Japanese Hair Straightening: What to Know

Japanese hair straightening can be used to straighten curly hair. It is a popular method for curly hair. It can give you a sleek, shiny style. It comes with some controversy. It can cause hair damage if done wrongly or by a non-skilled stylist. It's crucial to fully understand the pros and cons of this technique before you decide if it's right.

The History of Japanese Hair Straightening

Japanese straightening, also known as thermal conditioning, was very popular in New York City's early 2000s. It seemed like a miracle treatment for curly haired women who long longed for silky straight hair. The cost of the treatment was $400-$800. You left with straight, curly hair. This treatment became so popular it was adopted by other states and is now a favorite on both the west coast and in major cities across the country.

Brazilian Blowout or Japanese Straightening

Brazilian straightening, also known as the "Brazilian hairstyle", was popularized quickly. The Japanese method was less popular and Brazilian straightening became the preferred hair-straightening technique. After keratin treatments such as the Brazilian blowout became more popular, there were reports about the use of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, in Brazilian treatments. Their popularity declined accordingly. Japanese hair straightening has seen a revival in popularity since then. Some people are still hurt by the Brazilian method.

How It Works

Japanese hair styling uses a special solution similar to a flat perm. The solution dissolves the hair's bonds, which give it its shape. This allows it to be pin-straightened when the flat iron is used. After the hair has been saturated with the solution for a few minutes, it is rinsed and dried with a blowdryer. Finally, the hair is flat-ironed using a ceramic iron in tiny sections of 1/8 inch. A neutralizer, also used in perm solutions, is applied to the hair. This locks it in place. This entire process takes a lot of time and labor. You can expect to spend a few hours in the salon, depending on how long your hair is and how thick it is.

Is it Damaging?

Although Japanese hair straightening doesn't have the same bad reputation as Brazilian blowouts, it still causes damage. Some salons have stopped offering this service because of the high hair damage and hair loss that some women have experienced.

You are more likely to damage your hair with thermal conditioning if your hair has had chemical treatments or been dyed. A professional stylist will be able to determine if your hair is suitable for treatment. If your hair has ever been treated in any way, be honest.

Is it Permanent?

The solution lasts about six months, which is twice the time of keratin straightening treatment. The Japanese thermal reconditioning treatment is permanent, but Keratin straightening treatments can be used to straighten hair. They wash off over time and are semi-permanent. You have two options when it comes to straightening: either be patient and let your hair grow naturally, or get it retreated.