Here are a few points that you should consider before having your hair permanently straightened with a Japanese straightening product.
The Japanese straightening/ re bonding process can be a good way to end that frizzy hair syndrome.
That is if you tend to suffer from that problem.
Or if you have a definite liking for the long very straight curtain look.
But don’t want to bother with blow drying and then ironing your hair to achieve the look.
As a hairstylist. I must admit that I do like hair with a curl or wave. It helps to give an individual look to any hairstyle as no two-people’s hair will curl or wave in the same way.
Then again. I suppose I do not have curly or wavy hair.
Having started in Japan in the early 90’s the procedure of Japanese straightening has become one of the popular ways to straighten curly or wavy hair world wide.
Where I live in Singapore this technique is known as re bonding. Since the process does alter the bond structure of each one of your individual hair strands.
Before You Jump Think About The Upkeep.
An important thing to remember is that Japanese straightening is permanent unlike the Brazilian hair straightening products which are semi-permanent.
Once straightened your hair will stay that way.
That is until your roots start growing out.
Then within a few months you will have wavy or curly roots with the rest of your hair straight.
Now this is not too bad if your hair happens to be only wavy. But if very curly you will have a noticeable re growth problem.
The point being before you start your voyage down the road to re bonding your hair. Think about the upkeep which would entail straightening your hair roots roughly every 4 months.
Will you be willing to do this? If not and you have long hair imagine what your hair will look like with 6 months re growth.
3 Points For You Consider Before A Japanese Straightening Process.
The whole process is very time consuming for your hair stylist therefore expect to pay a high price for the service.
If you happen see a cheap bargain be very wary.
The Japanese hair straightening product is a strong chemical that if carried out incorrectly or by an inexperienced stylist can wreak havoc on your locks. Such as hair fall or fried and dried hair.
Point 1. Do you have high lights in your hair?
If you do have hi lights in your hair then it becomes a very tricky to straighten your hair well. As your hair will have different strength levels.
The Japanese straightening lotion and the heat level needed for the hi light areas of your hair would need to be weaker.
Than the strength of lotion needed for your natural hair. This means that to get perfect result on your hair would be almost impossible.
I do not recommend this Japanese straightening procedure to my highlighted clients.
Because a hair smoothing treatment would be less harsh on the hair.
Point 2. Have you chemically treated your hair before?
To carry out a Japanese straightener well your stylist needs to know your hairs history.
Firstly. If you have chemically treated your hair before which product was used. As some methods of hair straightening are not compatible with others.
Now if you have long hair this will mean that you must think back over the past 4 years or more. Try and be accurate as it is important.
As excessive chemical usage can permanently damage your hair.
Point 3. Is your hair dull looking?
If your hair is dull looking it can be a sign of a protein shortage. Protein filaments called keratin are responsible for the structure of your hair follicle.
A protein shortage could mean that your hair is weak. So having a Japanese straightener carried out could be disastrous.
Think of changing your diet and eat for your hair.
If you can relate to any of the above points ask your stylist if they would do a strand test for you first.
In my opinion. It is far better to be safe than sorry.
For a great result.
As with any other chemical work your hair should be strong, healthy and in optimum condition before you start. Which will help to prevent any unnecessary damage.
Should you want to go for extra security when it comes to protecting your hair. Be sure to ask your hair stylist to apply an Olaplex or Cureplex bond protector so helping reduce the damage to your hair.
This may well add an extra cost cost but the finished result could be worth it.
The Japanese Straightening Process.
You are going to re structure your hair so the process of completing a Japanese straightener is a long one. Remember to take along some snacks to help you survive the 4 to 5 hours or maybe even longer depending on your hair texture and length.
That you will be sitting in the chair.
Step 1. After your hair has been shampooed a solution is applied.
This solution is in fact a softening solution.
Which will soften and break your hairs disulphide bonds (these keep your hairs structure) therefore making it possible to reshape your hair.
Envisage this. If you do have curly or wavy hair.
The natural structure of your hairs internal bonds will look like that of steps on a spiral staircase.
Once your hair has been softened sufficiently with enough bonds broken the product will be hair rinsed from your hair.
Step 2. Heat is applied by the means of high temperature straightening irons.
As each section of your hair is ironed the heat from the irons will flatten out the disulphide bonds in the strands of your hair.
Envisage this. Now the structure of your hairs internal bonds will look like the steps on a straight staircase.
This procedure will take a considerable amount of time as very small sections of hair need to be taken to ensure that all hair strands have been flattened.
Step 3. To compete the process a neutralizer is applied to your hair.
This is an oxidizing agent with the function of locking the re shaped spiral staircase bonds into their new straight shaped staircase shape. The neutralizer is left on your hair for a while before finally being rinsed off.
If this step is not carried out correctly and the bonds not re locked in place. Your poker straight new hair look will not last for long as the curls or waves will over a few days slowly return to your hair.
Step 4. Blow drying the finished result.
A thermal heat protectant will be sprayed onto your hair to avoid damage from blow drying. Your hair will then be blow dried with the nozzle of the dryer directed down your hair cuticles. Keeping the hair smooth and shiny.
After Your Japanese Straightening You Must Remember.
When you leave the hair salon after having your hair straightened with a Japanese straightener remember that the chemicals on your hair are still processing.
The neutralizer is still absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere as your hair settles into shape.
In other words. Your hair is still being fixed into place.
It is very important not to get your hair wet for about 72 hours afterwards.
Now if by accident you happen to get caught in a rain storm without an umbrella do make sure that you blow dry and iron your hair back straight as soon as possible.
As any kink or movement that you allow to stay in your hair for a while. When your hair is still being fixed into place (the next 72 hours) will stay permanently and will ruin your new look.
I always try and remember to inform my clients that every chemical process that we do in the salon will cause some damage to the hair.
Looking after your hair afterwards by using the right shampoos and conditioners as well as having regular hair treatments. Will be a big help in getting your hair back to its optimum condition.
Thank you for reading my post. I hope that you found it interesting if so share with a friend.
