It takes a lot of time and effort to manage unruly hair. Ever wake up an hour early before work just to blow dry your hair? No thanks, we should all be using those precious hours of sleep to our advantage.
For the sake of convenience, those with unmanageable hair often opt for straightening and relaxing treatments. These treatments make hair smooth and manageable right out of the shower, making morning maintenance a breeze. This superior comfort can last up to six months, but it’s important to find the right smoothing treatment for your hair type.
From Brazilian blowouts to Japanese straightening, the options are endless—but there’s always one that works better than the other. If you’re tired of lengthy straightening sessions and unruly hair, look no further, because this guide to long-term straightening has you covered.
Hair restructuring
Hair restructuring is a chemical process that drastically changes the texture of your hair and makes it last. This multi-step treatment uses chemicals like formaldehyde or acetaldehyde to break down the natural bonds of the hair follicles. These chemicals then rebuild the bonds into a different shape, resulting in smoother, straighter hair. The cost of a hair reshaping can range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the salon you go to and the chemicals used.
Treatments that opt for non-toxic ingredients are usually more expensive. Due to the extremely high risk of damage, this treatment must be performed by a professional hairdresser or beautician. While the effects of a reshaping treatment can last up to six months, it is best to leave plenty of time between treatments to prevent the influx of harmful ingredients from affecting your hair.
Keratin Treatments (Brazilian Hair Treatments)
Keratin treatments, also known as Brazilian keratin straightening, are one of the most popular permanent hair straightening methods. It is considered one of the safest treatments because its main ingredient, keratin, is a protein naturally found in hair. This treatment involves adding a layer of keratin to the hair shaft, which is then sealed into the hair strands with a 450-degree straightener.
The beauty of a keratin treatment is that the process does not physically alter the hair follicles, which will allow the hair to return to its original structure without causing any long-term damage. If you choose to have keratin treatments regularly, the risk of damaging your hair is greatly reduced, and the chances of having perfectly straight hair are greatly increased. This treatment can cost anywhere from $250 to $500 and must be performed by a professional. The actual process takes quite some time, but you’ll be amazed at the results.
Japanese Heat Repair
The Japanese Heat Repair is another treatment that can permanently change your hair follicles. This six-hour process requires chemicals and heat, which are designed to loosen the protein bonds in your hair. This way, your hair will naturally lose its wavy texture. There are many chemicals used in the straightening process, but the active ingredient that breaks and reshapes the chemical bonds is ammonium thioglycolate.
After applying this formula, your hair is in an intermediate state where it needs to be heated. When your hair is straightened with a straightener, the straightened texture is locked in, and then a neutralizer is used to reattach the protein bonds to the new shape. This treatment is usually less expensive, with costs ranging from $80 to $250. Be aware that heat repair is not your hair’s best friend. The potential for damage is much higher, so make sure your hair is strong enough to (literally) withstand the heat.
Hair Relaxer
If you’re looking for an at-home solution to your hair problems, a hair relaxer may be the way to go. Unlike other treatments, you don’t have to go to a salon to use this hair straightening alternative. Just head to your local drugstore or hair care product supplier. A hair relaxer is a lotion or cream that chemically changes the structure of your hair.
Similar to hair restructuring, these products work by breaking down chemical bonds, fundamentally altering the hair follicles. Unfortunately, these treatments usually last six to eight weeks, not months. However, they are affordable and save you time spent in a salon chair. Depending on the brand you prefer, the price of a hair relaxer can vary. Here are some popular options that may work.