What is a Texture Release?

If you have tightly coiled natural curls and are looking for longer, more manageable locks, a texture release treatment might be just the thing for you. It operates much like a hair relaxing treatment, but without the need for harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide or a lithium, potassium, calcium, and guanidine hydroxide mix, which can easily damage hair and skin.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the texture release process, including its many benefits and potential risks, to give you a better idea of whether this is the right treatment for you and your hair.

How Does a Texture Release Work?

Texture release is a chemical treatment that alters your curl pattern by breaking down the bonds in your hair fibres. A typical texture release solution is made up of glyoxylol keratin amino acids, glyoxylol carbocysteine, and diamine. These chemical agents are applied to the hair, where they penetrate deep into the individual fibres. When subjected to heat in the form of a blow-dry and ironing, they loosen the tightness of the curl, making hair more manageable. The treatment is less harsh than using a relaxer and is semi-permanent, usually lasting 3-4 months before the hair’s natural curl reasserts itself.

What Are the Benefits?

There are several benefits to choosing a texture release treatment for naturally curly hair. These are some of the most popular ones according to our customers:

• Makes Afro and mixed-texture hair easier to maintain
• Offers more versatility in terms of styling choices
• Less damaging to natural hair than a relaxer treatment
• Lasts longer than straightening with hot irons
• Loosens curls, making the hair appear longer
• A temporary treatment, with no need to commit to a permanent look

Can a Texture Release Damage Your Hair?

Texture release products contain amino acids and keratin, both of which have been proven to reduce the risk of breakage in hair fibres. They wash out your hair easily, meaning they spent less time in direct contact with your hair and scalp. Compared to commercial relaxer treatment, they are considerably less damaging to skin and hair fibres.

However, it’s important to note that this is still a chemical treatment. If you have very fine or weak hair or sensitive skin, a texture release may not be the right solution for you. It is also recommended that you don’t undergo the process if your hair is already damaged by heating appliances or chemicals from a different treatment. We always advise that you give it a few weeks or so to recover.

What is Texture Release: Final Thoughts

For customers with tight, curly hair, a texture release treatment is the safest and most effective way to get the looser, longer look they’ve always wanted. It comes with minimal risk and provides an opportunity to make the most of your hair. It is a difficult process to get right, requiring the perfect mix of chemicals and hairdressing equipment to deliver perfect results. It’s certainly not something you should attempt at home. Texture release should only ever be performed by a trained and experienced professional to ensure you get the beautiful look your hair deserves.

If texture release sounds like the right solution for you, book an appointment today with Hype Coiffure. We have afro hair salons in Battersea and Brixton, where we welcome customers from across the South London area. Our award-winning team of Afro and mixed-texture hair stylists is on hand to offer professional advice on the best texture release solution for you. Call to book an appointment on 0207 870 2405, or use the booking form below to reserve your appointment.