Permanent Hair Straightening

Permanent hair straightening is in vogue and in great demand too. Straightening hair, especially extremely curly hair, makes it easy to leave loose and manage. It also looks appealing and non-messy. Straightening hair reduces frizz while still keeping the shine of the hair and it is also useful to reduce the volume of very thick hair. Also, straightened hair remains smooth, is easy to untangle and does need to be blow dried or set frequently. The best way to permanently straighten hair is by chemical straightening. It is a long procedure, but the results are worth the time and effort.

How to Permanently Straighten Hair
This method of permanent hair straightening was introduced in Japan and later gained popularity all over the world. This method is also known as ‘thermal reconditioning’. It is best to get your hair straightened at a professional hair salon, as doing it yourself at home may not deliver the expected results and may also be a messy affair. The results are best obtained on virgin hair, that has not been chemically treated or colored before. Previously colored hair can also be straightened permanently, but the texture you obtain post permanent straightening might vary slightly. Here’s a description of the process used to straighten hair permanently.

Process
The process begins with the washing of hair with a pretreatment shampoo, that is free of sodium and rinsing of hair with lukewarm water. Then comes the application of a two-part solution known as the neutralizer. The first part of the neutralizer is applied on dry, detangled hair which enables the release of protein bonds in the hair. This solution is applied only to the hair, not to the scalp and left on for around five to seven minutes, depending upon the intensity of curls or waves of your hair. The solution is then thoroughly rinsed off the hair and the hair is blown dry. Once the hair has dried thoroughly, it is divided into equal sections and each section is ironed with a high heat, flat rebonding hair iron. This is repeated several times, until the hair becomes poker, stick straight. Then, the second part of the neutralizer is applied and left on for around ten minutes. It is then thoroughly rinsed off and the hair is blown dry. The process of ironing the hair is repeated once again. The hair should remain untouched for the next three to four days. Shampooing and conditioning can be done only after completion of 72 hours.

Maintenance
Chemically straightened hair needs a lot of hair care and maintenance, post the straightening procedure. It needs to be washed and conditioned with specially formulated hair care products for straightened hair. Blow drying should be avoided. It needs to be protected from the sun, dust and pollution, to avoid excessive damage to the hair. If not maintained appropriately, it may result in hair loss, dry hair and other hair problems.

Since hair is straightened permanently by the use of chemicals and heat, it is bound to cause some amount of damage to the hair. Also, if you are not pleased with your straightened hair, it would not be possible to get back your natural hair texture immediately. You would have to grow your hair to obtain your natural hair texture. Using protein based shampoos and conditioners, and frequent deep conditioning may help restore the health of your hair. The most important point while considering permanently straightening your hair is, that it would require six monthly touch ups, if you would want to maintain your straight hair look. This becomes an expensive and time consuming process which also causes more damage to your hair, every time you get it straightened.

Now that you know how to straighten your hair permanently, keep in mind these important considerations, before deciding to go for it. Opt for permanent hair straightening only if you are ready to face the problems associated with it. A better option is to use hair straighteners and flat irons, whenever you want to straighten your hair and cause less damage to your hair.