How to Maintain Chemically Straightened Hair

Your hair is your crowning glory, but maintaining this crowning glory is a huge task for some. Whether straight, frizzy, wavy, or curly, all of us want the kind of hair we don't have. So when you have frizzy or curly hair, all you desperately want is straight hair. You're not wrong in wanting it, because managing curly or wavy hair is indeed an arduous task. Wavy hair particularly requires a lot of styling sometimes (specially when you're having a bad hair day), and this makes the entire process long and tedious. Choosing to get your hair chemically straightened then, may not be such a bad option after all. However, just before you go for it, you need to know the pros and cons, as well as the appropriate care tips for chemically straightened hair.

The Procedure of Chemical Hair Straightening

The process of straightening hair chemically involves breaking the bond structure that makes the hair wavy or curly, and rebonding it to make it straight. Chemicals are used to straighten hair permanently, so that you don't have to go through the process of using a hair straightener on a regular basis. The process of chemical hair straightening can take anywhere up to 2-4 hours depending on the length of your hair. Any such process is always followed up with a haircut to give your hair a defined shape. The most popular type of chemical hair straightening is the Japanese hair straightening technique. However, in more recent times the Brazilian Keratin hair treatment is becoming more popular as it provides a more naturally straight look to the hair. Such treatments will last for about 6-8 weeks at the minimum, and will have to be followed up as the hair grows longer. When choosing to get your hair straightened, you should consider the cost of the procedure. Now the costs depend on the type of treatment (Brazilian or Japanese) you go for, as well as the length of your hair. The cost may start at US $250 and may go up to US $600. The place you get the treatment done from will also be a factor that determines the cost.

If you wish to chemically straighten hair at home, there are several kits available at drug stores that are much cheaper than getting the treatment done from a hairdressing salon. However, also keep in mind that the risk of doing this on your own is much higher. First of all, you are not a professional, and no matter how clear the instructions are on the kit, it is a big risk you are taking with your own hair. Further, the quality of the products that these kits offer and their effect on the hair thereafter, cannot be guaranteed. It is therefore a better idea to get the treatment done from a well-known, certified hair salon.

Maintaining Chemically Straightened Hair

While the biggest pro of having your hair straightened is that it becomes so much easier to manage, the con is that it involves a lot of after care so that the quality of your hair is not compromised. You should know that the entire process of chemical hair straightening may alter the natural structure of your hair, so that it becomes more wavy or less wavy over time. Also, the quality of your hair may be affected. Though the quality of chemicals that are used to straighten hair has vastly improved over time, the chemicals used are still harsh, and maintaining chemically straightened hair then becomes very important. You will be given immediate hair care instructions by your hairdresser immediately after the treatment. Here are some tips on maintaining such hair in the long run, so that it lasts as long as possible, and minimizes the effect of the chemicals on the natural structure and quality of your hair.

• The harsh hair straightening products are known to dry out the hair and make it brittle. As such, getting yourself deep conditioning treatments every once in a while is important. You may also resort to hot oil conditioning at home, where you simply apply some warm olive or coconut oil on your scalp and wrap up your hair with a plastic wrap for a while before you wash it.
• Use hair care products specially formulated for chemically straightened hair. These help maintain the hair quality and have the treatment last longer. Specific shampoos and conditioners are available for this purpose, but confirm with your hairdresser which one you should use based on the texture of your hair.
• No matter which hair straightening technique you have opted for, your hair has already been exposed to a lot of heat in the process. As such, try to avoid the use of hair dryers and hair straighteners after your hair has undergone this treatment. Even the best hair straightener may cause your hair more damage, so you should definitely avoid the use of any heating products for the hair.
• If you wish to get your hair colored after you have had it straightened, first consult your hairdresser to find out if the process is appropriate for your hair. Remember that even coloring agents are loaded with bleaches and other chemicals, which will really strip your hair off all its nutrients. As such, find out if it is safe before you opt for it.
• Since your hair is now easier to manage, try to use a wide toothed comb instead of a hair brush to keep it under control. Hair brushes are likely to add frizz to your hair, and reduce the life of the treatment.

The process of straightening your hair chemically can largely alter your appearance and make you look like a completely different person. Any hair straightening treatment is bound to look gorgeous initially, and it can continue to look exactly that if you maintain it well. There are several methods by which you can straighten hair without chemicals, but these may not last as long as chemically straightened hair. However, they are natural procedures and are bound to cause lesser damage to the hair. In any case, if you have made up your mind to have your hair permanently straightened, make sure you take all the care you can of your crowning glory, that you have finally attained after so much contemplation!