What is the active ingredient commonly found in the most popular relaxer used today?

Sodium hydroxide is the active ingredient commonly found in the most popular relaxers used today. This ingredient is known for its efficacy in breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair, leading to the relaxation of curly or wavy hair textures. Sodium hydroxide facilitates a chemical change in the hair structure, allowing for smooth and straight styles.

This ingredient is particularly favored in many salon-grade relaxers due to its strong and effective nature, resulting in noticeable and long-lasting results for clients. It is essential that professionals handle sodium hydroxide-based relaxers with care, as they can be very potent and may cause damage if not used correctly, including potential scalp irritation or hair breakage if left on for too long.

Other relaxers, such as those containing calcium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide, also serve similar purposes but may appeal to different hair types or client preferences. However, sodium hydroxide remains the most recognized and widely utilized in the market for its powerful straightening effects.