Buzz
Are you tired of the daily hassle of using a hair straightener? Is your hair starting to show signs of damage? Or do you want straight hair without the need for daily styling? Here are some methods to consider – from DIY home treatments to professional salon straightening services.
Steps
DIY at Home with a Hair Straightening Kit
Choose a Hair Straightening Product. Beauty supply stores or hair care product providers offer a variety of hair straightening solutions. You can even visit salons (or their suppliers) to purchase different products. However, you need to decide whether to opt for an alkaline or non-alkaline formula.
- Non-alkaline products are typically used for at-home hair straightening. The downside is that they may cause hair to become dull and damaged (similar to daily heat styling).
- Make sure you understand how your hair will look after straightening! Once treated, your hair will lose its ability to hold curls for long. If you want to occasionally sport curly hair, this method may not be for you!
Use protective gear. Protect your skin, hands, and clothing when handling hair straightening products. Wear an old t-shirt, disposable gloves (often included in the kit), and drape an old towel over your shoulders.
Mix the product. Typically, a hair straightening kit includes several tubes of cream. Follow the instructions provided with your chosen kit. Use a wooden mixing stick if available.
- Wait a few minutes before application to allow the mixture to blend evenly.
Apply Vaseline around your neck, hairline, and ears. This step is crucial to protect your skin from chemical exposure. A thin layer around the hairline works effectively.
- It’s vital to avoid getting the straightening product on areas other than your hair. The chemicals are harsh on the skin and can be harmful if ingested or if they come into contact with your eyes!
Perform a patch test. Never apply the straightening product to your entire head without testing first! What if you have an allergic reaction? Test a small section of hair near the nape of your neck.
- Apply the product to the selected area (avoid previously treated hair). Leave it on for the recommended time or until results are visible. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Check for any breakage or damage. If everything looks good, proceed. If not, do not use the product.
Set a timer. It’s extremely important to ensure the product stays on your hair only for the recommended duration. The packaging will specify the maximum time for the product to work. Leaving it on longer can cause severe damage to your hair.
Apply the straightening product to sections of hair about 6 cm wide. After the patch test, you can start applying the product to your entire head. Work on small sections, starting from the roots to the tips, ensuring even coverage. Avoid applying the product to your scalp!
- Only apply the product to untreated hair. If you only want to straighten the roots, focus the application there.
Use a comb to distribute the product evenly. If you have a wide-tooth plastic comb, use it to comb through each section of hair after application. This step ensures the product coats every strand from root to tip. Keep an eye on the timing!
Rinse, shampoo, and rinse again. Once the processing time is up, thoroughly rinse your hair to remove the straightening product. Some products are tinted, making it easier to spot areas where the product remains. Then, use the shampoo included in the kit to cleanse your hair.
- Inspect your hair carefully after shampooing. Did you rinse all the product out? Residual product can damage your hair if left behind – so rinse thoroughly!
Apply a conditioning treatment. Many kits include a leave-in conditioner. This step helps seal the hair cuticles and prevents frizz and damage. Make sure to apply the conditioner evenly across each section of hair, then towel dry.
Style your hair as usual. That’s it! Straightening your hair isn’t so hard, right? Now, all you need to do is learn how to style your sleek, straight locks.
Brazilian Hair Straightening
Find a salon offering Brazilian hair straightening. This method is also known as Brazilian Keratin Treatment or Brazilian Blowout. Additionally, L'Oreal has introduced a new product called X-Tenso, promising straight hair for up to 6 months. However, most Brazilian straightening treatments last between 2 to 4 months.
- This method doesn’t completely break the hair’s bonds, allowing the natural texture to gradually return. In other words, it’s much gentler on your hair, though the results may not be as dramatic. You can still style your hair, and it may retain some natural wave, unlike harsher chemical treatments.
Determine if your hair type is suitable for this treatment. Hair that is too thin or severely damaged may not be ideal. Consult your stylist to see if this method is right for you. Hopefully, they’ll be honest with you.
- Some salons might prioritize profit over advice. Make sure to consult a trusted stylist or someone knowledgeable about the process!
Decide on the level of straightness you desire. You might prefer pin-straight hair or a more natural look, so communicate your preferences to your stylist. They may have suggestions you haven’t considered.
- Be aware that some straightening products may contain formaldehyde. While the amount is likely not toxic, it’s still present in the formula. If this concerns you, discuss it with your stylist.
Proceed with the treatment. The stylist will apply the product, blow-dry your hair, and use a flat iron (this might be the last time you use one for a while!). Afterward, you’ll need to avoid washing your hair for 3-4 days. The entire process typically takes a few hours.
- Depending on your location, the cost of this treatment can range from a few hundred to several million VND.
Enjoy your newly straightened hair! With this method, you’ll still need to blow-dry and style your hair occasionally, but the daily effort will be significantly reduced.
- Your hair will gradually return to its natural state. Think of it as Hermione Granger’s transformation, but in reverse and at a faster pace.
Thermal Hair Straightening
Understand the straightening process. Thermal hair straightening, also known as Japanese straightening, works by breaking the hair’s natural bonds. You’ll achieve completely straight hair with no curls. This method is most effective for wavy or slightly curly hair and less effective for tightly coiled hair.
- Still interested? In the U.S., this treatment can cost between $500 and $1000, depending on the salon.
Find a skilled professional. Hair straightening is a complex process. You wouldn’t want to entrust your hair to an inexperienced trainee. Look for a seasoned stylist.
- If done incorrectly, your hair could suffer severe damage. Don’t opt for the quickest or cheapest option—your hair might not survive it.
Set aside a full day at the salon. The straightening process can take an entire workday (8 hours), depending on your hair type and thickness. Even touch-ups can take 3-4 hours. During this time, the stylist will apply chemical solutions, rinse, shampoo, blow-dry, and flat iron your hair—a seemingly endless process.
- Bring a good book! Or better yet, bring a friend to keep you company.
Avoid washing or tying up your hair for the next 3 days. Generally, let your hair flow naturally. Don’t do anything that could cause curls or disrupt the straightening chemicals. Easier said than done, right?
Embrace your role as the goddess of straight hair. Forget about curling irons or heat styling—they won’t work. But you’ll have sleek, smooth hair anytime, anywhere! It’s like magic, even right after waking up or stepping out of the shower! Everyone will envy you.
Tips
- Only opt for permanent straightening if your hair is strong and healthy. The chemicals are harsh, so damaged hair can end up looking fried. If your hair is already damaged, let it grow to at least twice its current length. In the meantime, avoid anything that harms your hair (straightening, dyeing, etc.). Once it grows, trim the damaged ends and then consider straightening.
- Typically, wait a few weeks before dyeing your hair after straightening.
- Even after straightening, your roots will grow back naturally. You can’t change your genes.
- Your hair may lose some shine and strength after straightening. Use deep conditioning treatments, avoid frequent straightening, apply hair oils/serums/gels, and invest in a high-quality conditioner.
- There are alternatives to straightening. Before committing, consider learning to embrace and style your natural curls.
- Experiment with new hairstyles to complement your new look. One of the perks of straight hair is the versatility to cut and style it in countless ways.
Warnings
- This process can damage your hair and potentially burn your scalp, so it’s crucial to choose an experienced professional for the treatment.
- The results of Brazilian straightening vary depending on hair type. Your hair might not turn out as straight as you hoped. If that happens, discuss it with your stylist.
- Chemically straightened hair requires extra care as it becomes drier and more fragile. Regular conditioning and caution with styling products are essential.
- If your hair has been chemically treated before, straightening can cause further damage, leading to breakage and a longer recovery time.
