Permanent Hair Straightening: Everything You Need To Know

Thanks to permanent hair straightening, you can bid farewell to your daily hairstyling routine. This straightening hair treatment makes your hair easy to manage, style, and look oh-so-fabulous and chic. But, as with every hair treatment, there may be a few questions on your mind. Will this treatment damage your hair? Are there any side effects? This article explains the nuances of permanent hair straightening. Scroll down for more information.

In This Article

1. Is Permanently Straightening Your Hair Safe?
2. Different Ways To Permanently Straighten Hair
3. How Do You Straighten Your Hair At Home?
4. Tips For Permanently Straightening Your Hair
5. Consult A Professional
6. Is Regrowth After Permanently Straightening Your Hair Bad?
7. How Long Does Permanent Straightening Last?
8. Pros And Cons Of Straightening Your Hair Permanently
9. How Do I Straighten My Hair Without Heat?
10. Infographic: Dos And Don’ts For Permanently Straightened Hair

1. 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.

2. Different Ways To Permanently Straighten Hair

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

• 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.
• 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.
• After three days, you have to repeat the process to lock the bonds permanently.

Laura, a cloud engineer and a blogger, shared her journey with Japanese hair straightening in her blog. She said, “For the first time ever, my hair is now completely manageable. When I wash it, all I have to do is rough blow dry it and it’s poker straight. Since having the treatment I haven’t straightened my hair once with straighteners .

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

• 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.

3. How Do You Straighten Your Hair At Home?

you will need

• Oil or petroleum jelly
• Relaxer
• Gloves
• Plastic rat-tail comb
• Clips

Direction

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

4. Tips For Permanently Straightening Your Hair

If you’re considering permanently straightening your hair, there are several methods and tips to keep in mind to achieve the best results while minimizing damage. Here’s a guide to help you:

1. Choose the Right Method
   Keratin Treatment: Adds a protective layer around the hair shaft, reducing frizz and making hair smoother. It typically lasts 3-6 months.
   Chemical Relaxers: Breaks down the protein structure of your hair to straighten it. This is a long-term solution, often lasting until new hair grows in.
   Japanese Hair Straightening (Thermal Reconditioning): Permanently straightens hair by breaking and re-forming the hair’s bonds with heat and chemicals. The effect is permanent, but new hair will grow in with its natural texture.
2. Consult a Professional
   Seek out a qualified stylist with experience in the specific straightening method you’re interested in. They can assess your hair type and condition to recommend the best approach.
3. Prepare Your Hair
   Deep Conditioning: Start with healthy, well-moisturized hair. Use deep conditioning treatments to ensure your hair is in the best possible condition before treatment.
   Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools before your treatment to reduce damage and stress on your hair.
4. Follow Post-Treatment Care
   Avoid Washing Immediately: Follow your stylist’s advice on how long to wait before washing your hair post-treatment.
   Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Sulfates can strip hair of moisture and affect the longevity of your straightening treatment.
   Condition Regularly: Maintain moisture with conditioners and leave-in treatments to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
5. Protect Your Hair
   Heat Protection: If you use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant to shield your hair from excessive heat.
   Avoid Chlorine: Chlorine from swimming pools can weaken and damage straightened hair, so protect it by wearing a swim cap or applying a protective leave-in conditioner.
6. Regular Maintenance
   Trim Regularly: Regular trims will help manage split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.
   Touch-Ups: Depending on the method, you might need touch-ups to manage new growth or maintain the straightening effect.
7. Consider the Long-Term Effects
   Hair Health: Permanent straightening can weaken hair, so be aware of the potential for increased breakage or dryness.
   Natural Texture: Be prepared for your natural hair texture to grow back in, which may require periodic touch-ups or adjustments.
8. Avoid Over-Treatment
   Space Out Treatments: If you’re doing multiple treatments, allow time between them to prevent excessive damage.
   By following these tips, you can achieve and maintain beautifully straightened hair while minimizing damage and maintaining its health.

5. Consult A Professional

1. 
   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.

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.
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.

6. 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.

1. Texture Difference: Regrowth will likely have your natural texture, which can contrast sharply with the straightened sections. This can be noticeable and may require extra effort to style.
2. Damage Control: The process of straightening can weaken hair, making it more susceptible to damage. Regrowth areas can sometimes be weaker or more fragile, so it’s important to use gentle hair care products and avoid excessive heat styling.
3. Maintenance: To keep a consistent look, you might need to touch up the straightened parts regularly or manage the regrowth with different styles or treatments.
4. Health of the Hair: If your hair was previously damaged or overprocessed, regrowth might require more attention to ensure it stays healthy and strong. Regular conditioning treatments and avoiding harsh chemicals can help.
5. Alternative Options: Some people opt for less permanent solutions like heat styling tools or semi-permanent straightening treatments, which can be less damaging and easier to manage if regrowth is a concern.

Overall, while managing regrowth can be a bit of a hassle, it’s manageable with proper care and attention. If you’re concerned about the health of your hair, consulting a professional stylist for personalized advice can be helpful.

7. 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.

8. Pros And Cons Of Straightening Your Hair Permanently

pros

• When done at home, permanently straightening your hair is quite cost-effective.
• 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.
• Now, let’s delve into some gentler and less damaging methods of achieving straight hair.

9. How Do I Straighten My Hair Without Heat?

1. Straightening Products: Wash hair with a smoothening shampoo, then apply on a hair straightening or smoothening mask. Rinse it off with a smoothening conditioner.
2. Wet Hair Bun: Wrap damp hair in a bun, secure it, and leave it to dry naturally for a straightening effect.

3. Blow-Dry With Cold Air: Use a cold setting on your blow dryer while brushing hair straight.
4. Hair Rollers: Roll damp hair onto large rollers, leave overnight for smooth, straightened hair.
5. Hair Wraps: Use hair wraps to stretch and straighten hair without heat by securing wet hair around your head.
6. Straightening Comb: Instead of just air drying your locks, comb them as well. Comb your hair, holding it at the ends for some tension, until it dries.
7. Straightening Balms: Apply straightening or smoothing balms to wet hair and style as desired.

10. 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.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the dos and don’ts one must follow to have healthy, straight hair.

Permanent hair straightening involves using chemical solutions that can cause hair damage if not used correctly. Also, it is better to consult a professional to find out if your hair can withstand the chemical treatment. Already weak and brittle hair can suffer severe damage, so people with such hair should ideally avoid permanent straightening. Moreover, taking care of straightened hair is crucial as it becomes prone to dryness after the harsh chemical treatment. So, condition your hair each time you shampoo it. You can also straighten your hair at home. However, you may end up triggering hair loss and breakage if not done properly. So, practice caution. Be very mindful of your hair maintenance goals and keep optimal hair health as your first priority. Flaunt your hair’s beauty with your super straight tresses!