5 Popular hair straightening treatments

Flat Iron Straightening

This is not really a straightening treatment, but it is a very popular method of straightening hair without using chemicals. When straightening, make sure the client's hair is completely dry before using the flat iron to avoid further damage. Since continually running the flat iron through the hair can cause it to become dry and brittle, try to always use a heat protectant spray and advise your client to stay away from the heat on days when the flat iron is not needed.

Enzyme therapy

It is a treatment free of formaldehyde and its derivatives, which revitalizes any type of hair. Its two main ingredients are enzymes (proteins that catalyze a repairing and smoothing action of the hair) and tannic acid (when activated by the heat of the iron, it fuses with the natural keratin of the hair, performing a molecular restructuring that helps to modify the shape of the hair and give it the desired softness). The protocol takes about two hours to perform and the results last from 4 to 6 months.

Chemical straightening (hair relaxer)

Chemical straightening or hair relaxing is the process of breaking the protein bonds in the hair. When a certain number of bonds are broken in curly or wavy hair, it becomes straight, however, as simple as it sounds, its execution by a professional is crucial to its success. For example, if too many bonds are broken, the hair will weaken and if not enough bonds are broken, the hair will not straighten. This procedure requires great care of the hair and is no joke. It is a treatment that requires quality and must be done in a salon.

Japanese straightening (thermal reconditioning)

Using chemicals and heat, Japanese straightening is a smoothing and conditioning treatment that promotes permanent alteration of the hair structure. During a Japanese straightening treatment the protein bonds in the hair are relaxed and then re-formed by hair cells. Those clients who cannot sit still should be aware that this is a lengthy process involving numerous steps... six to eight hours to be exact. After a few days, you will also need to return to the salon for about an hour for the final step. On the plus side, this treatment lasts six to seven months. As amazing and long-lasting as Japanese straightening may seem, in the long run, it can be very damaging to the hair, so be sure to inform the client of the dangers of this option.

Keratin treatment (Brazilian straightening)

Keratin treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years and with good reason. They are one of the safest techniques for straightening hair. Keratin is a natural protein already found in our hair, however, as protein content decreases with age and poor diet, so do keratin levels. The treatment adds a layer of keratin at the root of the hair giving it nutrients that leave the hair silky and smooth.

After a salon professional applies a keratin solution to the hair, a flat iron at 450 degrees heat is used to seal the formula into the hair strands, creating a moisture barrier that reduces frizz and gives the hair a shiny finish.

The best part of a keratin treatment is that the hair gradually grows back to its original structure and the treatment can be done repeatedly without worrying about damaging the hair. In fact, keratin treatments actually give better results with repeated use. While it is not the cheapest treatment, it will last about six months, especially if you follow the treatment with sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.

For best results people should be sure to see a hair care professional before embarking on the adventure of permanent straightening.

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