Trends come and go but if there is one look and texture that has managed to make a place for itself in the world of locks, it is sleek and straight hair. With summertime just around the corner, most of us end up battling with frizz. While hair straightening is one of the most popular treatments out there, just the sheer volume of the different types of methods that yield that result will leave you confused and overwhelmed. So, how do you sift through everything to find the one option that works for you? Here’s a complete breakdown of all the permanent hair smoothing treatments available in salons today.
What is hair straightening?
It is a hair styling technique that is used since the late 1800s to flatten and straighten hair. This gives it a sleek and smooth look and it is often done using chemicals, hair irons, hot rollers, or blowdryers.
Types of hair smoothing treatments
There are different ways you can get smoother hair but not all of them are permanent. Chemical treatments as the name suggests, involve using compounds on your strands to straighten them out. Non-chemical treatments include employing a straightening iron, blowdryer, hot brush, or natural DIY potions to get smoother locks.
Chemical treatments for hair smoothing
Hair rebonding
Cost: ₹10,000 onwards
This in-clinic procedure uses a combination of heat and chemicals to give the sleekest, straightest hair ever. How does it work? It breaks the bonds in your shaft first and then ties them together to get a straighter texture. The treatment is semi-permanent and lasts for about six months to a year, depending on the way you take care of your hair.
The downside? It is expensive and needs retouching as and when your hair grows from the roots.
Keratin treatment
Cost: ₹4,000 onwards
This treatment involves using a keratin-rich solution and then blow-drying and straightening your mane. It is less damaging in the long run because you aren’t breaking or altering the texture of your hair shaft.
It lasts for about three months and includes the usage of a solution that contains a very high and unsafe amount of formaldehyde, cancer-causing chemical that can trigger various side effects. These include stinging, scalp irritation, and flaking as well as stinging eyes.
Hair relaxing
Cost: ₹8,000 onwards
This method uses chemicals to straighten locks because you have to break down and reform the hair’s components. If you’re looking for silky, straight hair, this treatment may not be the one for you. It softens curly hair and leaves it looking wavy.
The chemicals used can sometimes trigger scalp inflammation as they are very harsh in nature. Think flaking and dryness. Check with your hairstylist and find out about the products being used so that you know the potential side effects, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Non-chemical treatments for hair smoothing
Straightening irons
These hot tools temporarily straighten the hair by applying heat to the shaft. If you’re looking for a non-permanent, easy way to get sleeker strands, consider this gadget. Remember, using this regularly too can wreak havoc on your mane so tread carefully. The idea iron will heat up quickly, have multiple temperature settings, and most importantly, won’t tug at your tresses. It will efficiently straighten your hair with minimum strokes so there is less damage.
Blowdryers
If you’re more of a wash-and-go person who doesn’t mind not having a poker straight look, a blow dryer is a good option. They’re good to semi-dry your hair or style it, provided you know how to wield them and have some serious upper arm strength (no, really!). These tools blast hot air on your mane and dry it. For styling, you may need other tools like a round or a paddle brush.
DIYs to try for straighter hair
Comb wet hair
This can lead to breakage if not done gently so be careful. Let your hair air dry and while you’re doing that, hold it down and comb through it every five minutes. Hold out smaller sections of your mane, this makes the whole job easier.
Egg yolk mask
This one is probably the easiest way to cut down on frizz and up your hair protein content. Whisk two eggs together and apply them to your scalp and lengths. Wash off after 15 minutes.
Tie your hair overnight
Divide damp hair into two ponytails and secure with a hair tie. Comb the ponytails and add hair ties every inch or so down your hair. Tie them just tightly enough for them to not slip out. Go to sleep and open them the next morning.
Can hair straightening damage your mane?
Sure, skincare that is safe enough to eat exists but the same can’t be said for in-salon hair straightening treatments. If you want to smoothen your hair and straighten it permanently, you have to sign up for some serious chemical and/or heat exposure.
If you’re looking to take the less-chemical route, hot tools are your best bet. But long-term use can also damage your mane. Remember, you’re altering the texture of your hair and to remedy that, you may need to do serious TLC, especially if you want to repair and restore your hair naturally.
Conclusion
Sleek hair comes with its share of pros and cons and if you’re using heat on your hair more than three times a week, you may want to consider going the in-salon treatment way. Before you decide, research the options for yourself and ask your hairstylist all your questions.
FAQs
Can I combine hair treatments?
No, it isn’t advisable as combining treatments can potentially weaken and damage hair. It is recommended you wait for six months between treatments.
Can I tie my hair after these procedures?
It is generally advised not to tie your hair or clip it tightly for at least three days post-treatment as it can leave kinks and bends in your mane.
Can I reverse permanent treatments?
Unfortunately, you cannot as chemically treating your hair changes its fundamental structure. You have to wait and let your hair grow out.