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Three of our top hair-care experts answer your questions about relaxers
How do I choose the right strength?
JAMES
A simple test can determine the relaxer strength you need. Remove a strand of hair from your head and stretch it between your fingers like a rubber band to see how fast it breaks. If it breaks right away, you need a mild relaxer. If it's a little resistant, use regular strength. If it doesn't break at all, you can probably use super strength. Generally those with color-treated hair and fine hair need mild formulas. Super is best suited to wavier textures and gray hair that's resistant to straightening.
BENSON
Curly or kinky hair is not as resistant to chemical straightening as wavier textures are. In my experience, kinky or curly hair needs milder chemicals. It's the amount of time you leave the relaxer...