Quick answer: Phytospecific PhytoRelaxer is a plant-based relaxer that uses a combination of botanical extracts and modified alkaline agents instead of traditional sodium hydroxide (lye) or guanidine hydroxide (standard no-lye). It’s marketed as a gentler alternative that texturizes rather than bone-straightens. The result is looser, more manageable texture rather than pin-straight hair. It works best for people who want to reduce shrinkage and ease detangling without losing all natural curl pattern. It doesn’t work well for people who want their hair completely straight. At $50-80 per kit, it’s significantly more expensive than traditional relaxers for a less dramatic result.
What Makes Phytospecific Different From Traditional Relaxers
Last updated: June 5, 2026
| Factor | Phytospecific | Traditional Lye Relaxer | Traditional No-Lye Relaxer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active chemical | Modified alkaline agent + plant extracts | Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) | Guanidine hydroxide |
| pH level | Lower (gentler) | 12-14 (very high) | 9-11 |
| Straightening level | Texturizing (loosen, not straighten) | Full straightening | Full straightening |
| Scalp burn risk | Low | High | Moderate |
| Hair damage level | Lower | Higher | Moderate |
| Processing time | 15-20 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Price | $50-80 per kit | $5-25 per kit | $8-18 per kit |
| Result | Looser curls/waves | Straight hair | Straight hair |
The key distinction: Traditional relaxers aim to make hair straight. Phytospecific aims to make hair more manageable by loosening the curl pattern without eliminating it. Think of it as turning a Type 4C into a Type 3C, not into straight hair.
Full Ingredient Analysis
The Good
- Reduced use of harsh hydroxides. The formula uses a modified alkaline system at a lower pH than traditional relaxers, which means less protein damage per session.
- Botanical extracts (jojoba, castor oil, shea butter) provide conditioning during the process, reducing post-treatment dryness.
- No formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. Some relaxer brands use these, which carry health concerns.
The Questionable
- Still contains alkaline chemicals. “Plant-based” doesn’t mean chemical-free. The relaxing action still comes from bond-breaking chemistry. The botanical extracts are conditioning additions, not the active straightening agents.
- Marketing language is misleading. “Natural” and “plant-based” suggest a gentle product, but the chemical process is fundamentally the same type of reaction (breaking disulfide bonds). It’s gentler by degree, not by kind.
- Limited independent testing. Most positive claims come from the brand itself. Independent cosmetic chemistry reviews note that the formula is gentler but not revolutionary.
Honest Pros and Cons
Pros
- Genuinely gentler on the scalp. Users consistently report less burning and irritation compared to lye relaxers.
- Preserves some natural texture. Good for people who want easier manageability without losing their curl pattern completely.
- Lower damage per session. The reduced pH means less protein degradation per application.
- Better conditioning during processing. The botanical ingredients soften the drying effect that most relaxers cause.
- Good for fine or fragile Black hair that can’t handle the aggressiveness of traditional relaxers.
Cons
- Much more expensive. At $50-80 per kit vs $5-25 for traditional relaxers, the cost difference is significant. Over a year of touch-ups ($200-400 vs $20-100), the gap widens.
- Doesn’t fully straighten. If you want bone-straight results, this product won’t deliver. It loosens texture, it doesn’t eliminate it.
- Still causes damage. “Gentler” doesn’t mean damage-free. The chemical process still weakens keratin bonds. You still need deep conditioning, protein treatments, and careful handling post-treatment.
- Still needs touch-ups. New growth returns in your natural texture. Touch-ups are needed every 8-12 weeks, same as traditional relaxers.
- Limited availability. Harder to find than mainstream relaxers. Primarily available online and at select salons.
Who This Relaxer Is For
Great Fit
- People who want a texturizer, not a straightener. If your goal is easier detangling and reduced shrinkage while keeping some curl definition, this is one of the better options.
- Sensitive scalps that burn with traditional relaxers.
- Fine or thin Black hair that gets over-processed by standard relaxers.
- People transitioning who want a halfway point between fully natural and fully relaxed.
- Children’s hair (by professional application only) where a gentle texturizer is desired.
Poor Fit
- People who want straight hair. This won’t get you there. Use a traditional relaxer or keratin treatment instead.
- Budget-conscious buyers. At 3-10x the price of traditional relaxers with less dramatic results, the value proposition is questionable for people who just want straight hair.
- Very coarse, resistant Type 4C hair. The gentler formula may not loosen the texture enough to make a visible difference on very resistant coils.
- People who expect “chemical-free” from the marketing. The product still uses chemicals to break bonds. The plant extracts are supplemental, not the active mechanism.
How to Use Phytospecific Relaxer
The application process is similar to traditional relaxers with a few differences:
- Do not wash hair for 3-5 days before (same as all relaxers, natural oils protect scalp)
- Do not scratch the scalp beforehand
- Apply petroleum jelly to hairline and ears
- Section hair into 4-6 parts
- Apply relaxer to new growth only (never overlap onto previously treated sections)
- Process for 15-20 minutes (check texture every 5 minutes by gently stretching a strand)
- Rinse thoroughly
- Apply neutralizing treatment (included in kit)
- Deep condition immediately
Professional application recommended. The product works best when applied by a stylist who can assess processing progress and ensure even coverage.
Phytospecific vs. Texturizer vs. Keratin Treatment
People considering Phytospecific are usually weighing these three options:
| Factor | Phytospecific | Traditional Texturizer | Keratin Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Chemically loosens curl | Chemically loosens curl (same chemistry, stronger) | Coats hair with keratin protein + formaldehyde or alternative |
| Result | Looser curl, some texture preserved | Looser curl, more dramatic loosening | Smoother, less frizzy, not straighter |
| Duration | Permanent (on treated hair) | Permanent (on treated hair) | 3-6 months (washes out gradually) |
| Damage | Moderate | Moderate-high | Low-moderate |
| Formaldehyde risk | None | None | Some brands contain formaldehyde |
| Price | $50-80 per kit | $8-25 per kit | $150-400 salon treatment |
| Touch-ups | Every 8-12 weeks | Every 6-10 weeks | Every 3-6 months |
Post-Treatment Care
Like all chemical treatments, Phytospecific-treated hair needs specific care:
| Step | Frequency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Deep conditioning | Weekly | Replaces moisture stripped by the chemical process |
| Protein treatment | Every 3-4 weeks | Reinforces weakened keratin bonds |
| Sulfate-free shampoo | Every wash | Sulfates strip color and moisture from treated hair |
| Heat styling | Minimal | Treated hair is already weakened, heat compounds the damage |
| Trimming | Every 8-10 weeks | Removes weak, split ends before they travel up the shaft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Phytospecific relaxer safe? A: Safer than traditional lye relaxers in terms of scalp irritation and protein damage, but still a chemical treatment that weakens hair structure. No relaxer is completely safe or damage-free.
Q: Does Phytospecific relaxer straighten hair? A: No. It loosens the curl pattern (texturizes) but doesn’t straighten hair completely. If you want straight results, you need a traditional relaxer.
Q: How often do you need to apply Phytospecific? A: Every 8-12 weeks on new growth only, same schedule as traditional relaxers.
Q: Is it worth the price? A: If you specifically want a gentle texturizer with less scalp irritation, yes. If you want full straightening on a budget, no. Traditional relaxers give better straightening results at a fraction of the cost.
Q: Can I do Phytospecific at home? A: The brand recommends professional application. At-home use is possible but riskier because even-coverage and timing assessment are harder without experience.
Phytospecific fills a specific niche: people who want gentler texture loosening without full straightening. It does this well. But the marketing language (“plant-based,” “natural”) can create unrealistic expectations. It’s still a chemical treatment, just a milder one.
For the complete relaxer comparison, see our relaxer guide for Black hair.