Permanent hair straightening treatments rely on chemical processing methods that alter naturally curly, wavy, or textured hair to lose its curl and lay flat. These treatments typically last for months until new hair comes in to replace the treated hair. The term "permanent hair straightening" encompasses thermal straightening, keratin treatments, and "perm" straightening procedures. Both salon and at-home treatments are popular. Here are the pros and cons of hair straightening you need to know.
Treatment Types
· Professional permanent straightening: Perms are chemical treatment that permanently changes the structure of the hair follicle. Despite being associated with curls, they can be used to straighten hair, and are typically completed in a single appointment lasting a few hours. The cost of a perm varies depending on the salon and your hair length. Prices start around $50 and effects last from four to six months.
· Semi-permanent hair straightening: Examples include Keratin hair treatments and Brazilian blowouts which treat your hair, yielding a straight texture lasting three to five months. Multiple salon appointments may be required, and it costs more than $150.
· Thermal straightening: Also known as acid perms, Japanese thermal hair straightening are akin to traditional “straight” perms. The process takes a long time to complete (five to six hours), but has the longest lasting effects (up to six months). Costs are also higher at a range of $200 to $800.
How They Work
The same technique is used for all permanent hair straightening procedures. Your hair is treated with a chemical solution that alters the configuration of proteins in your hair. A neutralizer is then applied to your hair after the perm and thermal straightening, which allows your hair to lock into its new structure, generating new bonds between your hair's protein molecules. It may take several hours for your hair to be infused with the chemical solution, neutralized, and styled. These chemical solutions can have strong odors, and you're typically advised not to get your hair wet or sweat excessively in the days following the treatment. This means you are breathing in the chemicals used to treat your hair while also exposing them to people around you.
Side Effects
It is rather common to experience hair breakage following a permanent hair straightening procedure. The chemical solution works by essentially damaging your hair and causing it to lie flat or lose its natural curl. This means that your hair may take a longer time to dry and style until it grows out and is replaced by new hair. Concerns have also been raised concerning the chemicals utilized in these straightening techniques. Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen found in practically all straightening solutions, is a known carcinogen. Applying it to your hair and breathing in the fumes exposes you to enough of it to create adverse effects. These may include respiratory problems, inflammation of the nose and eye, and skin irritation.
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