All You Need to Know About Permanent Hair Straightening

Permanent hair straightening is a type of chemical processing that can be done to your hair. Hair naturally curly or textured may be flattened and loosened depending on the method used.

These treatments last several months, sometimes even longer, until new hair grows to replace the damaged hair. These treatments are known as permanent hair straightening.

The term “permanent hair-straightening” can refer to keratin treatment, Japanese Thermal Straightening and “perm” straightening processes.

Both salon and self-at-home treatments are popular choices. This article will help you understand the pros and cons of each type of hair treatment.

Different types of treatments

Many treatments claim to straighten your hair. Each treatment relies on a different type of chemical formula and processing technique.

You can purchase some of these treatments in kits so you can do them yourself, but others will require professional equipment.

Professional permanent straightening

Perms are chemical processes that permanently alter the hair’s follicle. Perms can create curls in hair that do not naturally have them, but they also allow hair to be straightened.

Most perms can be done in just one appointment. This usually takes only a few hours. Prices for perms can vary depending on the salon you visit and how long your hair is. Prices start at $50.

At-home perms

You can purchase chemical relaxant kits at beauty supply shops and pharmacies. These treatments are said to deliver the same results as perms from a salon.

Using these kits efficiently won’t be easy if you don’t have formal cosmetology training. The average cost of at-home perms is $15.

Keratin straightening

Keratin hair and Brazilian hair blowouts are methods of treating hair to achieve a straight texture for 3 to 5 months.

It can take several salon visits to complete the application. It usually costs more than $150.

Japanese thermal straightening

Japanese thermal hair straightening (also known as an acid perm) is closer to a traditional “straight perm” than a keratin treatment.

Although it takes up to six hours to complete, this process can last as long as six months. The most expensive, at $200-$800, is also the one that costs the most.

Rebonding hair

Also known as chemical straightening, hair bonding is a process of making someone’s hair straight. Depending on the salon, the cost of this service can vary.

It usually costs $250 to $1,000 and takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete.

How it works

Permanent hair straightening uses a similar strategy to achieve the same results.

1. Your hair is treated with a chemical solution. These chemicals alter the way the hair’s proteins are structured.
2. After perms or Japanese thermal straightening, a neutralizer can be applied to the hair. The neutralizer locks your hair into a new shape and forms new bonds between your hair’s protein molecules.
3. Wait several hours for the chemical solution to infuse into your hair. Then, use the neutralizer to style your hair.

Chemical solutions can often have strong smells. In many cases, avoiding getting your hair wet or sweating excessively for several days after treatment is best.

This means you are inhaling chemicals used to treat hair and expose others around you.