Pros and Cons of Keeping Natural, Texturised, and Relaxed Hair

July 3, 2023 AVA HARRIS

The choice between natural, texturised and relaxed hair is a personal one and all options offer unique benefits and considerations. We are going to explore the pros and cons, and you can read our article on care and maintenance routine for Type 3, Type 4 and Chemically altered hair on our blog.

Natural hair refers to hair that is in its natural state, untouched by chemical treatments such as relaxers or texturizers. It refers to the hair that grows from the scalp without any alterations to its texture or curl pattern. Natural hair is often associated with individuals of African descent, as their hair tends to have a curly, coily, or kinky texture. However, natural hair can be found in individuals of various ethnic backgrounds.

Texturised hair is a popular styling technique among individuals with naturally curly or coily hair who desire a looser curl pattern or increased manageability. Texturized hair refers to hair that has undergone a chemical or heat treatment to modify its natural curl pattern. This process helps to loosen the curls or coils, resulting in a more defined or elongated pattern. Texturising can be achieved through methods such as chemical relaxers, keratin treatments, or heat styling tools like flat irons or curling wands.

Relaxed hair, also known as chemically straightened hair, has been a popular choice among women seeking a sleek, straightened look. This hair type undergoes the process of applying a relaxer cream or solution, usually containing chemicals such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, to break down the protein structure of the hair. This process permanently alters the hair's natural curl pattern, resulting in straightened or loosened strands.

Pros

Natural	Texturised	Relaxed
Firmer texture because it’s not altered by any chemical product or treatment.	Makes your hair more manageable, especially if you have tightly coiled or kinky hair. Potentially reduce the amount of time spent on your hair care routine.	Requires less day-to-day maintenance reducing time spent on hair care routine.
Wide range of styling possibilities, from wearing it in its curly, coily, or kinky state to exploring various protective styles like braids, twists, updos, or bantu knots. The versatility of natural hair allows for creativity and self-expression.	It can be easier to achieve certain hairstyles, such as blowouts, straightened looks, or loosely defined curls, without relying heavily on heat styling tools. Helps reduce tangles.	Relaxed hair allows for straightened styles that can be achieved with ease. Easier to detangle, style, and maintain.
Less chemical damage and is less susceptible to breakage caused by harsh relaxers or heat styling. By avoiding chemical treatments, women with natural hair can maintain healthier strands.	Helps minimize shrinkage, allowing you to retain more length and showcase the true length of your hair. This can be particularly beneficial if you prefer longer hairstyles or desire more visible length.	Less shrinkage, allowing for better visibility of length and achieve long hairstyles.
The natural hair movement has created a vibrant community of women supporting and encouraging each other in their hair journeys. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide inspiration and guidance.

Cons

Natural

Texturised

Relaxed

Natural hair often requires more time and effort in terms of care and styling. This increased maintenance can be challenging for individuals with busy schedules.

Relaxers or keratin chemical treatments used can potentially cause damage to the hair if not applied or maintained correctly.

Overprocessing or improper application can lead to dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation.

Like the texturise method, relaxers contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the hair and scalp.

The process of relaxing hair involves altering the hair's natural structure, which can lead to dryness, breakage, and potential scalp irritation.

It is not easy to detangle the natural hair. But you can ease it by using proper tools. Make use of hair combs that are suitable for your hair texture. Detangle the hair slowly.

Proper moisturizing and protective styling are essential to maintain healthy and manageable natural hair.

Requires regular maintenance to manage new growth and maintain the desired look. This may involve touch-up treatments or transitioning to a new texture as your hair grows. Maintaining a consistent and balanced texture throughout the hair can be challenging.

Requires diligent care to prevent damage and maintain its health. Regular deep conditioning, protein treatments, and avoiding excessive heat are essential to mitigate the potential negative effects of relaxers.

Natural hair tends to have significant shrinkage, meaning it appears shorter when dry compared to its actual length. Some women may find this shrinkage frustrating when trying to achieve certain hairstyles or desired length.

Once you've texturized your hair, it may be difficult to reverse the process and return to your natural curl pattern without undergoing a significant hair transition or cutting off the texturized portions. This is an important consideration should you want to wear your hair in its natural state in the future.

May have limitations in terms of styling versatility compared to natural hair. It may be more challenging to achieve certain curly or voluminous styles without the use of additional styling techniques or products.

Learning to style natural hair and finding the right products and techniques can take time and experimentation. It may require research, trial and error, and patience to understand what works best for individual hair textures.

Depending on the type of texturizing method used, there is a risk of permanently altering your natural curl pattern. While some people may desire looser curls, others may find that their hair loses its natural texture and bounce, resulting in a less defined or inconsistent curl pattern.

You must relax the growth of new hair after ten weeks to prevent hair breakage.

Relaxed hair texture can face too much dryness compared to natural hair because of natural oil stripping from hair roots. You should ensure proper moisture levels within your relaxed hair, which is essential.

The decision to have natural or relaxed hair is deeply personal and should be based on individual preferences, lifestyle, desired styling versatility and hair care routines. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Consider factors such as potential damage, long-term maintenance, and your personal preferences for your hair's natural curl pattern. Consulting with a professional stylist experienced in texturising and relaxed techniques can help you make an informed decision and ensure the best possible outcome for your hair. For further guidance, read our article on care and maintenance routine for Type 3, Type 4 and Chemically altered hair on our blog.