The most recent and advanced method of permanent hair straightening is known as Japanese hair straightening (also known as thermal conditioning). This system was brought to the US from Japan in 1998. It is kinder to the hair than the old treatments, which used hydroxides and lye. Various supporting products and treatments have been developed since 1998, which make this the premier hair straightening practice.

How will I know if hair straightening will work for me?

Look for a hair stylist who is exclusively trained to work with hair straightening. He/She will be able to assess your hair and give you a recommendation. Not all hair types are well suited for traditional straightening, but the new Japanese hair treatment will work well on almost everybody's hair.

The first step is to do a strand check of your hair. This will determine the best strength of the relaxer, which is to be used. Your stylist will examine your hair's texture, elasticity, and porosity, and will assess any damage present.

There are basically 5 kinds of hair products used: Chemical hair relaxer formula, Neutralizer, Petroleum cream, Shampoos designed specifically for relaxers and Hair relaxing conditioners. These will be customized according to your hair's requirements.

How long does it take?

It generally takes 3 ½ to 6 hours. There are 4 main steps to this procedure:

To avoid any chemical burning, a protective petroleum cream can be applied to protect the scalp and also to your hair it it's been previously relaxed or damaged.
A chemical hair relaxer is applied to loosen, soften, and relax your natural curls. If your hair is overly spongy or slightly damaged from being previously over-processed, your stylist may use a conditioner-filler before applying the relaxer. The relaxer is left on for the right amount of time for your hair, and is thoroughly rinsed out with warm water.
Then a neutralizer is applied to your hair to oxidize and reinstate its pH level. This is because if the relaxer created too high a pH, your hair could swell and break.
Next, hair conditioner is applied. There are two types, the cream conditioners and protein or liquid conditioners. The best type will be used for your hair, to bring back some of its natural oils.

Post-relaxing hair care

If a mild hair relaxer is used, such as Ammonium Thioglycolate, known as "thio", there is very little risk of your hair being damaged. However, any hair that has been relaxed will need special ongoing care, both to protect the hair and to keep the effects of the straightening.

Relaxed hair becomes a lot drier. So you must limit your use of hot blow dryers and hot styling tools and since relaxed hair is also more porous, be sure and rinse all shampoo out very completely. Use a shampoo that is designed for relaxed hair.

Many people like to have their hair competently straightened at a salon, but like to do relaxing touchups at home. This can work well, as long as you are very careful to apply the touch-up only to the new growth. Do not apply it to the previously relaxed hair because that will possibly cause it to break.

VISITOR COMMENTS on "Hair Straightening":

jen said,	28th February 07
how long would it take to strighten your hair with a flat iron?

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