Various Hair straightening methods
The question of risk arises because some of the hair straightening techniques are chemical based and causes permanent damage to the hair. This is especially true in the case of permanent hair strengtheners. Ò You have to either consult an expert hair stylist or educate yourself about what best suits your needs. Below Iò€™am giving a brief review about different hair straightening methods so that your task of selecting a treatment becomes easy:Brazilian Hair straightening technique: Brazilian Keratin Hair treatment is a innovative hair straightening technique which is free from chemicals and mainly based on keratin. It restores damaged hair and adds volume to the hair. Brazilian hair straightening is suitable for all hair types and it works best on chemically treated hair. It is a temporary straightening method where the keratin product is applied to the hair and using the flat iron it is sealed to the hair. You should not wet your hair for 72 hrs to complete the treatment. This treatment will last between 3 to 4 months. It makes the hair healthy and lustrous.
Japanese straightening or thermal reconditioning: This is a more permanent way to straighten the hair. In this technique a chemical is applied all over the hair to break down the hairò€™s texture and then it is flat ironed to make it straight before the texture is locked in with a neutralization process. The neutralization process closes off the hair cuticles preventing it from re-curling. This treatment is quite expensive (nearly 500$ per application) and damaging to the hair.
Hair Creams: One of the most cost-effective methods of straightening hair is using hair creams. These creams are oil based containing ingredients like mineral oil and lanolin. Silicone cream is one such example. The cream has to be applied on damp hair and combed. The oils in the cream will keep the hair straight. The effect will last till the product is washed off. One disadvantage of such creams is that it will make the hair greasy and flat.
Blow drying: Another simple method to straighten hair is to blow dry it after washing the hair. You can hold the hair straight with a comb and dry it using a good hair dryer. The effect may not be long lasting and will not work on very curly and frizzy hair.
Styling Products: You can use various styling products like hairsprays, gels and mousses to remove the frizz. These products coat the hair with polymers which in turn will make the hair straight. Unlike hair creams it does not leave the hair greasy but at the same time you may not get the desired bounce and softness as well. Again like creams the effect will last till the product is washed off.
Flat Iron: Using flat iron has become the most common way to straighten the hair. It is cost-effective and can be easily done at home. It is suitable for even very curly and frizzy hair. After the hair wash you have to comb it and simultaneously iron it straight. Its effect is more intense than blow-dry. It is quite damaging to the hair because of the heat generated.
Hair Relaxers: Hair relaxing is something which can be done at salons and at home using Relaxer products. It is chemical based where a strong chemical is applied all over the hair. The hair is then straightened and a neutralizing formula is used to restructure the chemical bonds. This treatment is not safe because of the usage of chemicals although it is a permanent hair straightening method. It is quite damaging to the hair.