A relaxer that truly supports hair growth balances effective straightening with relentless moisture retention. The wrong formula leaves hair brittle, leading to breakage that cancels out any length retention. The right one, however, smooths the cuticle while delivering conditioning oils that keep strands supple and resistant to snapping.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve analyzed dozens of relaxer formulations, from no-lye systems to protein-enriched bases, to understand which ingredients preserve scalp health and which accelerate breakage in textured hair.
This guide breaks down the top formulas that prioritize scalp integrity and strand strength, helping you identify the best relaxer for hair growth for your specific hair texture and sensitivity level.
How To Choose The Best Relaxer For Hair Growth
Selecting a relaxer that promotes growth comes down to protecting the scalp from chemical burns and locking moisture into each strand. A relaxer that irritates the scalp or dries out hair will cause shedding and breakage that outpaces new growth.
No-Lye vs. Lye-Based Formulas
No-lye relaxers use calcium hydroxide or guanidine carbonate, which are milder on the scalp and less likely to cause chemical burns. They are the safer choice for at-home users who want to minimize scalp trauma that can hinder healthy regrowth. Lye-based relaxers (sodium hydroxide) process faster and straighten more aggressively but carry a higher risk of irritation.
Key Ingredients That Preserve Length
Olive oil, shea butter, and coconut oil are emollients that help replenish the natural lipids stripped during the relaxing process. A formula rich in these ingredients reduces the brittleness that leads to split ends and breakage, allowing hair to grow longer between touch-ups.
Kit vs. Professional Tub
Kits include neutralizing shampoo, conditioner, and sometimes a scalp protector — everything needed for a single application. Professional tubs (like the 64-ounce options) are meant for experienced users or stylists who already have separate neutralizing steps. For first-time users, a full kit offers more structure and reduces the chance of improper neutralization, which can cause ongoing breakage.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Pride Olive Miracle Deep Conditioning No-Lye Relaxer | Premium Kit | Thick, coarse hair needing deep moisture | 8-count kit with deep conditioner | Amazon |
| ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Relaxer | Mid-Range Kit | Everyday manageability with olive oil | Extra Strength with oil boost pack | Amazon |
| Originals by Africa’s Best Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Kit | Value Kit | Soft, silky results on a budget | No-lye super/coarse system | Amazon |
| ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer | Mid-Range Tub | Long-lasting shine and manageability | 18.75 oz tub, normal strength | Amazon |
| Motions Regular Hair Relaxer | Professional Tub | Coarse, resistant hair needing strong straightening | 64 oz, no-base formulation | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. African Pride Olive Miracle Deep Conditioning No-Lye Relaxer
This kit is engineered specifically for thick, puffy hair textures. Users report that the no-lye formula straightens effectively in under 20 minutes without leaving hair brittle — a direct benefit for growth, as damaged ends are the primary reason length is lost. The included deep conditioner is a standout component, delivering enough moisture to keep strands supple for up to two months between touch-ups.
The creamy consistency spreads evenly through coarse sections, reducing the need for harsh smoothing motions that can friction-damage the cuticle. The strong chemical scent requires a well-ventilated space, but the trade-off is a reliable straightening result that does not sacrifice scalp comfort. Multiple verified reviews confirm silky, manageable hair that feels healthy rather than over-processed.
Given the all-in-one format with neutralizing shampoo and deep conditioner, this kit minimizes the risk of user error that often leads to breakage in first-time relaxer applications. It is a complete system that prioritizes moisture retention from start to finish.
Why it’s great
- Deep conditioner in the kit prevents post-relaxer dryness
- Processes quickly (under 20 minutes) on coarse textures
- No-lye formula reduces scalp irritation risk
Good to know
- Strong chemical scent requires ventilation
- Can burn scalp if left on beyond recommended time
2. ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Hair Relaxer
ORS delivers a consistent, smooth relaxer that users find gentle enough for regular use. The Extra Strength variant is designed for coarse, resistant hair, but multiple reviews note it does not over-process or leave hair feeling brittle. The included oil boost pack is a key differentiator — it provides an extra layer of emollient protection during the relaxing process, helping to maintain moisture balance that supports hair retention.
The Mediterranean olive oil in the formula acts as a natural emollient, imparting softness and shine that lasts well beyond the application day. Users with fine to medium hair textures should select the Normal Strength version, but for those with resistant curls, this Extra Strength kit offers effective straightening without the aggressive burn associated with harsher relaxers. The application process is straightforward enough for at-home use with a helper.
Verified reviews consistently highlight how this relaxer leaves hair soft and manageable rather than dry and straw-like — a critical factor for anyone focused on hair growth. The brand’s reputation for scalp-friendly formulations makes this a reliable choice for regular touch-ups.
Why it’s great
- Oil boost pack adds extra moisture protection
- Not too strong — gentle on the scalp for a relaxer
- Leaves hair soft and manageable, not brittle
Good to know
- Extra Strength may be too strong for fine or damaged hair
- Some users note the formula may differ from previous versions
3. Originals by Africa’s Best Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Kit
Africa’s Best has long been a budget-friendly staple in the relaxer market, and this no-lye kit punches above its price tier. Formulated with extra virgin olive oil, it prioritizes moisture retention — a feature normally reserved for more expensive kits. Users with naturally rebellious curls report achieving a smooth, straight finish in under 20 minutes without needing assistance.
The clear instructions make this kit accessible for first-time users, and the olive oil formula helps mitigate the dryness that causes post-relaxer breakage. Some long-time users note a formula change that introduced a mild scalp tingle, but the majority of reviews still report soft, shiny, and manageable hair that lasts weeks. The 10.6-ounce kit size is compact but sufficient for shoulder-length hair.
For those on a tight budget who still want a relaxer that conditions and moisturizes for healthier-looking hair, this kit offers a solid entry point. It lacks the extra deep conditioner of pricier kits, so users may want to follow up with a separate moisturizing mask to maximize growth support.
Why it’s great
- Extra virgin olive oil for moisture retention
- Easy DIY application with clear instructions
- Leaves hair soft, smooth, and manageable for weeks
Good to know
- Formula may have changed; some users feel more scalp tingle
- No separate deep conditioner included in the kit
4. ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer Normal Strength
This tub relaxer is a professional-grade formula repackaged for home use. The Normal Strength variant is ideal for fine to medium hair textures that need straightening without the aggressive processing of a super or extra strength formula. Users praise how it leaves hair silky soft with long-lasting shine — a sign that the cuticle is smoothed, not roughened.
The premixed creme formula surprised some veteran users who expected it to be weaker than an activator-mix system, but reviews confirm it delivers full straightening power. At 18.75 ounces, this tub offers multiple applications, making it a cost-effective choice for those who already have neutralizing shampoo and conditioner. The olive oil base keeps hair moisturized and less prone to the breakage that kills length retention.
This is not a full kit, so buyers must separately source a base protectant and neutralizing steps. For experienced users who understand the process, this tub provides salon-quality results with the flexibility to customize the application based on hair length and density.
Why it’s great
- Professional creme formula that gets hair very straight
- Large tub provides multiple applications
- Olive oil keeps hair silky and shiny
Good to know
- Not a full kit — no base or neutralizer included
- Shipping can be slow; plan ahead for touch-ups
5. Motions Regular Hair Relaxer
Motions has been a trusted name for coarse, tangly hair that other relaxers struggle to penetrate. This regular strength formula is designed with a no-base formulation, meaning it incorporates cationic conditioners that lock onto each hair strand as it straightens. Users with strong, resistant textures report that Motions straightens beautifully without excessive burning, provided the scalp is not irritated before application.
The 64-ounce tub is a professional-sized quantity that will last through many touch-ups, making it a strong value for users who relax regularly and know their processing times. The regular strength allows more control over the straightening process compared to extra strength variants, which is helpful for avoiding over-processing on already relaxed ends. Applying a base protectant is still recommended to shield the scalp.
This is strictly a relaxer cream — no kit components are included. Buyers need separate neutralizing shampoo, conditioner, and protective base. It is best suited for experienced home users or professionals who want a reliable, consistent relaxer that handles coarse textures without blowing the budget.
Why it’s great
- Massive 64 oz tub offers exceptional value per application
- Cationic conditioners lock onto each hair for smoother results
- Straightens coarse, resistant hair without excessive burning
Good to know
- For professional or experienced users only — no instructions for beginners
- Do not scratch scalp before use; can cause irritation
FAQ
Can a relaxer actually help with hair growth?
How often should I relax my hair to avoid breakage?
Should I choose a kit or a professional tub relaxer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best relaxer for hair growth winner is the African Pride Olive Miracle Deep Conditioning No-Lye Relaxer because it combines a gentle no-lye base with a matching deep conditioner that prevents the moisture loss responsible for breakage. If you want a proven kit with an oil boost for extra scalp protection, grab the ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection Relaxer. And for professional users who need a massive tub for coarse, resistant hair, nothing beats the Motions Regular Hair Relaxer.