The Return of Relaxers and How Natural Salons Should Respond

By: Angela Walker

It’s happening.

Clients are reaching for relaxers again and not just out of nostalgia.

This time, it’s about ease, budget, and boredom.

People want something new. They want something low-effort.

And in a time where inflation has touched every corner of our lives, they want something that doesn’t stretch their wallet or their arms on wash day.

So yes — relaxers are making a comeback.

But before we roll our eyes or brace ourselves, let’s talk about what we can actually do about it.

What’s Really Happening Right Now?

Over the past decade, we’ve seen a major rise in hair health awareness.

Clients have been rocking their coils, locs, building regimens, and finally seeing their hair thrive.

But with the return of relaxers, we’re likely to see a familiar pattern: a decline in overall hair health, just like we did before the natural hair movement took off.

This is where textured hair salons have a choice.

We can resist and reject, or we can educate, adapt, and lead.

Here’s How We Stay in Position:

1. Become a Salon of Hair Care, Not Just Hair Styling.

We have to double down on what makes us different:

Our ability to preserve hair. Nourish it. Teach clients how to care for it long-term.

That means focusing more on services that restore, strengthen, and educate.

Not just styles.

Not just looks.

2. Talk About Hot Tools vs. Relaxers.

For clients who want a silk press “just to switch it up,” this is your moment to teach.

Show them the difference between occasional heat styling and chemical processing.

Break down why one is reversible and the other isn’t.

Let them make informed choices, not emotional ones.

3. Speak to Both Sides — Without Shame.

Remind clients of the benefits of staying natural without making them feel judged for exploring something else.

Your voice can be a steady hand in the swirl of YouTube tutorials, TikTok trends, and that one cousin whose relaxer “worked just fine.”

Relaxers aren’t the enemy.

But confusion, misinformation, and lack of long-term thinking?

Those are.

As textured hair professionals, our power isn’t in what we tell people not to do — it’s in showing them what they could do instead.

Let’s keep hair healthy.

Let’s keep clients informed.

And let’s keep our industry grounded, no matter what trend shows up next.

The Gist: “The Return of Relaxers and How Natural Salons Should Respond” addresses the growing resurgence of relaxers driven by clients seeking ease, affordability, and change. Instead of resisting the trend, the article urges natural hair salons to respond with education, compassion, and a renewed focus on hair health and client empowerment. By positioning themselves as trusted sources of care and knowledge, stylists can guide clients through informed choices without shame or judgment.