No-Lye is a LIE

The hot topic lately has been over relaxers so I decided to post this.

For starters, ALL, yes, ALL relaxers have lye in them. The reason why some relaxers say that they are a no-lye system is because they contain the lowest level of lye. Some might say that is false advertisement, but they are well within their rights to advertise this according to American product distribution laws.

How do I know? A Liscensed beautician who owns her own shop and product line told me this.

Yes, it is true, all relaxers contain some form/type of lye.

I read that also a couple of years ago.

I learned this in beauty school. My teacher (Mr. Peyton - I loved him to death!) told us this. He called it the "No Lye Lie" like you. From what he said, the reason they can call it "no-lye" is because the cream relaxer (in the jar) does not contain lye. The activator contains the lye. So technically, the relaxer does not have lye - until you mix it. I thought that was very interesting.

Yep that is true. So, all those who are protesting against lye and declare they are "no-lye" only...you're being deceived...believe it or not, us relaxed girls are all one big happy lye family!

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ThickNBeautiful said:
I learned this in beauty school. My teacher (Mr. Peyton - I loved him to death!) told us this. He called it the "No Lye Lie" like you. From what he said, the reason they can call it "no-lye" is because the cream relaxer (in the jar) does not contain lye. The activator contains the lye. So technically, the relaxer does not have lye - until you mix it. I thought that was very interesting.

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That IS interesting....I did NOT know that.....

I love this forum. You learn something new everyday...

:O i never knew that...

Well, I always wondered what is truly the big difference between Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, or Calcium Hydroxide. I always thought it was just a matter of degree.

Yep, my friend is a hairstylist and she hates no lye...She calls it "The no lye lie". Ive had no problems with it though. Plus, I cant seem to keep lye in my hair long enough without feeling the burn, leaving my hair underprocessed.

ooooooooohhhhhhhh you learn something new everyday. i'm still gonna continue to use the no-lye/lye no lye whatever.

It doesn't matter what's in it guys...if it works for you that's what's MOST important.

I think the clarfication is for the terminology - not so much the product. If your hair is thriving, I say carry on!

CH uses no lye and her hair is LOVELY!

No Lye = Calcium Hydroxide


Lye = Sodium Hydroxide

I want to elaborate more, but, I'm tired and I don't want to put incorrect information out there. Shamboosie explained it well as did, Cheryl Talley Moss in her book. I'll go try to find it... and report back.

Okay, this is from Cheryl Talley Moss book: Healthy Hair Care Tips For Today's Black Woman. (She is a trichologist, Beauty College Instructor, and owner of a Hair Studio in Texas.)

"The simple truth is "no-lye relaxers" do contain lye. Instead of so-called "no-lye relaxers" containing sodium hydroxide, they contain calcium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide (which are milder forms of lye). "No-lye relaxers" do not process the hair as fast as relaxers that contain sodium hydroxide, and they are gentler to the scalp, but they leave the hair in a very damaged condition. They do not flatten the cuticle enough; therefore, they leave the hair shaft wide open (without any protection) just waiting for damage to occur. After using this type of relaxer, your hair will appear to be smooth and straight; however, after about two weeks your hair will look very dull and frizzy....."



"...professional sodium hydroxide relaxers are formulated to deeply condition the hair while it is being relaxed. They improve the hair's resistance to breakage because they contain conditioning agents that penetrate and remain within the hair shaft after the relaxer is rinsed out. Unlike "no-lye relaxers," sodium hydroxide containing relaxers seal the cuticles smooth, and will give the hair an incredible sheen."



Disclaimer: I am just quoting from that particular book.

I read that in my quest for a natural relaxer. I think probably the only TRUE no-lye relaxer is the one made by Phyto. But don't quote me on that.