What is chemical hair straightening – the pros and cons of the procedure, photos before and after

A common technique for getting sleek, straight hair that lasts for months is chemical hair straightening. Many use this treatment to cut down on styling time and have frizz-free hair every day. But it’s crucial to comprehend how the procedure operates and what to anticipate before determining if it’s the right move for you.

Chemical hair straightening has benefits and drawbacks like any other beauty procedure. Although it provides results that last, it also uses strong chemicals that may be harmful to your hair. Making an informed decision will be aided by being aware of the advantages and disadvantages.

We’ll cover all you need to know about chemical hair straightening in this post, along with before and after pictures to illustrate the changes. In this manner, you can evaluate the outcomes for yourself and determine whether the treatment is worthwhile.

Pros	Cons
Long-lasting straight hair	Can cause hair damage if not done properly
Reduces frizz and makes hair easier to manage	Expensive and requires regular touch-ups
Results can last up to several months	May weaken hair structure over time
Smooth, shiny hair with less effort	Chemicals can irritate the scalp
Suitable for most hair types	Not recommended for very damaged hair

Chemical hair straightening – what is it?

This process is a lot like a traditional perm in that the hair is completely altered from its natural shape by applying a special composition. Here, it creates straight locks out of curly ones. A series of preparations, including a fixative, conditioner, neutralizer, and chemical reagent, are used for this.

Reference: As the roots grow, chemical straightening correction is done once every two to three months.

History of creation

The origins of hair straightening are rather comical. It was discovered in 1872 by Erica Friedman, a typical housewife. When she unintentionally ironed a strand of fabric that was hanging on the ironing board while she was ironing clothes, she was shocked to see that the spring had transformed into an exquisitely smooth curl.

The inventor Simon Monroe served as the inspiration for the popular notion of "smoothing" hair. The world saw its first straightening comb in 1906.

Because of its high cost, not all curl owners could afford it. Although Jennifer Bell Schofield was unable to purchase it either, she did invent what is regarded as the modern curling iron’s prototype. The girl made what looked like tongs by fastening two metal plates to a hinge and a handle.

The actual straightening procedure went like this: the girl quickly ran the tongs along the strands after dipping them into boiling water to warm them up. Although this process required a significant amount of time and work, the outcome was worthwhile.

Regarding chemical straightening, Karl Nessler was the first to discover how to manipulate the structure of the hair shaft using artificial materials. After experimenting on his wife’s hair, he finally came up with a mixture that worked for both straightening and curling hair.

What other methods of hair straightening exist?

Prior to discussing chemical curling, it’s important to outline the at-home techniques used by women who don’t visit salons or purchase high-end makeup.

Hair dryer and comb

Very quick and transient style. All you need is a round brush and a hair dryer with a heat setting.

1. Wash your hair as usual and dry it with a towel.
2. Thoroughly comb your hair, moving from the ends to the roots.
3. Take a brush and lightly curl a strand on it, pulling it and straightening it.
4. Run a hair dryer on the hot air setting from the roots to the ends, processing strand by strand.
5. Fix the result with gel, hairspray or foam.

Reference!

Product with glycerin or silicone

Because silicone and glycerin have an enveloping effect on hair, they can make it heavier and thicker. These ingredients are added to leave-in products to smooth out bulitive fuzz, control porous hair, and correct heat-styling effects.

Before using a hair dryer to dry your hair, try one of these products. You won’t be disappointed with the shine and smoothness.

Iron or styler

Among the most widely used methods for giving your hair the desired shape.

1. Wash and dry your hair with a hairdryer, distributing foam with a thermal protection effect over the strands.
2. Comb your hair and, for convenience, separate the curls on the crown with an elastic band.
3. Set the curling iron to the desired temperature – the thinner the hair, the lower the temperature should be.
4. Slowly move the curling iron from the root to the tip. Repeat the action until the hair becomes perfectly smooth.

Kindly take note! A high-quality curling iron for hair has an integrated temperature regulator and a ceramic coating.

Bio smoothing

Natural and safe ingredients are used in bio hair smoothing, which makes hair healthier and smoother.

The process costs a lot and takes three to six hours, but the results are worthwhile because the hair stays sleek and well-groomed for two to six months.

Keratin straightening

Although the process is comparable to bio-smoothing, it differs greatly in composition. Keratin, the primary active component, forms a thin, protective layer on each hair shaft.

After six months, keratin straightening can be performed once more to maintain the desired outcome.

Chemical hair straightening

Chemical straightening smoothes out hair, even afros, naturally curly hair, and fluffy hair, leaving it flawlessly smooth.

Although it is quite aggressive, the classic composition works well. Reviews from girls state that the effect lasts for six to twelve months, and in certain situations, it is sufficient to only sporadically correct the root zone.

Important!

Pros and cons of chemical straightening

Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of this approach:

Pros

• Longevity – the treated strands remain straight for a period of 6 months or more.
• Makes the hair visually "heavier" and healthier due to changes in the structure of the hair.
• Removes the consequences of an unsuccessful perm, straightening artificial curls (the procedure should be done only in extreme necessity, since double chemical action severely damages the cuticle.

Cons

• Does not guarantee a 100% result, if the hair is too thick and stiff.
• Injures thin, dry and brittle curls.
• May cause allergies.
• There is a risk of getting a chemical scalp burn.

Indications and contraindications

Your hair is ideal for this procedure if it is:

• porous;
• fluffy;
• curly;
• unruly;
• curly;
• hard to comb;
• not amenable to styling.

However, review the list of contraindications before you begin your search for a reputable beauty salon:

• bleached hair, not covered with pigment;
• hair dyed black;
• dyeing done less than 2 weeks before the procedure;
• wounds, abrasions, inflammations on the scalp;
• menstruation;
• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding period;
• unstable hormonal state or hormone therapy;
• hypertension;
• seborrhea;
• state of alcohol or drug intoxication;
• highlighted hair (depending on the condition).

Hair after chemical straightening, the effect after the procedure, photos before and after

Once inside the hair shaft, the chemical composition completely alters the structure, turning the typical spiral shape into a straight one. Hair gets incredibly glossy, silky, and smooth.

TOP 5 Products for chemical hair straightening

5 top-rated straightening products that you should know about:

Goldwell

Goldwell’s chemical straightening technology is the outcome of the combined efforts of Japanese and German cosmetologists. Silk proteins, panthenol, and a vitamin complex are included in this special composition that smooths and makes the hair feel soft and pleasant to the touch for a period of six to nine months.

Owing to the range of chemical compositions, the master will be able to select the ideal tool for ongoing styling. The prolonged session (7 to 9 hours) is the only drawback of this product.

Glatt

The Schwarzkopf Strait Styling Glatt Kit is intended for permanent straightening done by professionals. The hair is smooth, silky, and shiny after the session.

The products’ Active-Care+ complex, a special combination of amino acids and vegetable proteins, strengthens hair and increases its resistance to heat styling and temperature fluctuations.

The producer offered three predetermined options to choose from:

• For curly and hard – Glatt 0;
• For wavy – Glatt 1;
• For damaged and painted – Glatt 2.

After the outcome lasts for at least three months, you can make adjustments to the overgrown areas.

Lakme K.Straight Ionic

Professional, long-lasting item. Ceramides, which are present in the straightening cream, repair damage to the hair shafts and give them a smoother, more manageable texture.

Kindly take note! Keravis, an active care complex that fortifies hair from the inside out and multiplies its strength, is added to Lakme products.

Although heat exposure produces the desired effect, the thermal lotion shields the hair cortex from harm.

Salerm

With more than 70 years of experience in the global market, Salerm Cosmetics has made a name for itself as a producer of superior professional makeup. The following goods are part of the chemical straightening complex:

1. Keratin Treatment Serum. Contains keratin, silk proteins and lactic acid. Suitable for owners of sensitive scalp. Does not contain formaldehyde. Has a pleasant perfume scent.
2. ShampooKeratin Shot Bano de Mantenimiento – contains glycerin and keratin.
3. MaskKeratin Shot Deep Impact Plus Salerm – enriched with silk proteins and shea butter.
4. Keratin Shot Serum – contains silk proteins, wheat germ oils, macadamia, calendula, sunflower and vitamin E.

Lebel Plia relaxer

For several decades, the Lebel company has dominated the hair care cosmetics market and has maintained its dominant position. Active components in Plia Chemical Straightening Complex include:

• castor oil;
• glycerin;
• amino acids;
• soy protein;
• urea.

Together, they lessen the negative chemical effects while smoothing, softening, and restoring hair.

How the procedure is done in a salon?

There are various stages to the process in a salon:

• Assessment of the condition of the hair the master carefully examines the client"s hair, determining the degree of damage, length and thickness. At this stage, he, together with the client, chooses cosmetics and discusses the cost of the service.
• Washing hair with deep cleansing shampoo. The cleaner the hair, the better the chemical composition will lie on it.
• Protection of the scalp – the hairdresser covers the client"s shoulders with a peignoir, covers the forehead and ears with special silicone limiters or covers the skin with a protective cream. This step is necessary to reduce the likelihood of a chemical burn.
• Applying a straightening agent – the master distributes the composition over the hair with a brush and leaves it for 15-40 minutes (depending on the correct product and the condition of the hair). After the time is up, he thoroughly rinses the hair and dries it with a towel.
• Securing – so that the effect remains on the hair for a long time, the specialist applies a fixative to the hair. After the required holding time, he rinses the composition from the hair and does styling with a hairdryer on cold air mode.

Cost of permanent chemical straightening

Numerous factors influence the price, including the client’s hair condition, the products used, the master’s experience, and the salon’s reputation. The cost of chemical straightening with Goldwell products in an average Moscow salon is displayed in the following table:

Hair length	Price for the service
Short (above the shoulders).	From 6,000 to 7,000 rubles.
Medium (to the shoulders).	From 7,500 to 9,000 rubles
Long (to the shoulder blades and below).	From 10,000 to 13,000 rubles.

Reviews

Numerous evaluations from well-known sources otzovik.com, woman.ru, and irecommend.ru

Chemical hair straightening at home

The same guidelines used in a beauty salon apply to chemical straightening done at home, but it’s important to take into account the following details:

• Do not deviate from the instructions – do not overexpose and do not wash off the composition ahead of time. The final result depends on this.
• Apply the product from the back of the head to the crown. The back of the head warms up more slowly than the rest areas, so first of all the chemical composition should be applied to it.
• Wear gloves, use a protective cream and a peignoir – this way you will protect your skin from burns and your clothes from stains.
• Test for an allergic reaction. Apply a small amount of the product to the back of your elbow. If you feel itching, a rash or redness has formed on your skin, wash off the product immediately and refuse the procedure.

Kindly take note! It is extremely risky and dangerous to attempt chemical straightening on oneself as it can result in burns and scorched hair. It is best to entrust a professional with such procedures if you lack experience performing them yourself.

Hair care after the procedure

The following guidelines are a general list of suggestions for hair care following permanent straightening:

• For the first 3 days after the procedure, refrain from washing your hair, hairstyles, hairpins and visiting places with high humidity (sun, sauna, swimming pool).
• So that your hair does not lose its shape collect it in a high bun while sleeping.
• Don"t forget about moisturizing – include moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, balms and leave-in products in your hair care.

Chemical hair straightening is a salon procedure that uses chemical solutions to permanently straighten and smooth curly or frizzy hair. Although it can give months of sleek, manageable hair, it has advantages as well as disadvantages. Positively, it controls unruly hair and saves time on daily styling. But if not done correctly, the chemicals used can weaken the hair and cause dryness, breakage, or irritation of the scalp. It’s critical to consider all the options and view actual results, such as before and after pictures, before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions

How long does chemical straightening last and how often should it be done?

Every two to four months (depending on the rate of hair growth), the process must be repeated as the roots regrow.

Is it possible to get chemical hair straightening done when pregnant?

You’ll have to give up the process or switch to safer alternatives because chemical hair straightening solutions contain ammonia and other ingredients that are harmful to developing fetuses.

Is it possible to straighten hair with keratin after chemical?

Compared to chemical straightening, keratin straightening is a gentler method of organizing your hair. You can undergo keratin straightening to smooth the transition from the regrown roots to the straight ends if you were unhappy with the perm’s effects.

Analogues and similar procedures

There are other methods besides chemical straightening to achieve straight hair. The following are some of the steps that will enable you to get the intended outcome:

Japanese chemical hair straightening

Although it still uses chemicals, Japanese hair straightening is kinder to hair than traditional methods. The method was initially introduced in Japan in the early 2000s. It was originally designed for Asian hair, which is naturally stiff and sweaty. The recipe was adjusted over time to suit European hair types. Three different compositions are available today for Japanese straightening:

• For normal and uncolored.
• For curly colored.
• For colored and damaged.

Reference!

Depending on the length, thickness, and initial state of the hair, the straightening process itself can take anywhere from three to eight hours.

Furthermore, there are several safer procedures that have comparable properties:

• molecular straightening;
• Brazilian straightening;
• lamination;
• biolamination;
• glazing;
• screening.

For people who want their hair to be sleek, straight, and long-lasting, chemical hair straightening can be an excellent choice. Those with naturally curly or wavy hair may find that the procedure greatly reduces frizz and improves manageability.

Before committing, it’s crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages. Even though the treatment can produce amazing results, if the chemicals are not maintained properly, they could cause harm. Maintaining healthy hair requires routine aftercare, such as deep conditioning and limiting heat exposure.

Chemical straightening is ultimately a matter of preference. Smooth and shiny results can be well worth the maintenance and possible risks if you’re ready for them. You can determine whether this procedure will help you achieve your hair goals by examining before and after pictures.

Video on the topic

Chemical hair straightening: changing curls to perfectly smooth curls

Chemical hair straightening: changing curls to perfectly smooth curls

Chemical hair straightening: changing curls to perfectly smooth curls

Straightening after bio-curling #biocurlinghair #biocurling #biocurlingmoscow