Relaxers are creams or lotions generally used to permanently relax very tight curls or kinks for a straighter look. Hair relaxing or perming can be performed by a  professional in a salon or at home with a relaxer kit. As the relaxed hair grows, new growth of untreated hair sprouts up from the root, therefore, to maintain a consistent appearance, it is required to periodically(between 8-12 weeks) treat new hair growth with a relaxer.