Mr. Lowe’s varied expertise in hair care and beauty affords him knowledge to contribute to the general public. He lists simple and straightforward communication that may be used as a guide for stronger and healthier hair.

One of the areas in which Mr. Lowe can educate and inform the general public is his knowledge of consumer debate between “no-lye” and “lye” relaxers.

*FDA has received complaints about scalp irritation and hair breakage related to both lye and “no-lye” relaxers. Some consumers falsely assume that compared to lye relaxers, “no-lye” relaxers take all the worry out of straightening.

“People may think because it says “no-lye” that it’s not caustic,” says FDA biologist Lark Lambert. But both types of relaxers contain ingredients that work by breaking chemical bonds of the hair, and both can burn the scalp if used incorrectly. Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide as the active ingredient. With “no-lye” relaxers, calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate are mixed to produce guanidine hydroxide.

*U. S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Consumer, January - February 2001

Mr. Lowe firmly believes that “no-lye” relaxers actually cause cuticle swelling as well as dry and brittle hair. The lye-based relaxer offers a smoother texture and look.

Lye-based relaxers are activated by sodium hydroxide. “No-lye” includes calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate, which are mixed together to produce guanidine hydroxide, as the active ingredient.