Are you tired of spending hours straightening your naturally curly or kinky hair? For many, everyday hair maintenance can be overwhelming, and straightening natural curls can be very time-consuming.
If you’re one of those, it’s time to explore straight perms! The straight perm is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting solution to tame your frizzy, curly, or wavy hair.
A straight perm is also known as Japanese hair straightening or thermal reconditioning. This treatment uses chemicals and heat to transform your hair into a sleek, pin-straight look permanently.
What Is a Straight Perm?
A straight perm is a chemical treatment to straighten wavy and curly hair, and then you apply heat to the hair for the best results.
Licensed cosmetologist and colorist Andrea Torre clears up the mix-up she hears most often:
One of the biggest misconceptions about a straight perm is that it works like a keratin treatment to smooth frizz and maintain volume. It is, in fact, an entirely different product composition that flattens the hair and strips it of all natural body and volume. The two are not created equal, or formulated for the same service.
It would be best to distinguish a straight perm from other chemical straighteners. A smoothing treatment like a keratin treatment helps smooth the hair but does not straighten it, and this semi-permanent treatment works best to reduce frizz or loosen curls.
People can also choose chemical processing to relax their curls; chemical relaxers do not require heat.
How Do Straight Perms Work?
A straight perm uses a chemical solution to break down the structure of the hair, which holds the shape of the curls or waves. Once the straightening treatment has been applied, the stylist will use a flat iron to apply heat, which sets the hair straight before a neutralizer locks in the new shape.
Straightening your hair will require two to four hours in the salon chair, depending on your hair type and length.
A straight perm done by a stylist in a hair salon can last from three to six months.
Different Types of Straight Perms
You have several options if you consider straightening your hair using a straight perm. Visit any hair salon in your area and ask to speak to a hairstylist knowledgeable in hair straightening.
Professional Salon Straight Perm
Permanent straightening in a salon generally takes a few hours. The stylist will apply the correct perm chemicals for your hair type, and they will achieve the texture you are looking for.
The prices for hair straightening will depend on the salon. Typically, it can cost $150 or several hundred dollars, depending on the type and length of your hair.
The most significant advantage to visiting a hair salon is the hairstylist’s experience and knowledge. However, you may pay a great deal of money for results you are not happy with.
Japanese Thermal Straightening Perm
A Japanese thermal straightening perm is also known as thermal reconditioning. This straightening process uses a chemical treatment to change the hair’s protein structure.
This treatment is effective for frizzy, wavy, or curly hair. A Japanese thermal straightening perm can last up to six months, leaving hair with a soft and manageable texture.
The Japanese hair straightening process can take up to five hours and be more expensive than the traditional salon straight perms. Depending on your hair’s natural state, it can cost $400 to $800.
You will enjoy your straight hair for up to six months. Unfortunately, you cannot reverse the process. You will have to wait several months to see your curls if you don’t like your new hair.
Hair Rebonding Straight Perm
Hair rebonding is also called chemical straightening. It is a process that uses chemicals to change the physical structure of the keratin molecules in the hair.
Hair rebonding uses strong straightening chemicals and can take several hours to complete. It is essential to consult with a hairstylist to decide if you are a good candidate for hair rebonding.
The cost will depend on your hair’s thickness and length, costing $350 and upwards. You may notice some hair breakage, damage, and dryness due to the chemicals.
Keratin Straightening Perm
A keratin straightening treatment is often referred to as a Brazilian keratin treatment or a Brazilian blowout. A hairstylist will wash your hair, apply chemicals, blow-dry it, and then use a flat iron to seal the products. The process will take several hours, and these perms can cost from $200 to $500.
A keratin treatment smooths frizz and relaxes texture for up to six months, but it does not truly straighten the hair the way a straight perm does. Keratin-treated hair looks shiny and less frizzy. One drawback of keratin straightening perms is that some formulas can release fumes during the heated flat-iron step, so these treatments are best done by a professional in a well-ventilated salon.
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How Do You Prepare Your Hair?
You can do a few things to guarantee the best results for your straight perm. Do not bleach or color your hair for at least six months.
It is best to avoid layering or thinning your hair before your perm. Most straightening perms will require a specific cut to get the style you are looking for.
You should maintain a consistent hair care routine. Perms work best on healthy hair. You should wait a month or two if you see any hair damage or dryness.
Potential Side Effects
There are several side effects that you should consider before getting a straight perm.
- Hair damage: Straight perms use chemicals that can damage your hair. You may have more difficulty maintaining and styling your hair.
- No color: Once you have chemically straightened your hair, it is best not to color it. You will also be unable to curl your hair.
- New growth: New hair will look significantly different from the straightened hair section. Near the scalp, you may see wavy hair or curls. You can get touch-ups with some treatments to have an even texture all over your head.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Straight Perm
Straight perms last for months, so you should consider a few things before booking your appointment.
It’s a Commitment
Straight perms are chemical treatments that alter the structure of your hair. The process has long-term effects so that you will live with your new straight hair for weeks or months. Throughout this time, you will be limited to styles of straight hair. Other chemical treatments are discouraged, so coloring your hair will have to wait.
How to Care for Your Straight Perm
Maintaining your straight perm will take a bit of extra work. For long-lasting results, here are a few things you can do.
- Condition daily: You should shampoo every two to three days, but use conditioner every day.
- Avoid heat: You should avoid using a flat iron or blow dryer on your hair.
- Hair products: You should buy hair products designed for chemically straightened hair. These products will help with moisture retention.
- Haircuts: You should visit the hair salon more often than before your perm. It would be best if you went every four to six weeks.
Final Thoughts
Having a hairstyle that you love can boost your self-confidence, and a straight perm can give you fantastic results. It is essential to consult with your hairstylist to determine which chemical treatment will work best for your type of hair. Once you have decided, the only thing left is to book an appointment and relax.
A straight perm is a strong chemical service, and it is not one to attempt at home. A DIY attempt rarely makes the hair completely straight, and it usually leaves you with unsatisfactory results. Leave it to a licensed professional who can choose the right system for your hair and protect it through the process.
