What is permanent straightening?

Permanent or definitive straightening is a professional styling method that modifies the hair structure, making it completely straight. To do this, the hair bonds are first broken and then rebuilt through a meticulous chemical process. As a last step, the new shape is sealed.

Although this method uses chemical and neutralizing solutions to alter the shape of the hair, there are different techniques to carry it out.

Types of straightening

Japanese straightening

Also called Yuko straightening, this was created in the 90s by stylist Yuko Yamashita. This technique relaxes the hair fiber as much as possible and closes the cuticle, resulting in smooth and shiny hair.

This technique involves breaking the connections that shape the hair through a chemical process and then rebuilding them to create a new hair structure. To do this, first a solution composed of water and gold molecules is applied, which restructures and prepares the hair. After rinsing and drying it, it is straightened strand by strand with a flat iron. Finally, the new structure is fixed and sealed by applying a neutralizer and using a flat iron with ceramic plates again. In total, the process can take between two to six hours, depending on the type of hair. And, of course, it must be carried out by a professional to avoid irreparable damage.

This process is permanent and irreversible. That is, the only way to get rid of its effect is by cutting and growing your hair again.

Moroccan straightening

Moroccan straightening, for its part, is presented as a harmless method, since it is carried out with a formula without formaldehyde. However, the mixture of white clay and cocoa oil applied with this technique is capable of modifying the structure of the hair. In other words, it breaks down the natural molecules of the hair follicle to completely transform them: straighter, shinier, more elastic and manageable. That is also thanks to its high dose of nutrients.

How is Moroccan straightening done?

The stylist first washes the hair with a specialized shampoo to deeply clean, nourish and protect the strands. After a first blow-dry, he sections the hair and applies the clay and oil formula. This is left to act for approximately 25 minutes. When the strands have absorbed the treatment, wash again to remove the product and dry with a hair dryer. Finally, the straightening is applied to fix the straightening.

In this case, the process lasts between two to three hours, depending on the amount and texture of the hair. The duration of Moroccan straightening is three to four months.

Brazilian straightening

Our hair is basically made of proteins and 80% of its composition is keratin, which gives it structure. Keratin is precisely the key ingredient in Brazilian straightening. For this reason, it is also presented as a beneficial treatment to combat frizz, give shine and smoothness to the hair. But it is worth clarifying that not any keratin treatment has the ability to straighten the strands. The real Brazilian straightening, yes.

This technique does not break bonds but rather smoothes the cuticle, that is, it does not alter the internal structure of the hair. What effect does it have then? Eliminates frizz and frizz, creates a protective film around the cuticle, adds shine and gives body and thickness to fine hair. It is mainly recommended for people who have hair damaged by bleaching, coloring, other straightening and/or frequent use of heat tools.

It is perfect for those looking to revitalize their hair or for people with subtle waves or imperfect straights who want to straighten it. The estimated duration of Brazilian straightening is between three to five months, depending on the care routine and certain external factors to which the hair is subjected.

Straightening without formaldehyde

Straightening without formaldehyde is, perhaps, the least aggressive option, although it is worth saying that its effect is not permanent. As its name indicates, this treatment does not contain formaldehyde, a compound that caused controversy due to its possible harmful effects on health (such as irritation, scalp peeling, allergy and hair loss, among others) and was banned in cosmetic treatments in several countries.

Although this treatment does not have the ability to straighten curly hair, it does achieve a natural straightness in those wavy or straight but frizzy hair. It mainly aims to eliminate frizz, achieving soft and shiny hair. A no less important fact: this method is suitable for pregnant or lactating women, although we recommend consulting your doctor first.

The process of applying formal straightening takes around three hours, depending on the length and amount of hair. The duration of its effect ranges from three to six months, with adequate maintenance.

Our tip:

Regardless of the technique you choose, make sure the person doing it is experienced. How to know? Because he will prioritize your health and will know what the risks are of the product he is applying to your hair.