When I first started learning about making hair care products, I was amazed at how specialized and technical hair relaxers are, especially when it comes to getting good results with as little damage to the hair and safety concerns as possible. The hair relaxer market is growing steadily right now because people want safer, more nourishing, and professional-grade products that can be used at home and in salons.
In this article, I'll tell you about the top eight hair relaxer manufacturers in the world. These companies are known for their strong manufacturing capabilities, custom formulation services, regulatory support, and packaging options that help brands stand out around the world.
The global hair relaxer market keeps growing because people are becoming more aware of beauty, more people are using it at home, and there is a growing demand for gentler formulas. Industry estimates say that the market was worth almost USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and will be worth about USD 5.1 billion by 2033, with a healthy CAGR of about 4.8%. This growth shows that people are changing what they want in hair relaxer products that don't contain lye, are natural, and don't damage hair.
HSA Cosmetics SpA is always the first company that comes to mind when I think of European manufacturing standards and precise formulation. They are based in Italy and have decades of experience in cosmetics as well as strong OEM/ODM skills.
Their hair relaxer formulas have the right amount of conditioning agents to keep hair from getting dry and make it smoother while keeping the chemicals in check.
What They Have to Offer:
Best for: Owners of high-end brands and product lines that focus on salons.
Companies that can combine natural ingredient trends with high performance always impress me, and Naturo & Orgo does just that. They make hair relaxers by combining plant-based actives with scientifically tested relaxer bases. They work with brands that want to use ingredients that are good for the environment without making the product less effective.
What They Have to Offer:
Best for: brands that focus on natural beauty, eco-friendly products, and high-end holistic hair care lines.
I see the name Bo International a lot among brands that want to sell to both new and old markets. They can make hair relaxers in large quantities and have a lot of experience exporting them. They also have flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs), which is great for brands moving from indie to mid-tier or mass markets.
What They Have to Offer:
Best for: Brands that want to sell their products all over the world and have a lot of them.
Gorshow has a lot of different relaxer base formulas, from traditional alkaline systems to milder ones. Gorshow has a long history of making hair relaxers for people all over the world. They combine functional manufacturing with brand flexibility.
What They Have to Offer:
Best for: Brands that need a single manufacturing partner to make a wide range of products.
Shay Labs is great at helping hair care brands come up with new ideas. They don't just want a factory; they want a partner in innovation. I've seen brands use Shay Labs to improve the performance of their hair relaxer products by adding better conditioning and damage-control technologies.
This is possible because Shay Labs has strong research and development support and a lot of experience with contract manufacturing.
What They Have to Offer:
Best for: Brands that want to stand out from the competition and back up their claims with science.
When you're putting together a full set of hair care products, like shampoo, conditioner, treatments, and relaxers, Leezon Cosmetics is a great choice. Their OEM knowledge lets brands keep the same look and feel across all formulations while having great control over how the ingredients behave and how the texture feels.
What They Have to Offer:
Best for: Brands that want to make full hair care lines.
OEM Co., Ltd. is known for its full range of OEM hair care services, which include relaxers, conditioners, and styling products. They offer brand owners a lot of options from start to finish because they have flexible formulations and a wide range of packaging options.
What They Have to Offer:
Best for: New businesses and brands that are growing and have a wide range of products.
Xiran Skincare is best known for its hair masks and other hair care products, but their strong OEM infrastructure also allows them to make hair relaxers when requested. They are a flexible partner because they are dedicated to building brands, following rules, and designing packaging.
What They Have to Offer:
Best for: Brands that want complete hair care solutions with strategic OEM support.
| Brand | Specialization | Main Hair Relaxer Effects | OEM / ODM Availability | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSA Cosmetics SpA | Professional hair care OEM & private label manufacturing | Long-lasting hair straightening, reduced frizz, improved smoothness with conditioning protection | ✅ OEM & ODM (Full customization) | Premium hair care brands, salon professional brands |
| Naturo & Orgo | Natural & herbal hair relaxer manufacturer | Gentle hair relaxing, scalp comfort, reduced breakage using plant-based ingredients | ✅ OEM & Private Label | Natural, organic, and clean beauty hair brands |
| Bo International | Large-scale private label hair care manufacturing | Effective hair straightening, moisture retention, manageable texture | ✅ OEM & ODM | Mass-market brands, global distributors |
| Gorshow | Hair relaxer creams & chemical hair treatments | Controlled straightening strength, smooth texture, reduced hair volume | ✅ OEM & Private Label | Salon supply brands, regional hair care companies |
| Shay Labs | Advanced hair care contract manufacturing | Damage-minimizing hair relaxing, enhanced conditioning, professional performance | ✅ OEM & ODM (R&D-driven) | Science-focused brands, premium & performance hair lines |
| Leezon Cosmetics | Full hair care OEM manufacturer | Hair straightening with softness, shine enhancement, improved manageability | ✅ OEM & Private Label | Brands building complete hair care product ranges |
| OEM Co., Ltd. | Custom cosmetic & hair care OEM solutions | Customizable relaxer strength, smoother hair texture, reduced frizz | ✅ OEM & ODM | Startups, private label hair care brands |
| Xiran Skincare | Hair care OEM & private label manufacturing | Relaxing support combined with nourishment, reduced dryness, healthier hair feel | ✅ OEM & ODM (Custom development) | International brands seeking full-service OEM partners |
From what I've seen in the hair relaxer market, it's not just getting bigger; it's changing. People are looking for products that balance straightening performance with hair health, and demand is shifting toward safer, gentler formulations like no-lye or damage-reducing ones.
The global hair relaxer market is growing up, with a lot of progress being made toward safer ingredients, effectiveness, and versatility for both salons and home users. If you're a new business or an established brand, working with one of these Top 8 Hair Relaxer Manufacturers—each with a track record of successful OEM/ODM work—can help you make unique products and grow your business in global markets.
A hair relaxer is a chemical treatment used to permanently or semi-permanently straighten hair by altering its natural protein structure.
How it works: The chemicals in a relaxer penetrate the hair’s cuticle and enter the cortex. They work by breaking the disulfide bonds (the chemical links that give hair its natural curl or wave pattern). Once these bonds are broken, the hair is physically smoothed out and a neutralizing agent is applied to "lock" the hair into its new, straighter shape.
Hair relaxers are generally categorized by their active chemical ingredients and pH levels:
Lye Relaxers (Sodium Hydroxide): Known as "pro-strength" relaxers, these have a high pH. They work quickly and effectively but can be harsh on the scalp. They are typically used by professionals.
No-Lye Relaxers (Guanidine Hydroxide): These use a calcium hydroxide base mixed with an activator. While they are gentler on the scalp than lye, they can lead to calcium buildup, making the hair feel dry or brittle if not followed by a clarifying shampoo.
Thio Relaxers (Ammonium Thioglycolate): These have a lower pH and are often used for "permanent waves" or texturizing. They are less aggressive than hydroxide relaxers but may not be effective on very coarse or tightly coiled hair.
Many individuals choose chemical relaxers to simplify their hair management routine. Key benefits include:
Easier Styling: Relaxed hair is significantly easier to comb, detangle, and style, reducing the time spent on daily maintenance.
Reduced Volume and Frizz: Relaxers flatten the hair cuticle and reduce bulk, making hair more manageable in humid conditions.
Versatility: Straightened hair provides a smooth canvas for various hairstyles, such as sleek ponytails, wraps, or roller sets.
Long-Lasting Results: Unlike heat straightening, chemical relaxing is permanent on the treated hair, requiring only "touch-ups" for new growth every 6–10 weeks.
Chemical relaxing is a high-intensity process that requires careful application. Potential risks include:
Scalp Irritation and Burns: If left on too long or applied to a sensitive scalp, the chemicals can cause chemical burns, redness, and scarring.
Hair Breakage and Thinning: Over-processing or overlapping new chemicals onto previously relaxed hair can weaken the protein structure, leading to shedding and split ends.
Scalp Health Concerns: Frequent use of certain relaxers has been linked in some studies to scalp inflammation and potential long-term hair follicle damage.
Permanent Change: Because the disulfide bonds are permanently altered, the hair cannot "re-curl." The only way to return to a natural texture is to grow out the treated hair and cut it off.
A strong manufacturer should provide custom formulation development, OEM/ODM services, packaging & label design, and regulatory compliance support.
Development cycles vary by complexity but initial prototypes often take weeks to a few months depending on customization.
