Perms are their own kind of magic, when you think about it–what do you mean, there are treatments out there that can change your hair texture at will, for prolonged periods of time? Sounds too good to be true! Depending on whether you go for a curly perm (often just “perm”) or a straight perm (better known as “permanent hair straightening”), it’s worth knowing what to expect from these treatments.
Today, we’re diving into the world of permanent hair straightening: what it is, how it works, and how you can decide between going to a salon, or doing it at home.
What is permanent hair straightening?
Permanent hair straightening is exactly what it sounds like: a type of treatment that loosens or flattens your curls (if you have them), straightens your hair, and creates a smooth, sleek finish.
This is often achieved through the use of straightening solutions, most of which penetrate into the hair strand to break the structural bonds that define its shape; once the bonds are broken, the hair can be shaped into a new configuration.
There are multiple types of “permanent” hair straightening, some of which are more permanent than others. They are similar in that they involve applying various solutions to your hair, but there are subtle differences between them:
Brazilian hair straightening
Brazilian hair straightening, for example, is a semi-permanent type of hair straightening that involves soaking your hair in a straightening solution, and then resealing it with a flat iron. As the hair is straightened, section by section, it takes on a smooth, frizz-free texture and a shiny finish. Since this type of treatment doesn’t act directly on the bonds that define the shape of your hair, the results are only semi-permanent: they last a maximum of 6 months and fade gradually, so that the difference between your straightened hair and the natural hair growing from your roots isn’t so striking.
Japanese hair straightening
Japanese hair straightening, also known as thermal reconditioning, is a permanent type of hair straightening that works by, once again, soaking your hair in a straightening solution. The big difference is that this solution breaks down the bonds that give your hair its shape. As your stylist begins to straighten your hair using a flat iron, they’ll be essentially sealing it into a new straight shape. Once that’s done, you’ll have smooth, sleek, frizz-free, and pin-straight hair, basically forever. (This doesn’t include, of course, the new hair growing from your scalp, which will grow out with its natural texture.)
Hair relaxing
Hair relaxers, or chemical relaxers, are pretty self-explanatory: they “relax” and loosen natural curls by breaking down the bonds in each hair strand. They are available in the form of creams or lotions that are applied to your natural curls and then rinsed out. Like the previous method, hair relaxers permanently alter the structure of your hair–for this reason, they are also considered a type of permanent hair straightening.
These treatments all have their pros and cons, of course–which we won’t go into, because they largely depend on the types of chemicals used. Some are better suited to healthy hair that has never been chemically treated, while others work wonders on processed hair; some involve not washing your hair for a few days, while others will leave you ready to take on the world as soon as you step out of the salon chair.
Permanent hair straightening at home
If you’re not the kind of person who wants to spend hours at the salon, there are also ways to achieve permanent hair straightening at home. There are many brands that offer straightening treatments that you can apply at home, with or without your flat iron.
Of course, there are differences between straightening your hair at home vs at the salon. The first option may be more affordable, convenient, and relatively simple to use, but it may not give you the professional results or the durability you’re looking for–not to mention the risk of damaging your hair by using the products inappropriately. Professional hair straightening should give you the best results, but it’s often a drawn-out and costly process.
All in all, permanent hair straightening can be a good option for you if you want to loosen your curls, try out a new straight hairstyle, minimize frizz, or achieve a sleek, shiny finish.
Different types of hair straightening produce different results, so it’s important to set a goal for yourself–do you want semi-permanent or permanent results? Looser waves, or pin-straight hair? Do you want a professional to handle the job, or would you rather straighten your hair at home with a home kit?
