What is the Difference Between Thio and Hydroxide Neutralizers?

Thio and hydroxide neutralizers are two types of chemicals used in hair relaxing treatments, particularly for straightening curly or wavy hair. The main differences between them are:

1. pH: Thio neutralizers have a pH around 10, while hydroxide neutralizers have a pH of approximately 13, making hydroxide neutralizers more basic.
2. Neutralization process: Thio neutralizers are moderately basic, and an oxidizing agent like hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate is used to neutralize them. In contrast, hydroxide relaxers do not require an oxidizing agent for neutralization.
3. Effect on hair: During the neutralization process, the disulfide bonds that were broken by the thio relaxer are reformed. On the other hand, the broken disulfide bonds in hydroxide relaxers are permanently broken and cannot be reformed, resulting in a more permanent straightening effect.
4. Chemical composition: The primary agent in thio relaxers is ammonium thioglycolate (ATG), which is also used in permanent waving. Hydroxide relaxers, on the other hand, contain alkali compounds like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and sometimes calcium hydroxide (CaOH).

Thio and hydroxide neutralizers should not be used interchangeably, as overlapping these chemicals can cause extreme damage to the hair and even hair loss.

Comparative Table: Thio vs Hydroxide Neutralizers

The main difference between thio and hydroxide neutralizers lies in their basicity and effect on hair. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

Both thio and hydroxide neutralizers are used in hair relaxing treatments, but they have different effects on hair and neutralization processes. Thio relaxers are less basic and need an oxidizing agent to reform the broken disulfide bonds, while hydroxide relaxers are highly basic and permanently break the disulfide bonds, resulting in straighter hair.