Soft Sheen Carson Advanced Relaxer System Review

 I had a reader to inquire about one of my previous blog articles regarding the Keratin Whipped Creme relaxer by Soft Sheen Carson.  I decided to test this relaxer trial size on some Type 4 hair samples.  The "afro" hair sample is in the picture above with the trial size relaxer system that I obtained from a hair show.

The relaxer was very creamy, and I had to be heavy handed to get all the curls saturated with the relaxer.

 I had to work the relaxer with my fingers (body heat), and I also used a comb.  Then I let it sit for another 8 minutes.

Upon neutralizing, conditioning before shampooing, some of my hair sample became undone and washed into the shampoo bowl.  Overall, I love the softness and straightness of the final results of this relaxer system on the remainder of the hair sample that remained in place.  This SmartLye relaxer system is not an aggressive straightener.  Total straighening time including application was probably 12 minutes.

I have no idea if someone with a sensitive scalp will be able to tolerate it, but if their hair is resistant, I do not think that this relaxer is a good fit.  You would have to work it through to get it straightened.

As far as the rinsing out of the relaxer, it did NOT rinse out easily.  I had to really manipulate the hair sample to release the relaxer from around it.  So obviously, there are a lot of conditioners in this relaxer system which like to cling.

Overall, if someone was using this relaxer system for home use, it may be perfect because of the conditioning aspect of it, and it's not overly aggressive, but seems to have to the ability to straighten hair even resistant hair with a little extra "elbow grease."  If you are sensitive scalp and have resistant hair, I would NOT go with this one.

Also, the trial relaxer product that I used to test with was probably over two years old but not expired.  Usually, three years is the standard shelf life for relaxers.

Product Corner: Optimum Smart Lye Relaxer

Johnny Wright introduced the new Soft Sheen Carson Keratin Whipped Creme Relaxer at the August 2011 Bronner Brothers Hair Show. They gave us sample sizes to try out. Anyone interested? Call me!
Celebrity hairstylist Johnny Wright says that Michelle Obama did well with this relaxer. The hair still felt strong after the relaxer. The model on stage had received this new "Smart Lye" relaxer as well. It has a patent pending formula. I have searched on the Internet for more information on "Smart Lye" but I keep seeing the exact same wording. 25% less sodium hydroxide. I have no idea what is supplementing this relaxer formula. I am a little skeptical of it. I did not see the ideal shine in the model's hair. It looked "mousy gray." Also, her hair texture looked like the typical Type 3 curl pattern that facilitators usually use to demonstrate their relaxers. When will they start using Type 4 curl patterns as models? Type 4 curl patterns are what "real Black hairstylists" have to deal with in the "real World."

Interesting enough, the new Keratin Whipped Creme relaxer comes in a "cool pouch" instead of a plastic tub. In my opinion, "Smart Lye" means be smart about choosing your relaxer.