Hair straightening methods are used to achieve smooth, sleek hair. Having smooth sleek hair enhances your appearance and boosts your confidence. It also has a healthy and vibrant appearance and provides comfort, particularly in warmer weather. Smooth, sleek hair tends to be more manageable when compared to curly or wavy hair textures. Also remember to choose a hair straightening method that aligns with your hair type, lifestyle, and desired outcome.

The top hair straightening types available are flat ironing, Brazilian blowout, chemical relaxers, keratin treatment, Japanese hair straightening and Ionic straightening. Natural hair straightening remedies can also be included in this. In this blog we are going to discuss the top hair straightening types and their key features.

Flat Ironing

The flat iron hair straightening method involves using a flat iron, also known as a hair straightener, to straighten and smooth hair. When the flat iron is heated and applied to the hair, the plates smooth out the hair shaft, resulting in straightened hair. A heat protectant is applied to clean and dry hair and the flat iron is heated to the temperature for the hair type. Small sections of hair are clamped between the plates and the flat iron is smoothly glided down the length of the hair shaft, straightening it as it goes. This process is repeated for each section of hair until the desired style is achieved.

Flat ironing delivers immediate and long-lasting results, providing straight locks that last until the next wash. It is temporary straightening that allows you to switch back to your old hair style. When used correctly, flat ironing can cause minimal damage to your hair, preserving the overall health and integrity of your hair.

Make sure that your hair is dry before flat ironing and use a hair protecting spray. Opt for ionic hair straighteners that use negative ions to break down water molecules on the hair’s surface thereby minimising hair damage. There are several types of flat irons available on the market such as ceramic flat irons, tourmaline flat irons, titanium flat irons, ionic flat irons etc.

Brazilian Blowout

A Brazilian blowout treatment is a hair treatment that involves a liquid keratin formula that bonds to your hair to create a protective layer around each strand, effectively diminishing frizz, removing curls, and creating sleek, manageable hair. The treatment typically begins with shampooing to remove any impurities from the hair. The hair is then towel-dried, and the Brazilian Blowout solution is applied section by section, coating each strand from root to tip. After the solution is applied, the hair is blow-dried and straightened with a flat iron.

Brazilian blowout significantly reduces frizz, providing long lasting results. The hair attains a beautiful shine after the treatment enhancing its overall appearance. They can also improve the overall health of hair. Hair maintenance time is significantly reduced after a Brazilian blowout.

They can be costly and time-consuming. Some may experience changes in hair texture after receiving a Brazilian blowout. Consider your hair type and condition before taking them. There is a small risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities to the chemicals used in the treatment. Discuss it with your stylist before the treatment and take the necessary precautions.

Chemical Straightening

Chemical straightening, or hair relaxing, is the process of breaking protein bonds in hair. Curly or wavy hair becomes straight when a certain number of bonds are broken. It begins with washing the hair to remove any impurities, followed by the application of a chemical solution containing strong alkaline ingredients like sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide. This solution breaks down the hair’s natural bonds, allowing it to be reshaped into a straighter form. After processing for a specific time, the hair is rinsed and neutralized to stop the chemical reaction. A deep conditioning treatment is applied to restore moisture, and the hair is styled as desired.

If you choose a hair-relaxing treatment, remember to condition after you wash your hair. Try to select a relaxer that is specifically designed for your hair type to achieve optimal results. Consider your health care and scalp sensitivity before chemical treatment.

Keratin Treatment

Keratin treatment is a hair care solution used to achieve sleek, smooth, and frizz-free hair. The process involves applying a keratin-based product to the hair and using heat to activate it, which helps to smooth and straighten the hair. It helps to improve hair structure, repairs hair damage, protects against environmental damage and provides long-lasting results.

There are several types of keratin treatment available, each with its own unique benefits.

Traditional Brazilian Keratin Treatment: A keratin solution is applied to the hair, and then heat is used to seal the solution into the hair.

Express Keratin Treatment: Alternative to Traditional Brazilian Keratin Treatment but with a shorter processing time and less intensive maintenance requirements.

Keratin Smooth Treatment: Provides a more natural-looking result, with less straightening and a softer, more relaxed texture.

Natural Keratin Treatment: Natural ingredients such as coconut oil and keratin are used to improve the condition and appearance of hair.

Formaldehyde-free Keratin Treatment: Formaldehyde-free treatments are available for those who prefer a safer and more natural alternative.

The longevity of a Keratin treatment depends on factors such as the type of treatment and hair type. After the treatment, the use of sulphate-free shampoos, avoiding heat styling, and using protective products are recommended for the maintenance of hair.  

Japanese Hair Straightening

Japanese straightening is a smoothing and conditioning treatment that promotes a permanently altered structure of hair using both chemicals and heat. During the treatment the protein bonds in the hair are loosened and then reshaped by hair cells.

This treatment lasts about six to seven months. Unlike other methods, post-treatment hair care is crucial after Japanese Hair Straightening. Avoid washing your hair or pulling it into a ponytail for at least three days after the treatment while it sets. It is important to use nourishing hair masks regularly, avoid products with alcohol and opt for sulphate-free shampoos.

Japanese Hair Straightening treatment can be very damaging to the hair in the long run, especially if your hair has been coloured or received other chemical treatments.

DIY Natural Hair Straightening Remedies

Naturally straight and silky hair can also be achieved with natural remedies. These remedies can give you healthier and more manageable hair without the damage of chemical treatments or heat styling.

Recipes

Aloe vera gel, lemon, and castor oil – Mix all the ingredients properly. Apply it to the hair and then wash it off with shampoo.

Bananas, yoghurt, olive oil, honey – Mash these ingredients together, apply to your hair and rinse thoroughly.

Olive oil and eggs – This combination can nourish your hair. Your hair can become silky and straight.

Bananas and yoghurt – Apply the mixture and leave it for some time before washing.

Natural hair straightening remedies use ingredients that are gentle on the hair, minimizing damage and breakage. No chemicals are involved in this process. It is also cost effective and nourishing.

Natural hair straightening methods typically provide temporary results and may not be efficient for curly hair. The process can be time consuming and provide less control over results.

Conduct a patch test before applying a new DIY treatment to your hair. Use high quality natural ingredients to get the best results. Consider your hair type and time before beginning the treatment. Due to the temporary results use it frequently but remember not to overuse. Consult a dermatologist if you have any doubts before proceeding. 

Summary

In this blog, we have discussed the best hair straightening types. The purpose of the hair straightening method is to achieve smooth, sleek hair. Techniques like flat ironing, Brazilian Blowout, Chemical Relaxers, Keratin Treatment and Japanese Hair Straightening along with DIY Natural Hair Straightening Remedies are used to straighten hair.

Each hair straightening technique has its own benefits and it is necessary to take into account your hair type and hair health before going ahead with these treatments. Post treatment hair care is crucial in these techniques and your hair should be maintained with proper care even after the treatment.

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