Permanent Hair Straightening
The Ultimate Guide to Sleek and Stylish Hair
Discover everything you need to know about permanent hair straightening, from the process to the maintenance and potential side effects. Get the sleek, straight hair you've always desired with this comprehensive guide. Welcome to the ultimate guide on permanent hair straightening. If you've been dreaming of smooth, silky, and straight hair without the hassle of daily styling, this is the article for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into every aspect of permanent hair straightening, including the process, benefits, potential side effects, maintenance, and more. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about achieving that perfect straight look that lasts.
Permanent Hair Straightening: An Overview
Before we dive into the details, let's start with a quick overview of what permanent hair straightening is all about. Permanent hair straightening is a salon treatment designed to transform naturally curly or wavy hair into straight hair that lasts for an extended period. It is a chemical process that alters the structure of the hair, making it straight and manageable. This treatment is a game-changer for those who desire sleek, straight locks without the need for daily styling.
The Process of Permanent Hair Straightening
To achieve permanent hair straightening, several steps are involved. Let's break down the process to give you a better understanding of what to expect:
Consultation with a Professional Stylist
Before undergoing permanent hair straightening, it is crucial to consult with a professional stylist. During this consultation, the stylist will assess your hair type, discuss your desired results, and determine if you're a suitable candidate for the treatment. It's essential to communicate openly with your stylist to ensure your expectations align with the potential outcomes.
Hair Preparation
To prepare your hair for the straightening treatment, your stylist will wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup. This step ensures that the chemicals used in the process can penetrate the hair shaft effectively.
Application of Chemical Straightening Solution
Once your hair is clean and dry, the stylist will apply a chemical straightening solution. This solution typically contains a combination of chemicals that break down the hair's natural bonds, allowing it to be reshaped into a straight form.
Heat Application
After applying the chemical straightening solution, heat is applied to the hair using a flat iron or a specialized straightening tool. The heat helps to seal in the straightened shape and make it last longer.
Neutralizing and Rinsing
Following the heat application, a neutralizing solution is applied to stop the chemical process and restore the hair's pH balance. This step is crucial for ensuring the hair's health and preventing any damage that may occur due to the chemicals.
Styling and Maintenance
Once the neutralizing solution is rinsed out, your stylist will style your newly straightened hair as desired. They may provide tips on how to maintain your straightened hair and recommend suitable products to use.
The Benefits of Permanent Hair Straightening
Permanent hair straightening offers numerous benefits that make it a popular choice among individuals seeking sleek, manageable hair. Let's explore some of these benefits:
Time-Saving
One of the most significant advantages of permanent hair straightening is the time it saves in your daily hair care routine. Say goodbye to hours spent blow-drying and styling your hair each morning. With straightened hair, you can enjoy the convenience of a wash-and-go hairstyle.
Low Maintenance
Straightened hair requires minimal maintenance compared to naturally curly or wavy hair. It tends to be more manageable, requiring less effort and product to maintain its straight appearance.
Long-Lasting Results
As the name suggests, permanent hair straightening provides long-lasting results. Unlike temporary straightening methods, such as flat irons or chemical relaxers, permanent straightening treatments can keep your hair straight for several months.
Versatility in Styling
Once your hair is permanently straightened, you'll have more styling options at your disposal. You can experiment with different hairstyles, from sleek ponytails to elegant updos, without worrying about your natural curls or waves interfering with the desired look.
Potential Side Effects of Permanent Hair Straightening
While permanent hair straightening offers impressive results, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects. Every individual's hair reacts differently to the chemicals used in the process. Some possible side effects include:
Dryness and Damage
The chemicals used in permanent hair straightening can strip the hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and potential damage. It's crucial to follow a proper hair care routine and use hydrating products to maintain the health of your straightened hair.
Scalp Sensitivity
Some individuals may experience scalp sensitivity or irritation after undergoing permanent hair straightening. It's advisable to consult with your stylist and inform them of any pre-existing scalp conditions or sensitivities before the treatment.
Hair Breakage
If the permanent hair straightening process is not performed correctly or if the hair is not adequately cared for afterward, it may result in hair breakage. It's essential to follow the stylist's instructions for post-treatment care to minimize the risk of breakage.
Maintenance Tips for Permanent Hair Straightening
To ensure the longevity of your permanent hair straightening results and keep your hair healthy, follow these maintenance tips:
Use sulfate-free and moisturizing shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for straightened hair.
Avoid excessive heat styling and use heat protectant products when necessary.
Minimize exposure to chlorine and saltwater, as they can cause damage to straightened hair.
Schedule regular touch-up appointments with your stylist to maintain the straightened appearance as your hair grows.
Incorporate hair masks and deep conditioning treatments into your routine to keep your hair nourished and hydrated.
Is Permanently Straightening Your Hair Safe?
Yes. But this also depends on the hair products that you use. The process involves applying a chemical solution, which affects the hair proteins and changes their structure. If not used in the right way, this solution can severely damage your hair.
Note: As a precautionary measure, pregnant women and new mothers are advised against permanently straightening their hair.
Did you know that you can permanently make your hair straight in multiple ways? Check out the next section to explore everything about them.
Different Ways To Permanently Straighten Hair
There are three major techniques to straighten one’s hair permanently:
1. Hair Rebonding
This form of a permanent hair straightening restructures the shape of the strands by relaxing, breaking, and reshaping the bonds. The process takes about 3-8 hours, depending on the length of your tresses.
Procedure
The stylist will shampoo your hair and divide it into sections.
They will apply a thick layer of relaxant to the hair and hold it in place with a thin plastic board. The relaxant is left on the hair for 30-45 minutes.
Your locks are steamed anywhere between 10-40 minutes, based on their structure and curl type.
The stylist then rinses out the relaxant and deep conditions your hair to boost moisture.
Keratin lotion is applied to the strands, and special hair care is taken to keep it well saturated.
The stylist will wash your hair after 30 minutes with cold water.
Finally, your hair will be blow dried and permanently straightened with a flat iron.
2. Japanese Thermal Reconditioning
The Japanese hair straightening method uses heat and chemical solutions to change the hair’s curl pattern.
Procedure
- The stylist will wash your hair and divide it into sections.
They will apply a chemical solution to each section and leave it on for 30-45 minutes. This solution breaks the protein bonds and restructures your hair’s natural texture.
The stylist will rinse out the solution with cold water and shampoo your hair.
Your hair will be exposed to heat for some time until it is straightened.
The stylist will apply another chemical to your hair to retain its new shape.
After three days, you have to repeat the process to lock the bonds permanently.
Trivia
The Japanese thermal reconditioning treatment was invented by Japanese hair expert Yuko Yamashita in 1996.
3. Brazillian Or Keratin Treatment
The keratin/Brazilian treatment is one of the safest permanent hair straightening methods. It also comes with the added benefit of protecting your hair from the sun.
Procedure
The stylist will wash your hair and divide it into sections.
They will apply a keratin solution to each section and leave it on for 2-5 minutes.
The stylist will run a flat iron over your tresses, smoothening and locking your straight hair structure.
Straightening your hair permanently can be time-consuming. While getting it done at a hair salon is always a great option, you can do it easily at home. Here’s the correct way to go about it.
Related: Keratin Treatment Vs. Relaxer: The Difference Explained
How Do You Straighten Your Hair At Home?
You Will Need
Oil or petroleum jelly
Relaxer
Gloves
Plastic rat-tail comb
Clips
Directions
Divide your hair into four sections with the rat-tailed comb. Use a plastic comb and not a metal rat tail comb, as the metal will scratch the scalp, and the chemical relaxer will burn even light scratches on the scalp. Hold each section in place using the clips.
Divide one of the sections into 4-6 equal parts.
Wear the gloves and apply some oil or petroleum jelly to the hair roots and the hairline to prevent the solution to run into your eyes.
Add the relaxer to the first part of the sectioned hair with a comb or your hands. Ensure that the hair is completely saturated and coated with the creme. Be sure that each section is completely straight and flat. If there is even a small bump, the chemical will shape the hair strands with the bump.
Repeat the same with all the sections of the hair.
Leave the relaxer on your hair as instructed on the package.
Rinse off the relaxer with lukewarm water and gently cleanse your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. This will boost the pH levels of your hair and moisturize it.
Now that you know how to permanently make your curly hair straight, let us look at some tips to ensure a smooth process.
Tips For Permanently Straightening Your Hair
1. Consult A Professional
Due to the use of strong chemical hair straighteners, straightening your hair permanently may lead to thinning and hair fallout, especially if your hair is weak or fragile. Hence, it is recommended to consult a professional who will suggest which process to follow based on your hair type.
2. Do Not Use Shampoo
Your scalp becomes sensitive after a hair wash and requires some ’rest’ time to regain its strength. If not given enough time to rest, it can negatively react with the chemical hair straighteners and cause a burning sensation. Thus, do not shampoo or condition your hair a week after straightening your hair.
Quick Tip
Use a sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo a week after your straightening treatment for clean and smooth hair. However, ensure that you shampoo only once every three days to avoid drying your hair out.
3. Detangle Your Tresses
If your curls are extremely knotted or frizzy, it might get difficult to coat your hair with the straightening solution. Hence, detangle your locks before straightening them permanently.
Related: How To Detangle Hair: Simple Tips For Different Hair Types
4. Opt For A Neutralizing Shampoo
The relaxer might burn your hair and scalp even after been rinsed out. A neutralizing shampoo helps combat this and prevents overprocessing your hair.
5. Condition Your Straightened Hair
The permanent hair straightening treatment can dry out your tresses. Therefore, apply a conditioner every time you shampoo to replenish the lost moisture of your hair. Go for a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week.
Let us discuss some other concerns related to permanently straightening the hair.
Related: 20 Effective Homemade Hair Conditioners: Benefits + How They Work
Is Regrowth After Permanently Straightening Your Hair Bad?
No. Using the right straightening products and deep conditioning your hair frequently can ensure your regrowth is manageable.
The hair texture and state of your regrowth depend on how you permanently straighten your hair and take care of it. For instance, overprocessing your curls can burn and damage your follicles, resulting in a weak, thin, and dull regrowth.
Unfortunately, permanently straightening your hair is not a one-time process. Repeat the process as your hair grows to maintain a sleek appearance.
How Long Does Permanent Straightening Last?
Depending on your growth pattern, the permanent hair straightening treatment lasts between 4-6 months. During this period, the curly roots will grow, and you need to go for touch-ups to eliminate frizzy hair.
Wondering whether straightening the hair permanently is a good idea or not? Scroll down to explore the benefits and side effects of this process.
Pros And Cons Of Straightening Your Hair Permanently
Pros
When done at home, permanently straightening your hair is quite cost-effective.
It can be easily done at home, and your hair becomes more manageable.
Store-bought relaxers tend to be less concentrated than the ones used in the salon. They can provide similar results without putting your strands at risk.
It lasts for a relatively long time (4-6 months).
Cons
This treatment can cause split ends, hair loss, and breakage if not done properly.
You need to avoid coloring your hair to retain its straight shape.
Depending on the process you choose, your hair may not turn pin-straight.
Infographic: Dos And Don’ts For Permanently Straightened Hair
Achieving flawless, pin-straight hair is now within your reach. As the article above indicated, there are multiple techniques to pick from and a few parameters you should be aware of before making the decision. However, aftercare is just as important as the procedure to ensure you make the most of the experience.
FAQs about Permanent Hair Straightening
Q: How long does permanent hair straightening last?
Permanent hair straightening can last anywhere from six to twelve months, depending on your hair type, maintenance routine, and natural hair growth.
Q: Can I color my hair after permanent hair straightening?
It's generally advisable to wait for at least two weeks before coloring your hair after permanent hair straightening. Consult with your stylist to determine the best time for coloring based on your hair's condition.
Q: Is permanent hair straightening suitable for all hair types?
Permanent hair straightening is most effective for individuals with naturally curly or wavy hair. However, the process may not yield the same results for everyone. Consult with a professional stylist to assess your hair type and determine if you're a suitable candidate.
Q: Will permanent hair straightening make my hair completely straight?
While permanent hair straightening can significantly straighten your hair, it may not make it perfectly straight, especially if you have extremely curly or coarse hair. However, it will make your hair more manageable and easier to style.
Q: Can I go swimming with permanent hair straightening?
Yes, you can go swimming with permanent hair straightening. However, it's advisable to rinse your hair with clean water before and after swimming to minimize exposure to chlorine or saltwater.
Q: What should I do if my hair becomes dry after permanent hair straightening?
If your hair becomes dry after permanent hair straightening, incorporate hydrating products into your hair care routine. Use deep conditioning treatments, leave-in conditioners, and moisturizing oils to restore moisture to your hair.
Congratulations! You've now gained a comprehensive understanding of permanent hair straightening. From the process to the benefits and potential side effects, you're well-equipped to decide if this treatment is right for you. Remember to consult with a professional stylist for personalized advice and to ensure the best possible results. With permanent hair straightening, you can achieve the sleek, straight hair you've always desired, making your daily hair care routine more manageable and enjoyable.
