Top 5 Permanent Hair Straightening Techniques

There are a few things to know about permanent hair straightening. First know that permanent is a relative term, your hair will remain straight with maintenance, and only until more hair grows.

The new growth will not be straight. Maintenance is the key to keeping your straightened hair smooth and healthy.

Effective Permanent Hair Straightening Methods

Japanese Straightening

It is the most common salon procedure and lasts up to six months. The first step is applying cream to the hair for an amount of time determined by the condition of the hair. Then a hot iron is applied to the hair. After that an additional chemical is set in the hair and rinsed out with conditioner, finally the hair is blown out and will remain sleek and smooth until it grows out.

Keratin Hair Straightening

It lasts a slightly shorter time, however it is also a less abrasive approach to hair straightening. Keratin hair straightening is also known as Brazilian hair straightening. The process of Keratin hair straightening is simple, a keratin solution (keratin is in your hair and bones) is applied to the hair and then sealed in with a flat iron.

Cold Smoothing

It is a process that relies on chemicals more than extreme heat to straighten hair. Cold smoothing is considered permanent; however lasts a little less time than thermal conditioning methods.

Hair Relaxer

Hair-relaxer is a method of taming curly hair that has been around the longest. It is the most cost effective, however it cannot be done to dyed or over processed hair.  There are two types of hair relaxers, lye and no lye. The lye relaxers or more harsh than the lye free relaxers. The process is similar to cold smoothing with different chemicals.

At home treatments for permanent hair straightening are good for women who have a working knowledge of how to do their own hair. It is also more cost effective than a salon treatment. At home treatments follow the same processes as the above treatments, but caution must be used not over process hair. At home treatments range in price from 30-250 dollars and if done right can work as well as the other options listed. Straightening at home kits can be bought at beauty supply stores, drugstores, and online.

These hair straightening processes can change unruly hair into smooth sleek and shiny locks, however keep in mind over processing hair can cause permanent damage and always use caution not to overdo it. There is nothing like a drastic change in appearance to boost a woman’s mood, and permanent hair straightening is an ideal way to make this big change.