What is the primary purpose of a relaxer?

The primary purpose of a relaxer is to straighten tightly curled or coily hair. Relaxers are chemical products formulated to break down the protein bonds in the hair, specifically the disulfide bonds in curly or coiled hair types. When these bonds are broken and then restructured, the hair becomes straighter and more manageable. This process is particularly beneficial for individuals with textured hair who desire a smoother, sleeker appearance.

The other options do not align with the function of relaxers. Adding curls to straight hair or enhancing natural waves involves different chemical processes such as perms or wave solutions, which aim to create or emphasize curl patterns rather than eliminate them. Lightening hair color pertains to color treatments that use different chemicals, usually focused on oxidizing agents to lift the hair color rather than changing the texture. Thus, relaxers specifically serve the purpose of altering the hair's texture by straightening it.