

Explore your sign’s 2024 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
When it comes to what is in store for your career in 2024, the vibe is influential. The Astrology transits of 2024 are pointing toward musings, finding inspiration, planting new seeds, and nurturing your goals. It’s about taking your passions, hobbies, and interests seriously and turning an idea into material. This is a year of getting creative with what you are looking to go after within your professional world and about maintaining a confident sense of patience while they come about for you.
Jupiter will be in Taurus until May 25, and Jupiter in Taurus brings benefits financially, artistically, and when it comes to personal investments. The first half of the year is a good time to turn intentions into attainable goals and to create a new structure for yourself financially if needed. Jupiter then moves into Gemini on May 25 until June 9, 2025, and the second half of the year will be a good time for networking, putting your ideas out there, thinking outside of the box, careers that are based on communication, and opening your mind to what is possible for you within your career.
Your 2024 Career Horoscope Predictions, Based On Your Zodiac Sign
Jupiter in Gemini is inspiring, and this energy is changing the way we look at things professionally. Something healing is happening when it comes to the way we work and the way we handle the workday or environment. Changes need to be made, and there is a shift happening in the world this year that is geared more towards rest, collaboration, taking intentional action, and having a good balance between personal life and professional life.
The North Node entered Aries in July 2023 and will be in this feisty sign until early 2025. With the North Node in a sign aligned with leadership, courage, and independence, there is a lot of motivation to go after your personal goals in life right now and to forge a new path for yourself. Self-awareness is highlighted, and there is a need to stand out from the crowd, to shine in what makes you unique, and to be the leader of your goals.
You will find success by not being afraid to be authentically you in whatever environment you are in. At the same time, Chiron, the wounded healer, is also in Aries, and we are also healing said matters and wounds related to the self. Ask yourself this year, “What do you feel empowered to create, to be, and to become, and does it align with the current path you are on right now in your career?”
Read on for your sun and rising sign below to see what 2024 has in store for your career.
1.ARIES
You are learning a lot within your career this year, Aries. You are learning how to let go of things when you know it’s time to, how to plan financially so that you are not left feeling overburdened or restricted, and how to trust yourself and the dreams that are meant for you. The North Node is our direction in life, our goals, and our dreams, and with the North Node in your sign all year, you have a lot you want to accomplish and tend to right now. The vision is clear, but you are being reminded to go about things with more confidence and dignity rather than competition or fear of loss.
Jupiter, the planet of blessings, is in your 2nd house of finances and income until May, and the first half of the year will be a good time to experience gains financially and to set yourself up for future success.
2.TAURUS
There is a lot of positive and transformative energy flowing through your career world this year, Taurus. Jupiter, the planet of blessings, is in your sign until May 25th, and you are experiencing the benefits of this benevolent planet in your orb. You are seeing past goals and dreams come to fruition, your stature within your career is evolving, and things are overall turning around for you for the better here. On May 25th, once Jupiter moves out of your sign and enters Gemini, the energy then moves into your 2nd house of finances, and you get to end the year on an abundant tone.
You could be expanding your income this year or overall feeling a greater sense of financial stability. With Saturn in your house of community, you are learning an important lesson when it comes to working with the right people, sharing your dreams with the right people, and thinking big picture when it comes to your goals.
3.GEMINI
It’s all about perspective this year, Gemini. Maintaining a positive attitude while going after your dreams is needed, and there may be some ups and downs you are moving through career-wise this year. With the North Node and Chiron in your 11th house in 2024, you are learning more about who you want to work with and how to attract the right people into your life to help you reach success. You are also recognizing the right headspace it takes to feel emotionally fulfilled in life, and taking care of your personal life will help benefit your career a lot this year.
Once Jupiter moves into your sign from May 25th until June 2025, you enter one of the luckiest times in your life, and you end the year with opportunities falling into your lap. Remember to keep your focus on what you want rather than what you don’t want so that you don’t miss the gifts that are presenting themselves to you this year.
4.CANCER
There is a lot to celebrate this year, and you are having fun with where things are within your career, Cancer. You are working with the right people and feeling a sense of love and emotional fulfillment with what you are doing in your career life and the people you are doing it with. You are finding yourself being celebrated and encouraged, and with the North Node and Chiron both in your 10th house of career, you are reaching some significant goals in 2024. This is a year of expressing yourself and your ideas freely, having more fun in the workplace, and coming together with others who share a common goal as you.
There is a New Moon Eclipse on April 8th, happening in a career area of your chart, and this is when you will see a turnaround and a new beginning come about professionally. There is friendship, creativity, and love in the workplace for you this year, Cancer.
5.LEO
This year is about going after what you want, showing up, and being fearless about your goals, Leo. This is going to be a more action-oriented year for you, and you are feeling confident in the things you are showing up for right now. Jupiter, the benevolent planet of blessings, is in your career, public life, and reputation area of your chart until May, and you are taking on new opportunities eagerly. Your world is abundant this year, and you are thinking big right now. With the North Node in your house of adventure, this is the time to get inspired about where life can take you and to expand your horizons.
You are a visionary, you are a leader, and it’s time to think long-term about your goals and intentions. Take inspired action, trust your instincts, and be confident in the opportunities that are presenting themselves to you this year.
6.VIRGO
When it comes to career life this year, you are working, playing, connecting, and creating. You are shining in your creativity this year and connecting with people who you professionally resonate with. You are in a creative zone this year and are putting out a lot of work or producing a lot of the things you have been thinking over. You may also find yourself in more group atmospheres in the workplace, as people are coming into your life to collaborate and help you succeed. Jupiter is in your 10th house of career from May until next year, and the second half of the year is going to be the most successful time for you as things move forward for you quickly and harmoniously in this energy.
Your expertise is needed this year, and you are shining and gaining financially in the things you excel in and have worked towards. You are being rewarded for your efforts in 2024, Virgo.
7.LIBRA
Career life this year for you, Libra, is about taking a step back, looking at the options in front of you, and deciding where you want to go from here. Your professional and career life may be put on the back-burner a little more this year as there are other more pressing matters grabbing your attention. There is a sense of more rest, clarity, and inspiration needed to feel confident enough to move forward again, and you need some time to plan your next steps this year.
With Saturn, the planet of lessons and restrictions, in your 6th house of health, work, and daily routine for the year, this is an area of your life where you are feeling more challenged and need some time to grow here. The New Moon Eclipse in your sign on Oct. 2nd will be a turning point for you and when you feel like you can take a breath of fresh air.
8.SCORPIO
Career this year is about what you are saying yes to and what you are saying no to, Scorpio. There are a lot of opportunities presenting themselves, but you will want to make sure you are choosing from the heart and the head and not saying yes to things you will later regret doing. Aligning with the things you truly feel passionate about this year is essential, and you will see greater gains financially when you do so. The New Moon Eclipse on April 8th will be influencing your work and career life and will be creating a new beginning for you here.
Jupiter is in your 8th house of shared finances, taxes, debt, and resources from May until 2025, and this is a good time to see your finances increase, pay off debts, or feel a greater sense of abundance in your relationships and commitments. Overall, your career life this year is about choosing wisely, gaining financially, and experiencing a transformation.
9.SAGITTARIUS
This year is all about trusting your intuition in your career and letting go of what is not serving you while moving into what is Sagittarius. There may be some uncomfortable experiences you have to confront within your career this year, and you are being guided to trust your instincts more. If something feels too good to be true, or if something feels off while talking to someone in the workplace, trust yourself on it. Don’t be blinded by glitz and glamour; dive deeper into the opportunities that are presenting themselves.
Jupiter will be in your 6th house of work until May, helping you expand in your career and receive your successes- but not everyone may be happy for you in the process. Protect your energy, protect your assets, and focus on your future. With Pluto in your 3rd house of communication this year, you are communicating effectively, and feeling empowered to do so.
10.CAPRICORN
It’s all about your intentions within your career this year, Capricorn. You are already someone who is a more career-focused person, and you typically thrive in this area of your life. However, you also can lean more towards overworking yourself and burning yourself out in the process. This year is reminding you to work smarter and not harder and to release your grasp on unhealthy habits or work environments when they don’t serve you or your well-being.
You are gaining financially but may be feeling more restricted in the process if you don’t take the time to settle into and be grateful for what is- instead of always continuing to strive for more and losing balance on your other priorities. Pluto entered your 2nd house income in early 2024, where it will be for some time to come, and you are entering a new era financially this year. Overall, you are feeling a lot of empowerment and transformation here.
11.AQUARIUS
You are feeling in tune and well-prepared for career matters this year, Aquarius. This is a year of mentally moving through a deep space of growth, reflection, and wisdom, and you are putting this energy into your career and the people you work with. You may find yourself in more leadership positions this year, and people want to know what you have to say and what you are thinking about things. Pluto entered your sign at the beginning of the year, making you one of the power players of 2024- and you are truly a force to be reckoned with this year.
The Full Moon Eclipse happening on Sept. 17th will be in your 2nd house of income, and you will see some past goals and intentions come to fruition for you during this time. Your investments are seeing a return, and you are being heard and supported. You are closing one chapter within your career this year and opening the door to a new one.
12.PISCES
This is a passionate and inspiring year for you when it comes to your career, Pisces. You have the right energy with your goals, and you are taking intentional action here. This is a year of feeling confident in who you are and what you bring to the table and being seen as a leader in the workplace. Jupiter is in your 4th house for most of this year, and you are looking to create stable and long-term financial gains in your life right now. Stability is everything for you this year, especially with Saturn in your sign now, and you are building new structures in your life that are meant to last.
There is an Eclipse in your sign on Sept. 17th, and you are coming full circle when it comes to your personal goals and are seeing fewer obstacles ahead to reach them. You are mastering your creativity and your world this year and are meeting successes, Pisces.
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Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
Your May 2025 Monthly Horoscopes Are All About Blooming Softly & Trusting Divine Timing
May is about being patient, nurturing your dreams, and creating beauty in your world. This is a more stable and generous month than the chaos that April brought, and we get an opportunity for closure, healing, and rejuvenation this month. We are still amid some important retrograde transits, but these are ones we can navigate better by grounding our energy in the present moment, and not allowing ourselves to stress over the what-ifs.
With the Sun in Taurus for most of the month, May reminds us that there is beauty in finding your peace and not allowing anyone to disrupt that.
Pluto goes retrograde in Aquarius from May 4 until October 13, and this will be a time of remembering your power when it comes to your purpose, innovations, and the ability to attract support into your life. Mercury moves into Taurus on May 10, making this a good time for negotiations, creating new plans financially, and sticking to your word on something that holds value to you. The Full Moon of the month occurs in Scorpio on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year, signifying growth and seeing the beauty in your life.
This Full Moon is all about letting go of what doesn’t feel authentic or resonate with you emotionally, and about experiencing more closure and healing within relationship matters.
Your May 2025: A Monthly Overview
Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and we enter air sign energy, which is good for communication, business, and coming up with inspiring and new ideas. On May 24, Saturn enters Aries, beginning its new transit where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn in Aries is bold, direct, and straightforward, but so are its lessons. There is a gift in resilience and finding your strength during this time, and this transit will show you where your power is, but it may challenge you to confront self-limiting behavior in the process.
Mercury enters Gemini on May 25, and Mercury loves being here. Mercury in Gemini is the creative genius, and this is a month of aligning yourself with this energy. On May 26, we have a New Moon in Gemini, and it’s time to set your intentions for where you want a communication breakthrough in your life, and what new ideas you want to start planting the seeds for. This is a good New Moon for networking, exchanging ideas, having more fun, and getting inspired.
Article continues after the jump.
May 2025 Horoscopes for Every Zodiac Sign
Keep reading for your sun, moon, and rising sign below to see what May has in store for you.
ARIES
The impact from April is finally behind you, and you get to move forward this month, Aries. After a month of retrogrades and Eclipses, you are starting to see the progress of what you have been working towards financially this year. The Sun is in your 2nd house of abundance, self-confidence, and values this month, and you are putting your dreams here first.
With Venus also in Aries for the entire month of May, you are feeling the support within and without this month, and this is a beautiful month unfolding.
On May 24, Saturn enters your sign, beginning its transit in Aries, which will last for the next few years. Saturn is the master of tough love, and you are going to be learning a lot about yourself during his time and going through a growth spurt. The New Moon of May is at the end of the month on May 26 and will be giving you the answers and clarity you have been looking for, highlighting open communication in your life. Overall, this is your month of fewer obstacles and more progress.
TAURUS
Taurus Season is officially underway, and you are the main character right now, Taurus. Remember that. This month is about trusting your intuition and the timing of things, and knowing that things are working in your favor. With Venus, your ruling planet, in your 12th house for the month, you are seeking a lot of closure and culmination right now and are healing what was. Mercury enters your sign from May 10 until May 25, and it’s all about the perspectives you are gaining right now.
Don’t be afraid to ask the important questions and get down to the bottom of things that have been worrying you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 7th house of partnership, and you are closing the door on what has not been working for you in love. You are seeing the clarity of what you need within your emotional world and how you want to navigate the changes you have been through here now.
GEMINI
May is a new beginning for you, Gemini. You have a lot of energy and vitality with you this month, and you are ready to accomplish some personal goals and intentions of yours. For most of the month, the Sun is in your house of closure and healing, and you are finding yourself rejuvenated from the transformations you have been through. Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and with the Sun in your sign, nothing is holding you back from shining and living in your truth right now.
On May 25, Mercury enters Gemini until June 8, and Mercury loves being in your sign, as this is your planetary ruler.
Mercury in Gemini is forward-thinking, quick, and intelligent. You are coming up with solutions to previous challenges or obstacles, and overcoming something that has felt restrictive mentally. Before the month ends, there is a New Moon in Gemini on May 26, and this New Moon is one of the best times of the year for you to set your intentions and manifest your dreams. Remember you are worthy of what you are setting out to accomplish this month, Gemini.
CANCER
Cancer, this month requires you to slow down, take care of your health, and allow things to come to fruition the way they are meant to. There is a chance you could be overthinking more than usual this month, and you are being reminded that there is only so much that is in your control, and to give yourself some more grace. The Full Moon in Scorpio on May 12 will help you gain a little more clarity of the heart and is going to be a time of feeling the love and appreciation in your life.
Saturn enters your 10th house of career on May 24, remaining here over the next few years, and you are getting an opportunity to grow and discover where you may have been limiting yourself professionally, socially, or within your aspirations in life. This time is all about reminding yourself that you deserve recognition for the work you do, but that you must also be the one believing in yourself as well. On May 12, there is a New Moon in your house of emotional healing, and you are seeing the gifts of alone time, safe spaces, and tending to your creative inklings at the end of the month.
LEO
This month is an opportunity for a new beginning in love and progress within your emotional world, Leo. You are learning to trust your intuition more, and you are putting more of your energy into your heart’s desires. With the Sun in your 10th house for most of the month, you are shining in your truth and remaining confident in your goals in life.
Venus is in your house of adventure for the entire month, and this is a good time for experiencing romance while traveling or getting out of your comfort zone a little.
Saturn makes a significant move from Pisces into Aries at the end of the month and enters your 9th house. With Saturn here, you will be learning more about what mental growth and clarity mean to you, and this is a good time to dedicate yourself to higher education, traveling, gaining a new perspective, and honoring your integrity and values. The New Moon of the month is on May 26, creating magic within your friendships and community.
You are leaving this month with hope in your heart and new plans for the future.
VIRGO
May is a month of abundance and fruition for you, Virgo. Your dreams and intentions are coming to fruition, and you are owning that which you have created for yourself. With Venus in Aries, this is a good time for seeing support in your life financially, dedicating yourself to your commitments and responsibilities, and seeing the gifts in that. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and this is an intuitive time for you, giving you the strength needed to close the chapter on what you don’t resonate with anymore.
On May 24, Saturn enters your house of shared finances, rebirth, intimacy, and resources, and over the next few years, you will be learning the importance of connecting with people who truly have your best interest at heart, and not committing to what feels unstable. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your house of career, and this is a good time to manifest and set your intentions for where you want to see professional growth in your life.
Overall, May is about embracing your freedom while honoring the people and connections that help you grow and make you feel more secure in life.
LIBRA
This is a month of feeling empowered and ready to take on anything that comes your way, Libra. You are inspired by the progress you are making in your life right now, and with Venus in your 7th house of love, you are being well-received. This is a month of finding your balance between your path and the growth of your relationships, and there is a sense of support, harmony, and love in your life in May.
You are owning your authenticity and living in your truth fully, and this energy is magnetic.
However, Saturn also enters your 7th house of love this month, where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn empowers and helps you grow, but you can also feel a little more challenged within your relationships during this time. The more you can own your wants and needs, the more you can find vulnerability and support within your relationships. On May 26, a New Moon in a fellow air sign occurs and happens in your 9th house, creating a chance at a new adventure and an opportunity to discover some new inspiration.
SCORPIO
May is about believing in the impossible, Scorpio. It’s time to take a leap of faith in yourself and to remember your power. You are seeking a new beginning in your life, and with the Sun in your 7th house of love for most of the month, you are being supported and encouraged in the process. Pluto, one of your ruling planets, goes retrograde in your house of home and family from May 4 until October, and you are gaining clarity on the people and support systems you can rely on more.
The Full Moon of the month is in your sign on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year. You are in full bloom and ready for whatever is next for you, and this is beautiful. Previous intentions and goals come to fruition for you overall in mid-May, and there is a lot to look forward to right now as you are getting excited about it all. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your 8th house, creating a sense of empowerment through what you are looking to change and transform in your life right now.
This month is about not being afraid to take more risks and doing things your own way.
SAGITTARIUS
May is a beautiful month of magic, success, and good fortune, Sagittarius. You are feeling lucky this month and are attracting success to you in many different areas of your life. Venus, the planet of love, is in your 5th house of romance for most of the month, and you are enjoying your life, feeling the love within your heart, and expressing yourself freely in May. You are a magnet for your manifestations, and dreams are coming true for you this month, Sag.
On May 12, we have a Full Moon happening in your house of endings and closure, and you are closing out a big chapter in your life this month.
You are letting go of old pain or emotional experiences and choosing not to repeat a pattern that left you feeling hopeless before. On May 26, we have a New Moon in your sister sign, Gemini, enhancing your need for love, connection, and relationship development this month. This is a great New Moon to set your intentions for what partnerships you want to see grow, heal, and come to fruition for you. Overall, May is your month of fruition, balance, and believing in the magic in your life.
CAPRICORN
May is about slowing down and allowing yourself to find the answers you have been looking for, Capricorn. This isn’t the time to rush your progress or doubt where you are in life. The Sun is in your 5th house, and this is good for finding more time for fun, pleasure, self-care, and asking your heart what it needs. With Pluto going retrograde in your 2nd house of values and income, you are being reminded to hold yourself with integrity and to know that you are worthy of the things you are asking for.
The Full Moon on May 12 is a beautiful time to connect with loved ones or those who inspire you. The universe wants to show you that you are not alone this month and that you deserve to live a life where you can enjoy yourself more and manifest your dreams, rather than believing everything needs to be a challenge to be worthy. Saturn, your ruling planet, then enters your 4th house of home and family, and over the next few years, you are going to be rediscovering what home means to you.
AQUARIUS
Your guidance for May is to trust that what is falling from your life or changing for you is doing so for your benefit, Aquarius. Trust that what is happening is happening for you and not to you, and don’t doubt that you will rebuild from this. With Pluto going retrograde in your sign from May 4 until October 13, you need a break from some of the confusion you have been feeling in your personal life, and you are getting a chance to gain a new perspective this month.
Use this time to get inspired by change rather than let it bring you down, and ground yourself in the present moment more.
Saturn enters Aries in May, where it will remain for the next few years, helping you grow in the areas of your life that have to do with communication, networking, transportation, siblings, and education. You will be learning a lot during this time and will be finding new outlets for self-expression and communication. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini occurring in your 5th house of romance, pleasure, hobbies, and entertainment, and after a month of navigating endings, changes, and closures, you are ready for a fresh start and are receiving one in love now.
PISCES
Allow what is to be, be, Pisces. May is a month of allowing yourself to trust the timing of the universe and not giving up hope that things are going to turn out beautifully for you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in fellow water sign, Scorpio, and this is a time to get inspired and see the benefits of closure. This Full Moon is about gaining a new perspective and not doubting what is clearer to you now, that you are worthy of a new beginning.
On May 24, Saturn moves into your 2nd house of income, and you are going to be moving through a journey of developing financially, and working on maintaining stability while building new foundations in your life. The New Moon in Gemini at the end of the month is about setting your intentions for your home and family life and creating some new energy here. Overall, May is your month of breaking ground on the things you want to create for yourself and trusting the timing of how things are unfolding.
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Is It Time To Go Back To A Relaxer? These Questions Might Help You Decide.
During my 25 years of being a full-time writer, I’ve definitely penned for a few hair magazines and websites before. One time, I remember being asked to cover what might appear to be a really random question — and yet, if you stop to really ponder it, it’s one that has crossed many Black women’s minds: “If I’m going to wear my natural hair, when’s the best time of year to do that and if I’m going to relax it, when should I do that?”
My response? Well, I’ll speak for myself personally and say I think that, although there is absolutely nothing wrong with shrinkage (it actually speaks to how healthy your curls and coils are), if you want to wear all-natural styles with as little of it as possible, cooler months are best. On the other hand, since the warmer seasons tend to have a lot more humidity in them, if you want to rock a straight(er) style, relaxing your locks makes more sense during the spring and summertime.
And, as life (and timing) would have it, the latter is where we are right now. So, if you are seriously thinking about chemically straightening your hair, although I totally get it, before you take the leap, please make sure to ask yourself the following five questions, just so you won’t have any regrets if you actually do.
1. Why Am I Doing It?
One of my girlfriends? She has an incredible head of hair. I wanna say that her texture is probably hovering somewhere between 3b-4a, and it only takes her about six months to go from a bob to well past her bra strap. Anyway, although when I first met her, she rocked a relaxer, for about a decade, she then went completely natural. Then, one day, she announced to me that she was going back to the white stuff. When I asked her why, she said that although she loved natural hair, all of the time that went into the care and maintenance of it was starting to get on her nerves.
I ain’t got no lies to tell you: When she said it, I was devastated like it was my own hair, mostly because I had grown so accustomed to seeing her thick curly locks. Plus, I’m aware of some of the risks that come with relaxers (more on that in a sec). Still, it ain’t my head, and also, since she would flat iron her hair quite a bit without properly prepping it in order to avoid heat damage, it’s not like I didn’t see where she was coming from. I wanna say that she’s been relaxing her hair, this time, for about 4-5 years now. I’ve asked her if she has any regrets. She has been emphatic that her answer is “no.”
Me? I’ve been pretty natural for most of my adult life. I frame it that way because back when my hair was ultra short, I would sometimes put a texturizer in it (which is basically a mild relaxer, if we’re gonna be real about it). However, there have only been two times when I’ve taken the very clear relaxer route, and both were to achieve a particular hairstyle — once a straight short bob and another time a modified mohawk. The bob I kind of regretted because once I was “over it,” I had to cut my hair to get back to my natural texture.
The mohawk? Eh, not so much because the sides were super low anyway. Still, just like going from relaxed to natural is a transition (makes me think about the book and then filmNappily Ever After), so is going from relaxed to natural — which is why the first thing you should ask yourself is your reason(s) for relaxing your hair, so that you can also ponder the costs that come with making the choice.
2. Am I Aware of the Risks?
A few years ago, Glamour published an article entitled, “It’s My Hair and I’ll Relax It—Or Not—If I Want To.” Back in 2023, Essence published an article entitled, “Why Some Black Women Are Relaxing Their Hair Again.” Last year, Vice published an article entitled, “Black Women on Their Complicated Relationship with Relaxer.” As I checked them all out, that is actually what caused India.Arie’s song, “I Am Not My Hair” to come to my mind. At the end of the day, one of the most bomb things about our hair is how damn versatile it can be — how many options that we really do have.
Still, I would be pretty irresponsible if I didn’t mention in a relaxer-themed article that there is quite a bit of research that says that relaxers really aren’t the best for our overall health and well-being. For instance, last year, NPR published the article, “Thousands of Black women are suing chemical relaxer makers over cancer risks” which was probably, at least partially inspired by, “First Large Study of Hair Relaxers Among Black Women Finds Increased Risk of Uterine Cancer” (NPR also just recently published an article about shampoos, lotions and eyelash glues that are harmful to our health as well).
In 2023, NBC News featured a piece entitled, “What Black women should know about hair relaxers and their health;” one of the things it said was “postmenopausal Black women who have used chemical hair relaxers more than twice a year or for more than five years have an increased risk of developing uterine cancer.” Know what else? It should also go on record that, beyond cancer, relaxers pose the threat of uterine fibroids, premature births, and even infertility.
Should that “scare” you into not relaxing your hair? Eh, it should make you more aware of the risks. That said, I would also be amiss if I didn’t say that there are some relaxer options that are certainly safer than others (you can read more about those here). Still, if you knew that there were other ways to straighten your locks without “chancing it” when it comes to chemical relaxers at all, wouldn’t you want to at least…consider them?
This brings me to the next question that you should ask yourself.
3. Have I Researched Other Straightening Alternatives?
A few weeks ago, Who What Wear published an article entitled, “TikTok Says Becoming a ‘Straight Natural’ Is a Hairstyling Hack—I Asked an Expert for the Facts.” It naturally piqued my interest because that’s pretty much what I am: on wash day, I will blow-out my hair and then I will braid it up to keep it stretched, basically until it’s time to wash it again. Personally, it has served me well because it reduces tangling and chances for fairy knots to pop up, plus, it helps me to handle my hair more gently (because I’m not exactly the best at doing that).
This means that no, I don’t need or use a relaxer, even though I do prefer to wear my hair stretched out. Instead, I use a blow dryer. That’s one alternative to achieving straight(er) hair.
Some others?
- You can flat-iron your hair
- You can apply keratin treatments
- You can do a silk press
- You can put your hair in rollers
- There are quite a few straightening sprays and creams that can get the job done too (although you oftentimes need to use them with heat, and many contain silicones if those aren’t your thing)
BONUS: If you want to simply stretch your natural hair without heat, some options for that arehere.
Now, I won’t lie, a perk to going the relaxer route is your hair remains permanently straight, even in the roughest of weather conditions while these alternatives are temporary solutions (some lasting longer than others). However, if you want to go in between curly and straight without any potentially harmful chemicals putting your health at risk, now you know some other proven things that you can do.
4. Have I Fully Processed the Upkeep That Is Involved?
The time it takes to sit up in a beauty salon. Chile, back when I was in college, that inspired me to teach myself how to cut my own hair (fades ‘n all) — that’s why, it’s been only a handful of times that I’ve been in a beauty shop since. And don’t get me started on the prices! In fact, I just recently checked out the current average prices for certain hair treatments in the US:
- Women’s haircut: $10-90
- Hair Color: $75-200
- Highlights: $20-200
- Styling: $10-65
- Permanent Hair Straightening: $40-425 ($425?!)
Now, to be fair, when it comes to seeing a professional for certain natural styles, here are some of the costs for that:
- Braids: $40-200
- Locs: $50-150
- Retightening Sisterlocks: $100-250 (and it’s recommended to do this at least six times a year)
However, natural hairstyles oftentimes tend to last longer, and you can do certain ones on your own. Meanwhile, getting a retouch? While some prefer to do it every six weeks, every eight weeks is typically the norm. Plus, it’s not just you’re getting a relaxer, right? Oftentimes, a cut and possibly a retouch of color is thrown up in there, too, and that can really add up.
Not to say that, even if you do your natural hair at home, some of the hair products are not the cheapest on the planet. Understood. All I’m saying, though, is — I’ve been doing my own hair for years, and the products that I use last for many months on end. Back when I was getting a relaxer, though? In the grand scheme of things, I was definitely spending more money overall.
And with this current administration that we have, chile…CHILE.
5. Have You Taken a Month to Make Sure It’s Not a Knee-Jerk Response?
Relaxers are a lot like tattoos in the sense that, once you get them, there’s no turning back. So, if you’re a naturalista who is thinking about putting the “cream crack” in, simply because you’ve had a few bad hair days — before you book a hair appointment or even go to a beauty supply store to get a ready-made relaxer to apply yourself, pause…to really think about what you’re doing.
And by “pause,” I recommend taking a good month, just to make sure that you’re making a logical decision and not just having an emotional reaction. Because again, once it’s straight, it’s straight until/unless you decide to grow your natural hair back out — and boy, is that a process (check out “The Truth About Transitioning From Relaxed To Natural”)…sometimes more of one than we considered before taking the cream crack leap.
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Listen, you’re all the way grown, and when it comes to your hair, you certainly can do whatever the hell you want to do. That said, I did decide to end this with a feature from Only One Jess’s channel because…just look at our natural hair and all that it is capable of. Beautiful.
As I close this out, as with pretty much all things in this life, relaxed hair certainly comes with its own benefits. Of course, it does because, if there were none, who would have relaxed locks at all? All I’m saying is it does come with some “count the costs” to really consider, too, and I want to make sure that you always keep those in mind as well.
I’m hoping this article brought this main point home, so that if you do decide to go permanently straight (perhaps again), you can feel 100 percent good about your decision.
With — like the friend whom I mentioned earlier — not one single regret. From root to tip.
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Featured image by L Julia/Shutterstock