Hair relaxing and hair straightening are both hair treatments that alter the texture of curly or wavy hair. However, there is a key difference between the two: Hair relaxing involves the use of chemical agents to break down the hair's structure and make it permanently straighter. This process can be harsh and can damage the hair, so it requires proper aftercare. Hair straightening, on the other hand, uses heat-based tools such as flat irons or hot combs to temporarily straighten the hair. This method does not chemically alter the hair, so it is less damaging, but the effects are only temporary and will last until the next wash. In summary, hair relaxing is a permanent solution that chemically changes the hair structure, while hair straightening is a temporary solution that uses heat-based tools.