Relaxer Comparisons: Type 3 hair versus Type 4 hair

The relaxer chart pictured was designed by hairstylist Benita Blocker based on her experience with relaxer services.

If you read straight down the column for Type 3 hair, then you will find that the relaxation process is safe and relatively painless. In addition, Type 3 hair can wait from 8 weeks to even six months between relaxer touch-ups.

If you read straight down the column for Type 4 hair, then you will find that the relaxation process is unpredictable, challenging, and has a high potential for scalp damage as some point with continued abuse. On top of all the potential challenges, type 4 hair typically need a touch-up every six weeks just to keep from breaking because of the extreme difference in the wiry new growth compared to the previously straightened hair.

Hopefully, this chart gives everyone the same perspective about hair loss issues amongst coarser and kinkier hair types.