If you are tired of taking care of your unmanageably curly hair, then this article will help you with information on chemical hair straighteners that you can use, to end your woe.
Curly hair is extremely difficult to manage, and there are limited hairstyle options that you can try on. For years, women with curly tresses have been desperately trying to get them straightened. Among various straightening products available, chemical straighteners are the most effective, and have the reputation of producing long-lasting results.
How Do Chemical Hair Straighteners Work?
Chemical hair straighteners primarily work by altering the chemical structure of each follicle. They are also called hair relaxers, as they gently ease tight curls. Before you go for chemical straighteners, it is recommended that you first check if this treatment will suit you or not. This treatment is not recommended for those with very fine hair. In any case, it is best to do a strand test. This test allows your stylist to see how your hair reacts to the treatment. This enables her to mix the correct proportion of chemicals for the treatment.
Although chemical straighteners are available as home kits, it is usually best to rely on a professional for help, especially if you are straightening your hair for the first time. The possibility of damage with home kits is high if you do not have technical knowledge about the chemical reaction that takes place.
How to Apply a Chemical Hair Straightener
Besides a chemical hair relaxing formula, other products that you will need are, a neutralizer, petroleum cream, hair relaxing conditioner, and shampoos especially formulated for chemically treated tresses. The first step is to apply a protective layer of petroleum cream to the scalp and hair. This step is more important to perform on hair that’s already been damaged by previous chemical treatments.
Next, apply a layer of the chemical relaxer to ease tight curls. There are basically three types of chemical relaxers; namely, sodium hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate. Allow the relaxer to react within the prescribed time limit. This may vary according to the type of relaxer you use. Then, the hair is rinsed with warm water to wash away the chemicals.
A neutralizer is then applied to restore the pH balance of the hair. This is because chemical relaxers increase the pH level of the hair, causing it to swell and break. Then, a conditioner is applied to restore its softness and moisture. Some chemical relaxers also demand conditioning of the hair, prior to a chemical treatment. If it is severely damaged due to previous treatments, it strongly recommended that you allow it to heal, before exposing it to new chemicals.
Pros and Cons
Most people chemically straighten their hair for permanent results. It will maintain straight until it grows out. Thus, this can be considered as a permanent straightening solution. Your hair becomes more manageable and frizz-free after a session.
On the other hand, this treatment weakens the hair, and may lead to permanent damage if proper caution is not taken during the treatment session. Using chemical straighteners from a reputed salon is a good way of minimizing damage done to your hair. You might also need to sit through touch ups once new hair starts to grow, because it will be curly, while the rest will still be straight.
Chemical hair straighteners can relieve you from frequent ironing sessions. However, avoid exposing your hair to chemicals all the time, as its texture will degrade in the long run.
