A chemical relaxer is the most direct route from tightly coiled, unruly hair to a sleek, straight, and manageable style. But the wrong formula can mean chemical burns, breakage, or hair that looks fried rather than fine. The balance between strength and safety is everything in this category, and that balance starts with choosing the right product for your hair type.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve spent years analyzing beauty and personal care formulations, cross-referencing ingredient decks with real-world user outcomes to separate the effective relaxers from the scalp-irritating ones.
Whether you are touching up new growth or relaxing for the first time, the best hair chemical relaxer delivers smooth, silky results without compromising the health of your strands or scalp.
How To Choose The Best Hair Chemical Relaxer
Choosing a relaxer is not about picking the most popular brand. It is about matching the chemical strength to your hair’s texture and porosity, and understanding the difference between no-base and base formulas.
Strength Levels: Mild, Regular, and Super
Relaxers are categorized by the concentration of the active alkaline agent (usually calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide). Mild formulas are best for fine, color-treated, or previously damaged hair. Regular strength is the go-to for normal, resistant hair. Super or Extra strength is designed for coarse, thick, non-porous hair that resists chemical processing. Picking a strength that is too strong for your hair type is the fastest route to over-processing and breakage.
No-Base vs. Base Formulas
A no-base relaxer has conditioners built into the formula that protect the scalp during application, making it the more convenient choice for at-home use. A base relaxer requires you to apply a protective base (petroleum jelly) along the hairline and scalp before applying the cream. While base relaxers are common in professional salons, the no-base type reduces prep time and the risk of missing a spot.
Conditioning and Aftercare Requirements
The chemical process opens the hair cuticle, which leaves strands vulnerable to dryness. A relaxer that includes conditioning agents — like olive oil, shea butter, or emollients — in its formula will leave hair feeling softer post-process. But the real aftercare comes from using a neutralizing shampoo and a deep conditioner. Without neutralization, the relaxer continues to process and can destroy the hair shaft over time.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ORS Olive Oil Creme Relaxer (Normal, 2-Pack) | Premium | Safe, effective home relaxing | Olive oil-enriched cream formula | Amazon |
| Motions Regular Hair Relaxer (64 oz) | Premium | Salon-grade volume & value | 64 oz no-base formula | Amazon |
| Luster’s Shortlooks Color Relaxer | Mid-Range | All-in-one color + relax | 3-in-1 relaxer, color, conditioner | Amazon |
| ORS Olive Oil Creme Relaxer (Extra Strength) | Mid-Range | Coarse, resistant hair | Extra strength with olive oil | Amazon |
| Motions Professional Smooth & Silken Super | Budget | Quick, budget-friendly touch-ups | Ready-to-use hydrating formula | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. ORS Olive Oil Creme Relaxer Normal (2-Pack)
The ORS Olive Oil Creme Relaxer in Normal strength is the sweet spot for most hair types that are not overly fine or damaged. The 2-pack gives you a full 37.5 ounces of product across two jars, which means you are well-stocked for multiple touch-up sessions. The olive oil infusion in the cream acts as a conditioning agent during the relaxing process, helping to reduce the dryness that standard relaxers leave behind.
Users with 3B and normal hair texture report extremely straight, silky results with minimal scalp irritation when the instructions are followed precisely. The key caution here is timing. Leaving the cream on past the recommended window, especially for finer textures, can lead to excessive shedding. The included cream-based format spreads evenly through the hair, which reduces hot spots and uneven processing.
Multiple long-term users confirm this is their go-to brand, and the fact that the manufacturer continues to produce this formula without discontinuation speaks to its reliability. Pair it with a dedicated neutralizing shampoo like ORS’s own to lock in the pH balance and keep your hair feeling smooth rather than brittle.
Why it’s great
- Conditioning olive oil base reduces post-relaxer dryness
- Two-pack provides excellent value for regular users
- Gentle enough for normal hair with consistent results
Good to know
- Over-processing is possible if you exceed the 15-minute window
- Not suitable for fine or previously damaged hair without a mild formula
2. Motions Regular Hair Relaxer (64 oz)
The Motions Regular Hair Relaxer in the 64-ounce container is built for the person who does their own relaxer regularly or a professional who needs a bulk supply. The no-base formulation includes cationic conditioners that bond to the hair shaft during processing, which means you skip the step of applying petroleum jelly along your scalp. This reduces prep time and mess, while still providing a layer of protection against chemical irritation.
Real-world users with coarse, tangly hair report that Motions straightens beautifully without the burning sensation that cheaper relaxers can cause, provided you do not scratch or irritate your scalp before application. The regular strength gives you enough processing time to work the cream through dense hair without rushing, and the 64-ounce volume means this purchase will last you through many cycles.
The main trade-off is that this is a professional-grade product, so it requires a bit more attention to timing and sectioning than a consumer-brand box. But for the price per ounce and the consistent straightness it delivers, this is a favorite among DIY relaxer veterans who know what they are doing.
Why it’s great
- No-base design eliminates need for scalp barrier application
- 64-ounce bulk size offers massive long-term value
- Cationic conditioners help lock moisture into processed hair
Good to know
- Labeled for professional use, so beginners should read directions carefully
- Regular strength may be too strong for fine or color-treated hair
3. Luster’s Shortlooks Color Relaxer 3-n-1 Diamond Black
Luster’s Shortlooks Color Relaxer is a niche solution for anyone who wants to relax their hair and dye it in a single step. The 3-in-1 formula combines a relaxer, a conditioning treatment, and a Diamond Black color deposit, making it one of the most convenient options on the shelf. You apply one product and walk away with straightened, jet-black hair that has a healthy shine.
Users consistently note that this product covers gray hair effectively and does not carry the strong chemical odor that separate relaxers and dyes produce. The conditioning elements leave hair feeling soft and shiny, not straw-like. One trade-off is that the straightening power is moderate. Some users with very thick or coarse hair find the results are not as bone-straight as they would like, so this is better suited for people whose natural texture is wavy to loose curly rather than tightly coiled.
If you are looking for maximum straightness, this may not be your first choice. But if you need gray coverage and a manageable level of straightness in one application, this saves time and reduces the number of chemicals you expose your hair to in a single session.
Why it’s great
- Relaxer and gray-covering color in one easy application
- Mild chemical odor compared to separate relaxers and dyes
- Leaves hair soft and shiny without brittle ends
Good to know
- Straightening power is moderate, not suitable for very tight coils
- Color is limited to Diamond Black, no other shade options
4. ORS Olive Oil Professional Creme Relaxer Extra Strength
For those with resistant, non-porous hair that refuses to straighten with regular-strength formulas, the ORS Olive Oil Extra Strength relaxer is the heavy lifter you need. The higher alkaline concentration breaks down the protein bonds in coarse hair more aggressively, resulting in a sleek, pin-straight finish that mimics a blowout and flat-iron treatment in one go.
Users with loose curly hair describe the results as seriously straight, and the shine lasts for days. The olive oil additive does help offset some of the drying effects that come with extra-strength chemicals, but an intensive deep conditioner is still mandatory after processing. Some users also noted packaging inconsistencies where the label can vary between Regular and Extra Strength, so always double-check the sticker before applying.
This product is not for beginners or anyone with fine, thin, or compromised hair. The power is real, and misapplication can lead to significant hair loss. But for the thickest, most stubborn hair types, this is one of the most reliable extra-strength relaxers available at a mid-range price point.
Why it’s great
- Achieves a bone-straight, silky finish on resistant hair
- Olive oil helps reduce post-relaxer dryness
- Leaves hair manageable and shiny for days
Good to know
- Too strong for fine, thin, or previously damaged hair
- Packaging labels have been reported as inconsistent, verify strength before use
5. Motions Professional Smooth & Silken Super (15 oz)
The Motions Professional Smooth & Silken Super is a budget-friendly entry point into chemical relaxing. The hydrating blend of emollients in the formula is designed to maximize moisture retention, which makes this a decent option for coarse, non-porous hair that usually drinks up moisture. The ready-to-use format means no mixing, so you can go straight from opening to application.
Users report that this relaxer works reliably for touch-ups and holds its effect for about two and a half months between applications. Several long-term users prefer to take it to a salon for application since reaching the back of the head evenly is tricky alone. The formula is effective enough for regular maintenance but does not deliver the same level of conditioning as mid-range or premium options with added oils and proteins.
The main drawback is that the 15-ounce size goes fast if you have thick or long hair, and the super strength means you must be precise with timing to avoid over-processing. It is a solid choice for someone on a tight budget who already knows how to handle a relaxer.
Why it’s great
- Ready-to-use no-mix formula saves application time
- Hydrating emollients help retain moisture in coarse hair
- Effective for regular touch-ups and lasts two-plus months
Good to know
- Small 15-ounce size may not be enough for thick or long hair
- Super strength requires careful timing to avoid damage
FAQ
What happens if I leave a chemical relaxer on too long?
Do I still need a neutralizing shampoo if I use a no-base relaxer?
Can I relax my hair if I have a sensitive scalp?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best hair chemical relaxer winner is the ORS Olive Oil Creme Relaxer Normal 2-Pack because it combines a conditioning olive oil base with the convenience of a two-pack, making it suitable for regular use without stripping the hair. If you want maximum straightening power for coarse, stubborn hair, grab the Motions Regular Hair Relaxer in the 64-ounce size for its no-base formula and professional-grade results. And for a quick one-step relax and color session, nothing beats the Luster’s Shortlooks Color Relaxer for covering gray while delivering a moderate straightening effect.