product strengthens the shaft of the hair as it relaxes.
Best No-Lye
Linange Alter Ego Shea Butter Cream Relaxer has lye and no-lye versions. This review is for the no-lye version. This relaxer is gentle on the hair strands and provides you with a smooth, healthy look to your strands.
If used properly, it will not give a bone-straight look. It leaves some natural elasticity to the hair. This is perfect for men who want to retain some of their natural curl patterns.
PROS
- No burn formula
- Moisturizing Shea Butter
CONS
- Not for thick textured hair
Value: It doesn’t completely strip the hair.
Best For Hair Health
Hawaiian Silky Sensitive Scalp Keratin Conditioning Relaxer is best for overall hair health. The keratin in this product strengthens the hair and is gentle on the scalp.
If you want a relaxer that will leave your hair bone straight, this product is not the one for you. But if you want a good quality relaxer that supports your scalp and hair, this is the best. It is for all hair textures.
PROS
- Moisturizes and Conditions
- Olive Oil blend
- Keratin
- Safe for color-treated hair
CONS
- Slow reacting
- Does not get hair straight, more like a texturizer
Value: Hawaiian Silky supports scalp and hair health.
Best for Thin Hair
Dark and Lovely Healthy Gloss 5 Moisturizing No-Lye Relaxer with Shea Butter is gentle and works great for thin hair. White men who relax their hair could safely do so with this formula.
This relaxer focuses on providing moisture, strength, softness, body, and shine. We recommend this hair relaxer for white men who want to relax their hair.
PROS
- Shea Butter, Jojoba, Avocado Oils
- After shampoo care: Castor oil, jojoba oil, avocado
CONS
- Satin oil included in the relaxer kit is not available on the market alone
Value: The formula incorporates shea butter which strengthens, moisturizes, and protects hair.
Best for Thick Hair
Revlon Professional Conditioning Creme Relaxer has a strong formula suitable for thick, tightly curled, or relaxer-resistant hair.
This relaxer is a professional-grade relaxer and should not be used by a novice. This formula is a hair relaxer for black males with coarse hair that they want to get silky straight. This is also a great hair relaxer for curly hair.
PROS
- Suitable for thicker hair strands
- Straightens hair
CONS
- Will irritate the scalp if not used as instructed
- Not recommended for thin or Caucasian hair.
Value: This product gives a professional grade relaxer
Are Relaxers Safe & Good For Men's Hair?
Relaxers are relatively safe for your hair if applied according to directions and to your hair type. However, relaxers, whether lye or no-lye, have chemicals that can damage your skin and hair.
We advise you to never apply a lye relaxer without the help of a professional and follow instructions to the letter if you apply a no-lye relaxer.
Benefits of Using Relaxers
Relaxers change the structure of hair depending on the strength of the relaxer. Some loosen your curl pattern, while others completely straighten your hair, leaving you with no curl pattern.
Either way makes your hair easier to comb and style, gives you more options for styling, and saves you time in your hair care and grooming routine.
Final Thoughts
Traditional men do not spend as much time grooming themselves as women do. But, that is not always the case. Men enjoy keeping themselves up and dressing nicely.
During our research, we did not find a hair relaxer product specifically for men. But relaxers that are traditionally for women work for men as well. With a little research, any man can relax his hair and benefit immensely.
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Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.