Compared with lye-based relaxers, no-lye relaxers typically have which characteristic?

• A. They often require a base cream and have different residue profiles.
• B. They do not require any protective base.
• C. They always produce the same texture as lye.
• D. They are always gentler on all hair types.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how the formulation of the relaxer affects scalp protection. Lye-based relaxers use a strong alkali (sodium hydroxide), which is highly caustic and can irritate or burn the scalp. To shield the skin from this harsh chemical, a protective base cream is traditionally applied. No-lye relaxers are formulated to be milder and are marketed as not requiring a separate base, so they can be used directly on the scalp in many professional settings. That difference in how they are applied and protected on the scalp is what sets them apart.

So, no-lye relaxers typically do not require any protective base. However, this doesn’t mean they’re automatically gentler for every hair type or scalp, and residues or other care considerations can still come into play, depending on the product.