Many women are thinking about straightening their curls, because long and straight hair is back in fashion. Naturally, the best option is the recognized keratin straightening, but there are too many myths around this procedure. And therefore, the technologist of the company Brazil Prof offers to get acquainted with several facts.
What is straightening
In fact, the straightening of hair is a so-called "side effect", because the purpose of the procedure is the treatment and restoration. The procedure is as follows:
- A special keratin-containing cosmetic product is applied to the hair;
- Curls are smoothed out with a professional iron under the influence of temperature, which allows the active substances to penetrate into the structure of each hair.
Of course, this makes the hair straight, even if it was curly before. However, it is this additional effect that attracts girls. They have decided to emphasize this effect, but one should know that not every keratinous composition is able to help thick and very frizzy hair from the first try. They will well become "manageable" and just frizzy. If originally the hair was curly, it will become wavy, and already wavy hair can become quite straight.
By the way - straightening cannot remove split ends. Keratin does not fuse them and the problem remains the same as it was. So if the straightening cosmetics help to solve this problem (and it is indicated on the label), it is worth wondering if it is really a quality and professional.
Do I need special care?
Any professional cosmetic procedure performed on the skin or hair requires additional follow-up care. After the straightening procedure, you will need:
- Special sulfate-free shampoo - you cannot use ordinary shampoos, because after the use of conventional shampoos, the effect will be washed away;
- It is not desirable to go to the pool (the water contains chlorine), often wash your hair or swim in rivers (lakes, sea). If you neglect these recommendations, the effect will not last long.
What if you dye your hair?
You should not dye your hair before this procedure. If you have recently decided to change your natural color or even just painted your hair, you should know that after straightening it can become lighter, at least by one tone. Also it is worth to warn your master in advance that you are going to straighten your hair after dyeing - he will choose a suitable dye, a little bit darker than usual, so your color will not change significantly.
Also take into consideration that it is better to dye hair in 10-14 days after the procedure. If you are going to use dyes (no matter natural, professional or whatever), do it before the procedure and trust your master. After all, the pigment will be able to seal together with the keratin, although it will become a little lighter. And this means that the chosen shade will last much longer. If the dye is applied after straightening, it will sharply decrease the quality of straightening, and it will not be able to lie perfectly flat.
There is one exception to the rule - the coloring of the roots. The thing is that the keratin composition is not applied along the whole length of the hair, but at least 3 cm from the skin.
What if you straighten your hair at home?
Nothing is impossible and it is quite realistic, if the procedure will be carried out by an experienced master with the necessary tools. But it is difficult to perform this procedure independently - it is one of the most complex, requiring not only professionalism, but also full compliance with all regulations for the application of the composition. Any mistake will reduce the result of the treatment. And in the worst case, it can even give the opposite result - to make your curls dry, brittle or damaged.
Therefore, make sure that your master, no matter how professionally he (or she) cut your hair, has taken special courses in keratin straightening and have the necessary experience. It's best not to trust a novice to do it.
Another thing - hair that got worse after the procedure indicates that your master made a mistake. This is in the case if really professional brand cosmetics and quality tools were used for straightening. It is enough to apply not enough composition or to distribute it unevenly on the curls, so that the temperature (sometimes reaching up to 230 degrees Celsius), will burn and ruin the hair itself. Only a change of haircut and time until the hair grows back to its original length can correct such a mistake.
Hair gets greasy quickly, becomes oily, loses volume
This is already evidence of a violation of technology. Too much composition will cause the hair to become greasier. The same happens in the case if the composition is overexposed. Therefore, it is important to do everything in stages and strictly follow the technology. After all, the things that are good for dark and thick hair, will not work for light and thin hair.
By the way, it is also important how many times the master will go over the curls with a professional heating iron. Moreover, on each strand separately. Sometimes four or five passes are enough. But for tight and resilient hair you may need 10 passes. Everything is decided individually depending on the type and condition of your hair.
Can I style or use styling products?
Straightening, as mentioned above, is not really straightening. It is a treatment of the hair, so if you want to make curls again, you can curl them. You can also safely use a hair dryer, irons, curlers or tongs. This will not affect the effect of the procedure.
Also keratin straightening has no effect on hair loss or hair growth. It affects only the already existing hair. In addition, the product is not in contact with hair roots. It does not change hair thickness and does not influence the thickness of your hair. Keratin just makes your locks shiny, smooth, and manageable. They will no longer "frizz" from excessive moisture. There may only be the visual effect of greater volume, due to enveloping each hair in a protective shell.
No formaldehyde
Most manufacturers indicate that formaldehyde is present in keratin formulations. It is a gas, a vapor from a series of chemical reactions occurring with keratin. Such compositions are produced by many manufacturers, the irritating smell is felt too strongly.
But the real fact that your health is not threatened, can serve the professionalism of the master and the use of high-quality brand cosmetics without formaldehyde.
Contraindications
There are no particular contraindications to hair straightening. It is a therapeutic procedure, which can be used for preventive purposes. And on any hair, no matter how much it is curly, dry or oily, thick or thin. Keratin is a natural protein that hair is made of, so it cannot harm itself in any way. Damage can be done by the master, who performs the procedure without adhering to the technology, or with a lack of experience.
And keep in mind that the effect can last from 3 to 6 months, depending on your hair type, the selected product and other conditions. It accumulates over time, and after each subsequent treatment, the effect will be longer. It should be taken into account that damaged hair requires a separate hair restoration procedure, and after that - straightening. Many aspects depend on the master, so be very responsible before you sign up for a keratin straightening procedure.
