Hair relaxers are chemical products used to straighten curly or wavy hair. They work by breaking down the protein structure of the hair, allowing it to be reshaped. This process can make hair more manageable and easier to style, but it can also lead to damage if not used properly. There are different types of hair relaxers, including lye and no-lye formulas. Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide, while no-lye relaxers use calcium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide. Both types require careful application and follow-up treatments to maintain hair health and prevent breakage.