If trying to tame your curly or frizzy hair has become something of a daily struggle and your hair straighteners just aren’t cutting the mustard, you may well have considered trying one of the various chemical straightening processes on offer. Japanese hair straightening systems (also known as thermal reconditioning) are amongst the newest processes on offer, but how do they work and are they worth trying?
How Japanese straightening systems work
Japanese permanent hair straightening uses the same basic chemical process that’s been used for many years in relaxing treatments to alter the structure of the hair. An alkaline chemical solution is first applied to the hair to break down the disulfide bonds within its structure that cause the curls. Japanese systems usually use ammonium thioglycolate or ‘thio’ as the active chemical, and this is one of the gentlest relaxing chemicals available.
With Japanese systems, once these bonds have been broken and the hair is ‘relaxed’, hair irons are used over every section of the hair to leave it poker straight. It’s only after this additional step that a neutralising solution is applied to the hair, setting the hair’s structure in its new straight form.
Japanese straightening isn’t usually recommended for more delicate Afro or chemically processed hair as its less able to stand up to the straightening process and risks causing significant damage.
What are the pros?
Japanese straightening leaves hair straight, and I mean super straight! There are plenty of great reviews from happy customers who love their new silky, easy to manage hair.
Styling time is cut to a minimum. No more daily straightening or time consuming blow drying – fantastic!
It’s a permanent treatment, so you’ll only need to repeat the process once your hair re-growth starts showing, perhaps a few times a year if you want to keep it straight.
And the cons?
Although Japanese straightening systems claim to be kind to hair and leave it in great condition, any chemical process is likely to cause some damage to hair. While it’s true that your best ceramic hair straighteners will cause damage of their own with repeated use, the risk of serious damage with chemical processes is far higher. Remember that this process smooths the cuticle of the hair, leaving it looking shiny, but this doesn’t mean that the hair’s structure and condition has actually been improved.
Japanese straightening isn’t a cheap option, so although costs can vary, be prepared to save up those pennies if you fancy trying it out.
The various stages of the process make it extremely time consuming, so expect to spend a lot of time in the salon – anywhere from around three to six hours!
So although there are many great reviews to be found, if you like the sound of Japanese straightening be aware that your hair could be left damaged, so do your homework and always go to a reputable salon with fully trained stylists.