What is the typical pH of early relaxer products?

The typical pH of early relaxer products is often around 12, which is indicative of a highly alkaline product. This alkaline nature is essential for the relaxing process as it helps to break the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin structure, allowing for the loosening of curls or waves, making the hair straighter. While more modern relaxers may use a pH closer to 10 or 11 to minimize damage and improve hair health, early relaxers were usually formulated to be more alkaline, hence the choice with a pH of 12 is fitting as it unambiguously aligns with the characteristics of these older formulations.