Thinking about scheduling an appointment for a hair straightening treatment but not sure what to expect? Want to straighten your hair but not sure how to go about it? AFAM is here to help! Below is our complete guide on the types of treatments out there, how to prep your hair before your appointment, what to expect during the appointment, plus some tips and tricks on how to keep your hair looking great.
Types of Hair Straightening Treatments
There are a ton of different treatments for hair straightening out there, but how do you know which one is right for you? Well, that depends on what you want your end goal to be, whether you would like a more permanent option from a salon or some techniques you can try at home. We’ll give you a brief introduction to the two main types of chemical treatments, as well as provide some alternative non-permanent hair straightening methods you can use at home.
Keratin Hair Straightening Treatment
The first type of permanent treatment for hair straightening is known as a keratin hair straightening treatment. How this treatment works is that your stylist will apply a keratin-infused solution into your hair and then seal it in with heat, typically either with a flat iron or a blow dryer. Keratin is a protein that is naturally already in your hair. Adding the solution just adds more of that protein into your hair which can strengthen and repair damaged locks. This treatment lasts about three months, which is significantly longer than at-home methods.
As with anything you do to your hair, there are pros and cons:
- Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Keratin can strengthen and repair your hair
- Can make your hair easier to style
- Reduces frizz
- Can make your hair silky
- Cons:
- Contains formaldehyde
- Can be expensive
- Can make your hair difficult to manage with getting wet
Japanese Hair Straightening Treatment
The other big hair straightening treatment is a Japanese straightening technique, also known as thermal reconditioning. Thermal reconditioning uses chemicals to break down the protein bonds in your hair and then uses heat to reshape those proteins to make your hair straighter. This is another long-lasting treatment, as it is permanent and very difficult to reverse. Whether or not this treatment is for you depends on which results you want, and whether or not you want to commit to the upkeep.
The pros and cons of using thermal reconditioning include:
- Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Makes hair easier to style
- Cons:
- Can be time-consuming and expensive to maintain
- Higher risk of damaging your hair
Non-Permanent Hair Straightening Methods
Wondering how to straighten hair without opting for a hair straightening treatment? If you are not interested in a permanent treatment or are concerned about the potential damage to your hair, straightening hair at home is a great cost-effective alternative.
The most common way to straighten your hair at home is to use a blow dryer with a round brush to give yourself a blowout and then touch it up with other products. You can also use heat tools on your hair such as flat irons with heat protectant sprays to smooth and straighten your hair.
There are also plenty of temporary sprays and creams that you can use in your hair to manage frizz and temporarily make your hair straighter.
Prep Your Hair Before Treatment
If you decide to go with a hair straightening treatment from a salon, there are a few steps you need to take before your appointment to prepare your hair for the treatment. Some things you can do to prepare for your appointment include:
- Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup of hair products, dirt, or natural oils
- Do not use any products on your hair after washing
- Avoid using hair clips that could leave indentations in your hair or cause damage
- Do not color your hair before or after the treatment
- Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting messy
What To Expect During The Treatment
Now that you are ready for your appointment and on your way, what are you getting yourself into? Both professional hair straightening treatments mentioned above have similar processes both for when you are in the chair and when you go home afterward. These treatment appointments can take around 2-3 hours, so they are a bit of a time commitment. Your stylist will apply the products to your hair and then use a heat styling tool to lock in the results.
Once you are done in the chair, your stylist should give you strict instructions on how to care for your hair after the treatment to prevent further damage and make sure your results last a long time.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Now that your straightening hair treatment is done, there are a few habits you should pick up at home to ensure your results last. For starters, avoid washing your hair too often, as this can decrease the lifespan of your hairstyle. In addition, avoid tying your hair up too tightly as that can create creases or dents in your hair that may be difficult to fix without causing further damage. Lastly, we recommend you invest in a silk pillowcase, as these can decrease damage-causing friction between your hair and the pillow as you toss and turn at night.
For hair products and styling, we also recommend using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep your new hairstyle longer and prevent any further damage. Alongside these products, if you decide to style your hair with any sort of heat such as a flat iron, be sure you use a heat protectant product to prevent further damaging your hair.
Tips to Prolong the Results
- Avoid humidity
- Avoid excess sweat
- Avoid touching hair
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