Since time immemorial people who have had straight hair wanted it curly and those with curly hair wanted it straight. It seems human nature to always want a new look, but when you have curly hair you have to find out exactly how to straighten it. There are a number of different hair straightening methods and each have their own benefits.
Chemical Straightening
There are chemical relaxers that can be put on the hair to straighten it temporarily. They can be very harsh on the hair and can dry it out and damage the follicles. However, they are easy to have done and last about six weeks. If you want to get your hair straightened again, you should wait a while and let your hair recover before putting more chemicals on it.
Curling And Flattening Irons
You can use heat in combination with a curling or flattening iron to flatten out your hair temporarily. This only lasts until your next shampoo, sometimes less if the day is particularly humid. Repeated flattening can damage the hair due to the heat. It can get burnt and it can begin to split or fall off. You should also be careful not to use a flattening or curling iron too much.
Japanese Hair Straightening
This method is also called thermal reconditioning. It uses flat irons, chemicals, heating lamps, and requires quite a bit of time. It’s also very expensive, however, it acts like a straight permanent. In other words, the hair remains straight forever except for additional touch-ups that are recommended every six months. You do not really have an option to go back to curly hair, if you don’t like it because the hair follicle is straightened out with the process. The entire procedure is supposed to be quite permanent. However, for some people it doesn’t take as well and the roots can grow in curly later.
Natural Methods
There are natural methods to straighten hair using various herbs, clays, and acids. They are not as well known in the West where we have relied on chemical treatments more, but they are still available. Some people even suggest that putting milk on your hair works to relax it. You will find a number of different natural products to relax the hair and natural beauty shops. They can be great for when you are pregnant or nursing and wish to avoid exposure to too many chemicals.
Important Treatments After The Straightening
All of these types of hair straightening methods can dry out the hair and damage it. If you want to keep your hair in good condition, have a professional do your hair straightening methods. They will know if they need to adjust the method for other treatments you may have already had, like hair color.
You will want to care for your hair straightening after you’ve had it done. Condition the hair every time you shampoo and make sure wear and a hair spray that protects your hair from the sun and has an SPF rating. Do not do too many treatments on the hair that can damage it further after having it straightened. Instead, try to be gentle and follow the advise of your hair stylist to make sure your hair straightening method doesn’t end up being a hair loss method too.