4 Different Hair Straightening Methods

The hair gods gave us ladies a very wonderful gift when hair straightening was invented.  Gone are those bad hair days when we scornfully reach for our hair tie to put our hair up in a ponytail.

Straight hair has been a well-liked hairstyle for women of all ages from all geographic areas since the days of ancient Egypt. Back then, women who wanted frizz-free straight hair used flat iron plates (not only does that sound tedious but a tad scary and dangerous as well).  Now, thanks to the advancement of technology, being beautiful just takes a day and lasts for months.  If you’re looking for an advanced way of straightening your hair and making it look more lively, read cocochoco keratin review berrygrace

Before we delve into the wonders of hair straightening and hair products, there are two categories of hair straightening. First is the temporary hair straightening, which as the name suggests, straightens hair temporarily– for a day or until the next time you wash your hair. This is perfect for those who love their bouncy hair but every once in a while, during formal occasions like to have sleek straight hair. The other option is permanent hair straightening.  Permanent hair straightening requires the aid of treatments and flat iron to remove the waves and curls of your hair. Unlike the temporary kind, this lasts for about six months to a year depending on how fast your hair grows.

hair strengthening image

Another big difference between the two categories is the price. Temporary hair straightening is cheaper than the permanent one. For temporary straightening, all you need is a heat protectant spray, trusty comb, and your flat iron. No need to fuss if you are new at handling your flat iron as you can turn to your trusted website to show you videos on how to use it. If you don’t have the tools though, you can just go to your favorite stylist and get a blow dry. The process also takes 15 minutes to an hour at most, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Permanent straightening, on the other hand, costs from $150 to $1000 depending on how high-end your salon is and the products they use. This procedure also takes a whopping 5 to 8 hours depending again, on the volume and length of your hair.

So now that we have scratched the surface of hair straightening, let us look into the four different hair straightening methods available for you to choose from.

1. Blow dry

The first temporary hair straightening technique is blow drying. Blow drying does not give you the pin-sleek hair instead it gives off a polished, voluminous and bouncy finish. It is the more preferred and recommended method, as the blower does not apply direct heat on your hair. It can even be used on cold setting.

Before you start blow drying your hair, towel dry your hair and apply hair serum or hair protectant to prevent your hair from further damage and too much heat. For this method, use a roller or paddle brush. Place your dryer at least 6 inches from your hair and keep moving your roller brush down and roll it outwards.  Don’t forget to put hair serum afterward to lock that straight and voluminous look.

2. Flat Iron Technique

This is usually the go-to technique of ladies who want to temporarily have the pin-straight hair like those gorgeous shampoo commercial models. The greatest challenge here though is to buy a trusted flat iron. With the countless choices available in the malls, it is hard to know which one works best. Choose a flat iron with ceramic plates and those with temperature controls so you can adjust the heat that touches your hair. Compared to other irons, ceramic ones are gentle on your tresses while giving it a shiny finish. Always remember to apply hair serum or heat protectant serum before starting to flat iron your hair. This procedure can be damaging especially if done regularly as heat is applied directly on the hair.

3. Hair Rebonding

This is probably the most famous and trending hair straightening technique.  Rebonding is a chemical hair treatment that leaves the hair straight and sleek. It involves the use of creams, relaxant softener and hair treatment to alter the natural hair structure. So wavy thick haired girls, this is the gift to you from the hair gods. Say hello to thin, silky, pin straight hair that you can wash and wear. However, your new growth hair will not be as straight as your rebonded hair. You will need to go to the salon for another rebonding session. Hold on to your mane though, as this procedure must be done at least once a year as it makes the hair fragile and weak. After getting a rebond, make sure to have a hair care routine ready to revitalize your roots and hair.

4. Brazilian Straightening

Does this have anything to do with Brazil? Well, yes. While keratin treatments are known worldwide, this process actually started in Brazil, hence the name Brazilian straightening.

So what does this do? The protein Keratin is present in hair, skin, and nails which makes the hair silky and smooth. Keratin treatments add keratin layers that nourish the hair shaft. After the solution is applied onto the hair, heat is applied (using a flat iron) to seal in the formula onto the hair strands and creates a moisture barrier reducing frizz, straightens the hair and giving that silky finish we all want to achieve.

You would want to be prepared to your bucks as this procedure is on the more expensive side. But don’t fret as you sit in for another session for about 6 months or more, depending on the rate of your hair growth. What’s another good news to overshadow the bucks flying out of your wallet is that your hair will grow back, although gradually, into its original structure and does not damage the hair. On the contrary, repeated usage will give enhanced results.  Just make sure you also have your keratin-infused shampoo and conditioners on your bathroom counters to further nourish your new hair.

Hair styling equipment image

How to Choose the Best Straightening Methods

Straightening treatments differ in terms of their effectiveness and negative effects. Therefore, you should pick one while considering the following factors:

1. Hair type – The type of treatment and the amount of chemical used for straightening your hair will depend on whether you have very curly hair, dry or oily hair, thin or thick hair, and short or long hair. 

2. Desired outcome- If all you want to do is soften your waves and achieve a general sense of smoothness, you should stay away from perms. However, it is an effective way of achieving long-lasting straight, sleek hair; it involves using too many chemicals that may damage your hair if exposed for a long time. 

3. Health status of the hair – A perm treatment is an option if you have strong, thick, healthy hair. Perm treatment is also recommended for those committed to caring for their hair in the months after the permanent treatment. However, perm treatment will cause detrimental damage to thin and damaged hair, making it not a good option. 

4. Budget- Take note that perm treatments are expensive. Still not included in the budget are the additional expenses needed for the maintenance of the straightened hair, such as correcting natural hair that is starting to come back visibly and purchasing nurturing hair care products such as keratin shampoo and conditioner and hair serum.

5. Professionals- Make sure to find for reliable professionals or an experienced salon to perform the treatment as there is a danger of damaging your hair if the treatment is done inappropriately.

6. Hair Style -Think about the hairstyles you’d like to wear with your straightened hair, but remember that once you’ve had a permanent treatment, you cannot curl or color your hair.

The Benefits of Having Straight Day

The greatest benefit of having straight hair is that it requires very little to no maintenance. You are ready for a good hair day with a nice wash.

1. You can leave your straight hair open

  One benefit of having straight hair is that most girls can let it comfortably fall without worrying about unruly curls. You can always rely on straight hair to draw attention and make you look stunning, whether you’re going for a formal or party look.

2. Straight hair is simple to set

  You can avoid using chemicals or gels if your hair is straight. After washing, let it air dry and settle, then brush it with a round brush to finish it off for the day. One may utilize a blow dryer to achieve a more voluminous look for a formal occasion.

3. Regular straightening is a good maintenance strategy

  You can evaluate the hair’s actual health by regular straightening routine. You can’t tell how bad the split ends are when your hair is always wavy.

4. Regular straightening makes it possible to treat the scalp thoroughly

  Using many products on natural hair might cause buildup on the scalp. You can perform the ultimate scalp-clarifying procedure before using shampoo by dividing your hair into four sections, and with a boar-bristle brush, gently circularly massage the scalp. Even though you can exfoliate on curly hair, it works better on straight hair because the scalp is easier to reach.

5. Straight hair can be styled differently

 Straight hair can be easily styled differently, not to mention that naturally straight hair can be cut in many beautiful styles.

An image of A woman with dry and damaged hair

The Disadvantages of Straightening Hair

No matter what you choose, it is important to consider the overall health of your hair and how you will feel when you straighten your hair for a change or treasure its natural style. The appearance of your straightened hair will only be as good as the condition and how comfortable you are wearing it, just like with any other hair-related issue.

1. A chemical used in straightening treatment can cause health problems

  Some keratin hair straightening products include formaldehyde, which is linked to several symptoms like rashes, watery eyes, and headaches. 

2. Too much exposure to heat and other straightening factors can damage hair

Although hormonal changes can typically cause a small amount of hair to fall out at a rate of fifty to one hundred, chemicals used in straightening hair treatments can cause large amounts of hair to fall out, making it weaker and thinner. Hair loss also negatively impacts the roots of the hair, pushing them to separate. Repeated treatments result in dry hair, increasing susceptibility to environmental factors like the sun, heat styling tools, and the environment.

3. An excessive chemical is harmful to the scalp

Excessive chemical use not only increases the risk of hair loss but also makes the scalp more prone to cracking and itching, which is one of the reasons for dandruff. Chemical burns can also result in skin breakdown and dissolution, which can also result in infections. The severity of these burns ranges from first to third degree, resulting in secondary, irreversible hair loss.

4. Using straightening iron may lead to the burning of hair

Using a straightening brush can reach high temperatures that cause the risk of hair melting. Various hair kinds demand various the likelihood of fully melting the hair strands increases over 325 degrees. Avoid rushing through the process of straightening by using extreme heat to prevent heartbreak and trauma. As to the right temperature best for straightening hair, you are the expert on what your hair can withstand.

5. The careless use of straightening brush can lead to mechanical injury

The bristle tips of the straightening brush can snag on the hair strands’ ends, resulting in mechanical damage. One must be cautious to prevent heat damage while applying direct heat to our hair. To reduce the risk of long-term damage, always use a heat protectant.

Hair Care Products image

Tips on Keeping a Healthy Straight Hair

Getting your hair straightened can be easy or complicated, depending on the method or treatment you choose, but maintaining it that way requires tremendous effort. Maintaining straight hair overnight might sometimes feel unattainable. While you sleep, your straightened hair may easily turn into a tangled mess. Here are some tips on how to keep your hair straight all night long or over some time and prevent it from getting wavy or curly.

1. Invest in a quality dry shampoo to remove sweat, moisture, grease, and oil. This kind of shampoo can improve your hair’s roots and nourish it in between washes, preserving the health of your hair.

2. Using a hydrating conditioner will lessen frizz and make it simpler to manage your hair. The conditioner will moisturize your hair from the inside out and give layers of shine. Your straight hair may get frizzy in high humidity. So that your hair does not get frizzy and dry in the morning, use an anti-humidity spray and keep your bedroom cool at night.

3. After applying the conditioner, detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb and gently rinse it with cool water. Finally, use a high-quality microfiber towel to pat your hair dry to avoid friction or hair loss.

4. Always invest in a high-quality straightener with ceramic or tourmaline plates. With this device, you can swiftly and evenly straighten your hair without burning your hair. Always use the lowest temperature setting when straightening your hair to minimize damage.

5. Carefully detangle any knots in your hair before straightening it to achieve that sleek appearance. After blow-drying your hair, you can use a boar bristle brush to make it smoother and sleeker. 

6. Never straighten wet hair because doing so can damage it with heat. Keep the nozzle pointed downward while you blow-dry your hair until it is 80% dry, or you might wait for it to dry fully by air. 

7. Use a heat protectant serum on your hair to shield it from the flat iron’s intense heat and to reduce frizz. Additionally, this serum will help your hair stay straight, healthy, and frizz-free for a longer time. You can also choose an overnight serum high in keratin protein and low in alcohol to keep your straightened hair looking good while you sleep.

8. Nothing is more satisfying than tying your hair in a high ponytail or bun when you’ve had a long, exhausting day. But avoid using elastics or hair bands on your poker-straight hair if you want to prevent any dents and creases in your immaculately sleek straight hair.

9. If you have dry hair, always keep your hair moisturized, silky, and nourished. Use a few drops of any light hair oil to keep the shine of your straightened hair. Since they are more likely to dry out, pay special attention to the ends of your hair. Avoid water-based treatments like sprays because they will cause your straight hair to curl.

10. Invest in a high-quality silk scarf pillow or nightcap to maintain your straight hair even after sleeping for long hours. After a night of persistent friction from sleeping on cotton pillows, wrapping a silk scarf around your head or a silk sleeping cap can stop your straightened hair from turning curly and wavy. If wearing a cap or scarf to bed is not your thing, you can use a silk or satin pillowcase instead.