Straight and smooth hair has been in fashion for quite some time. Those with curly or wavy hair gaze with envy at the straight hairstyles and want to look trendy too. So, what do they do? They go in for hair straightening methods, of which there are several. It is essential to know what these methods are, how they affect the hair and how the damage can be limited. The texture of our hair is determined by genetic factors. Most of the hair straightening methods actually change the very structure of the hair.

The temporary method of straightening the hair is with the use of a hand-held hair dryer. When the hair is damp, it is divided into sections. The end of each section is held with a brush. The section of hair is then held straight and downwards and dried with the hair dryer.

This is done with each section. The effect lasts till the next shampoo. Regular use of this method may not change the structure of the hair, but it does make the hair dry. In fact, excessive heat over a long period of time can also make the hair brittle and fragile, resulting in split-ends and hair breakage.

The hair can also be straightened with the use of chemical hair straighteners. The procedure is also known as relaxing.

In this process, the chemicals enter each hair shaft and changes the structure of the inner layers of the hair, by which curly or wavy hair becomes straight.  Fairly strong chemicals are applied directly to the hair. 

These are like perming lotions. In perming lotions, straight hair becomes curly, while in the hair straightening chemicals, the effect is reversed.  The effects of a strong relaxing procedure may last up to six months.

Chemical methods

Chemical hair straightening must always be done by a professional  and experienced hair stylist, who knows the technique well.

A professional conducts a strand test first to find out how strong the relaxing chemical should be. Individual hair must also be examined to see the hair texture, elasticity and the state of health of the hair. Do not go in for relaxing and colouring around the same time. Allow a gap of 2 to 3 months between these procedures. The hair straightening method that has become more popular is the Japanese thermal straightening method. It is also known as "rebonding."

Thermal conditioning

In the USA, it is known as Thermal Conditioning.  It is said that the straightening is permanent in this method and does not require the use of blow dryers after shampoo. However, some do blow dry their hair after shampoos to add more body to the hair.

The other reason why the method has become more popular is that it is said to make the hair look healthier and smoother and is said to add more body.  For this procedure too, it is essential to have it done by an experienced stylist. It is not a procedure that can be done at home.

It has been seen that rebonding has not been very successful on very curly hair and also hair that has already received repeated chemical treatments.

The entire rebonding process may take four to eight hours. The effect lasts for a year, after which the regrown hair can be touched up. Needless to say "rebonding" is a more expensive method of hair straightening. Hair straightening methods would cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000.

Ceramic irons

Hair straightening irons are also available for straightening the hair. In these, the hair is straightened by applying heat directly to the hair. The irons have wide plates to accommodate larger sections of the hair.
A nylon comb attachment may be there to hold the hair straight. The better and more expensive irons are the ceramic ones, as they are said to cause less damage. What must be emphasised is that after-care is extremely important with straightened hair. It is important to give your hair regular care to limit the damage.  Avoid repeated touching up of relaxed hair. Use mild shampoos and extra-rich conditioners. Chemically treated hair should get deep conditioning treatments once or twice a week.

Hair serums

The use of hair serums helps to give shine and added protection too. Once a week, give your hair hot oil therapy. Use a wide toothed comb to disentangle your hair. If split ends start developing, be sure to cut them off. If the hair has become damaged due to repeated straightening, avoid it for some time and allow the hair to recover, giving it conditioning treatments and hot oil therapy. Always use good quality shampoos and conditioners. Hair that is treated with heat also requires the same kind of extra care.

Personally, I do not advocate the use of chemicals on the hair or skin.

Apart from damage to natural beauty, careless applications of chemical lotions, or not following the time limits, have resulted in burns and destruction of the hair, where the hair has become extremely fragile and brittle.