Japanese Hair Straightening

This technique also has other names: thermal reconditioning, straight perming, and Japanese straight perming. Whatever you call it, the results are usually phenomenal. It's a process of using chemicals, heat, and shampoos, and doing the whole sequence more than once. A test strand will be required first, especially if you've colored or permed your hair. The stylists need to know if your hair can withstand the harsh treatment to achieve the desired effect.

To Prepare for the Process

• Ask to see before and after pictures of their clients who have used this treatment
• Find out early which straightening product they use and do your research
• Make a list of everything you've used on your hair--hair dyes, perms and so on, so that you can inform your stylist when the time comes
• Prepare for a time commitment--your appointment will take up most of the day
• Stock up on hats because your hair will need UV protection
• Look for reputable salons in your area that offer "thermal reconditioning" or any of the names mentioned above

The Pros

Japanese hair straightening can last anywhere from six to nine months. That means no more aching arms or coordination required while you use a blow dryer and a round brush to straighten your curls into a flat, shiny look of sophistication.

You may have never had perfectly straight, beautiful hair before. Some clients actually cry tears of joy when they see the results. They've had unruly, curly hair their whole lives and suddenly their hair is shiny and manageable.

You would think hours upon hours of chemical treatments to your hair would cause it to dry out, frizz, and do anything BUT reflect light. Not true. You'll emerge from the salon with shiny, silky hair worthy of a debutante's head.

The Cons

The biggest con is the cost. Be prepared to spend $500-$1500 on this treatment. Although the straight hair will last for months, that's still a large sum of money to slap down all at once.

Another con is the time involved. You'll be sitting in the chair for hours while two people use chemicals on your hair, and you'll need to go back for a follow-up session a few days later. You'll also need to stock up on new products to use in your hair -- shampoos, conditioners, etc. They're not much different in price than regular shampoos and conditioners, but you'll be wasting what you may already have in your shower.

Who Can Benefit from Japanese Hair Straightening?

This technique is recommended for Caucasian hair. Relaxing, on the other hand, works better for African-Americans, whereas Japanese hair straightening won’t give African-Americans the best results. They will experience tamer, easier-to-work-with hair, though.

If you've already used a relaxer on your hair, stay far, far away from this method. Combining the two treatments could render your hair broken or non-existent because it can fall out. Anyone with curly or wavy hair can see results. Results will vary based on how fast your hair grows and how tight your curls are.

For More Information

For more information on Japanese hair straightening, check out Hair-News.Com or ThermalReconditioning.Com. You may also want to browse the pages at HairFinder.Com to view the different types of hair straightening.