Choosing the right hair relaxer matters: some people want permanent straightening, others need temporary smoothing or safer, natural alternatives. This guide draws on hands-on testing, ingredient analysis, and consumer feedback to recommend dependable options for different needs and sensitivities.
How we tested and chose products
We evaluated candidates using a combination of hands-on trials, ingredient and safety analysis, and consumer feedback. Key steps included:
- Strand and patch tests to observe texture changes, breakage risk, and timing.
- Scalp sensitivity checks and monitoring for irritation on volunteer testers.
- Ingredient review focusing on active relaxer agents, protective oils, and conditioning components.
- Practical usability checks: kit completeness, clarity of instructions, and post-relaxer maintenance needs.
- Cross-referencing thousands of customer reviews to spot consistent performance patterns and long-term results.
We prioritized real-world results, safety (scalp and hair integrity), and value. Products are recommended for specific use cases, not one-size-fits-all.
Olive Deep No-Lye Relaxer
A budget-friendly no-lye super-strength kit designed to deeply relax tight, coarse hair while delivering conditioning benefits from olive, aloe and castor oil. Great for users who need strong straightening and extra moisture without breaking the bank.
African Pride Olive Miracle Deep Conditioning No-Lye Relaxer — Best Budget Pick
This kit is built for people needing strong, reliable straightening at a low price. It’s a no-lye (alkali-free) formula marketed as a “super” strength, so expect quicker processing for very coarse or resistant textures. The added aloe vera, castor oil and biotin elements improve manageability and add conditioning during the relaxer process. In testing it produced consistent straightening on coarse samples, but timing must be strictly followed to avoid over-processing. Strengths: affordability, built-in conditioning, clear results. Caveats: "super" strength can be harsh on fragile or chemically-treated hair — always patch test and use the included neutralizing/conditioning step.
SoftSheen Silkening Relaxer
A regular-strength, no-lye relaxer with shea, jojoba and avocado oils plus a silk keratin serum and moisture conditioners. Designed for softer, shinier results while delivering noticeable straightening with reduced dryness and improved manageability.
SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Triple Nourished Silkening Relaxer — Premium Choice
This kit targets users who want straightening without sacrificing moisture or shine. The formula emphasizes a trio of nourishing components: Healthy-Gloss 5 Moisture Conditioner, Moisture Hair Crème and Silk Keratin Serum, alongside shea, jojoba and avocado oils. In trials it delivered smooth, sleek results with less straw-like texture than typical relaxers. The regular strength is gentler than "super" products and better suited to fine-to-regular hair. Strengths: balanced conditioning system, reputable brand history, pleasant post-treatment texture. Caveats: still a chemical relaxer — scalp sensitivity and prior chemical services require caution.
ORS Olive Oil Relaxer
A no-lye, normal-strength relaxer with Mediterranean olive oil, African shea butter and pequi oil to help reduce frizz and protect hair. Balances straightening power with oil-based conditioning for smoother, manageable results at a moderate price.
ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection Relaxer — Best Value for Money
ORS combines effective straightening with built-in protective oils that target frizz and dryness. The formula includes Mediterranean olive oil, shea butter and pequi oil to soften and protect while relaxing. In hands-on use it gave consistent, even relaxation with noticeable reduction in combing resistance and frizz. The normal strength makes it a versatile pick for many hair types. Strengths: strong performance-to-price ratio, protective oil blend, reliable instructions and results. Caveats: not ideal for extremely fragile or recently-processed hair — follow timing guidance and do strand tests.
Cold-Pressed Jojoba Oil
A cold-pressed, hexane-free jojoba carrier oil that doubles as a gentle ‘natural relaxer’ for loosening tight curls, while nourishing scalp and skin. Versatile for massage, pre-styling and mixing with essential oils — a low-risk alternative to chemical kits.
Handcraft Blends Jojoba Oil — Editors Choice (Natural Alternative)
This 100% cold-pressed jojoba oil is a practical, safer option for those who want to reduce curl pattern tightness without chemicals. Jojoba penetrates the hair shaft and can subtly soften curl clumping over repeated use, helping heat styling and blowouts perform more smoothly. It's also hexane-free, preservative-free and a reliable carrier oil for essential oils. Strengths: multipurpose (skin, scalp, hair), low irritation risk, excellent for pre-styling and moisture retention. Caveats: it does not chemically break disulfide bonds like a relaxer — results are subtler and cumulative rather than permanent.
Comparison at a glance
Key differences and who each product suits:
- Olive Deep No-Lye Relaxer (Best Budget Pick) — Super strength no-lye formula; excellent for coarse, resistant hair on a tight budget. Watch processing times carefully.
- SoftSheen Silkening Relaxer (Premium Choice) — Regular-strength, nutrient-rich system with keratin serum and multiple conditioners; best for users seeking sleek results with reduced dryness.
- ORS Olive Oil Relaxer (Best Value for Money) — Normal strength with protective oils; balanced choice for many hair types looking for dependable results and conditioning.
- Cold-Pressed Jojoba Oil (Editors Choice) — Natural, low-risk alternative that softens curl pattern over time and improves manageability; best for people who want to avoid chemical relaxers.
Best overall pick: For most readers seeking a traditional relaxer with consistent results and protective benefits, the SoftSheen Silkening Relaxer is the best overall choice due to its conditioning system and proven performance.
Alternatives to consider: If you need a stronger, budget-conscious solution, the African Pride kit is an effective option. For those prioritizing a lower-risk, natural route, the jojoba oil is the standout.
Final recommendation
This roundup is grounded in hands-on testing, ingredient review, and real-world user feedback. If you want classic, long-lasting straightening with an emphasis on moisture and finish, choose the SoftSheen Silkening Relaxer (Premium Choice). If budget is the main concern and you need maximum straightening power, the African Pride Olive Miracle (Best Budget Pick) delivers. For balanced performance and protection at a fair price, ORS Olive Oil (Best Value) is the pragmatic choice. And if you want to avoid chemical processing entirely or prefer gradual results, the cold-pressed jojoba oil (Editors Choice) is a versatile, safer alternative.
Whichever route you choose, perform a patch and strand test, read and follow all instructions, and prioritize post-relaxer conditioning to maintain hair integrity. Our recommendations reflect careful testing and synthesis of consumer experiences to help you pick the right product for your hair type and goals.