At-home relaxers occupy a tricky space in hair care. They promise salon-adjacent results without the appointment, but the margin for error is slim, especially for those with super coarse textures. The Originals by Africa’s Best Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Kit, No Lye Super/Coarse System, aims to address that challenge with a formula that includes olive oil and a no-lye chemistry. This review examines how the kit performs in real-world use, its strengths, and where it falls short.
The kit includes a no-lye relaxer cream, an activator, a neutralizing shampoo, and a conditioning treatment. The no-lye formula relies on guanidine hydroxide, which is created by mixing the relaxer cream with the activator. This differs from lye-based relaxers that use sodium hydroxide. The olive oil is included for its moisturizing properties, though its concentration is not disclosed. The system is designed for super/coarse hair, meaning it’s intended for those with tightly coiled, resistant textures that require a stronger formulation to straighten effectively.
In practice, using this kit follows a multi-step process. First, the relaxer cream and activator are mixed thoroughly. The mixture is then applied to the new growth, typically with a relaxer brush, working in sections. Timing is critical: the product is left on for a specified period, usually around 15-20 minutes, depending on hair resistance. After rinsing, the neutralizing shampoo is used to stop the chemical process and restore the hair’s pH. Finally, the conditioning treatment is applied to replenish moisture. The entire process takes about 45-60 minutes, not including styling.
The kit’s no-lye formula is a significant consideration. No-lye relaxers are often marketed as gentler on the scalp, as they don’t contain sodium hydroxide, which can cause more irritation. However, they can leave hair feeling drier over time because they produce a different chemical reaction that may deplete natural oils. The inclusion of olive oil aims to counteract this, but users with very dry hair might still need additional moisturizing products. Also, no-lye relaxers can sometimes leave a residue that dulls hair color or affects subsequent chemical treatments.
One of the main limitations of this kit is the potential for under-processing or over-processing. Super coarse hair may require the maximum recommended time, but leaving it on too long can cause breakage and scalp burns. Conversely, not leaving it on long enough results in under-processed, textured hair. This is a common trade-off with any relaxer, but it’s particularly pronounced with coarse hair. The kit does not include a neutralizer in the form of a shampoo? Actually, it does include a neutralizing shampoo, which is good. However, the lack of a pre-treatment protector (like a scalp base) means users need to be careful and may want to apply a protective oil or base to the scalp before relaxing to minimize irritation.
Compared to other relaxer kits, such as those from ORS or Dark & Lovely, the Africa’s Best kit is competitively priced and widely available. It doesn’t offer the same range of aftercare products that some other brands include, like a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. But for a basic relaxer system, it covers the essentials. The olive oil is a nice addition, but it’s not a miracle worker; it’s more of a supplementary moisturizer than a complete solution for dry hair.
Who is this kit for? It’s suitable for individuals with super coarse, resistant hair who are experienced in applying relaxers at home. If you’ve used relaxers before and know your hair’s tolerance, this kit can be a cost-effective option. It’s also for those who prefer a no-lye formula due to scalp sensitivity. However, it’s not for beginners. The risk of chemical burns or hair damage is high if you’re not careful. It’s also not for those with fine or already damaged hair, as the super/coarse strength may be too harsh. And if you’re looking for a completely damage-free straightening method, no relaxer can provide that; this is a chemical process that alters the hair’s structure.
In terms of results, expect straight, sleek hair if applied correctly. But it may not be as silky as a salon treatment, and you might need to follow up with a flat iron for a smoother finish. The effects last until new growth appears, typically 6-8 weeks. The regrowth will be your natural texture, so you’ll need to touch up the roots periodically.
Overall, the Originals by Africa’s Best Olive Oil Hair Relaxer Kit is a functional, no-frills option for at-home relaxing of coarse hair. It does what it says, but it requires careful handling and realistic expectations. It’s not a product for casual experimentation, but for those who know their hair and are willing to put in the effort, it can be a practical choice.