Compositions and methods for relaxing human hair with minimal damage to the hair comprising the steps of (a) preparing an aqueous mixture having a pH of at least 11 comprising (i) at least one base； and (ii) a pre-selected blend of dehydrated herbs； (b) applying the mixture to human hair for a period of time sufficient to effect a desired amount of relaxation； and (c) removing the mixture from the hair with a rinsing liquid.
