Relaxers are one of the most talked-about — and misunderstood — services in haircare.

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Samantha Golding, founder of SG Hair Birmingham and a chemical-services specialist with more than 30 years of in-salon experience. Together, they demystify relaxers: challenging the idea that they are automatically harsh, outdated or one-size-fits-all, and bringing the conversation back to knowledge, choice and professional expertise.

Samantha explains that a relaxer is not simply a product or a process. In the right professional hands, it is a prescriptive service shaped around the client’s hair, scalp, styling goals, lifestyle and commitment to aftercare. She also explores where Texture Release may fit into a client’s journey, but keeps the focus on the detail, assessment and understanding required before any chemical service takes place.

From misinformation online to scalp analysis, hair mapping, home care and the reality of maintaining a style, this is a grounded conversation about what relaxers can be — when education and experience lead the way.

Revised Key Topics Covered

• Demystifying relaxers and challenging common misconceptions
• Why relaxers are not automatically harsh or one-size-fits-all
• Samantha Golding’s 30 years of in-salon chemical-service experience
• The difference between online “knowledge” and informed professional advice
• How relaxer strengths and formulations can be prescribed to individual needs
• Why the scalp, skin condition and hair history matter
• In-depth consultation, virtual assessment and scalp analysis
• The role of hair mapping in professional relaxer services
• Texture Release as one option within a wider, personalised approach
• Matching a service to a client’s desired look, lifestyle and maintenance routine
• Shampooing, hydration and home care as part of relaxer longevity
• Why skilled application, training and professional judgement are essential

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Samantha Golding / SG Hair Birmingham:
@sghairsalon

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:
https://avloneurope.co.uk/