Japanese Hair Straightening is a famous way of straightening your curly locks into straight one. It transforms your unruly and frizzy hair to permanent and smooth tresses. It is quite a controversy because of its negative side effects especially if done by an inexperienced person. But some women swear that it’s safe and is a great way of getting your hair into shape. People have started to choose this over Brazilian hair straightening since they discovered the hazardous and toxic chemicals that are involved in this. If you would like to go for this style, you might want to speak to an expert first. However, we have come up with this article that will give you a brief idea and understanding about Japanese Hair Straightening treatment.
History of Japanese Hair Treatment:
Japanese Hair Treatment was quite a rage in New York City in the 2000s. For women who were tired of their curly and frizzy hair, this new style came as a blessing. And it would almost seem like a miracle. Women would walk into a salon, pay 150 to 800 dollars on chemical hair treatment and come out with super sexy, long and sleek hair. The best part is that the hair would always remain straight; it never grew out or changed its source. Since then, its popularity kept shooting up.
See More: Keratin Hair Straightening At Home
How Does It Work:
Japanese Hair Treatment involves the usage of chemicals such as calcium hydroxide that relaxes the curls and makes it soft and smooth. First your hair shall be separated in sections. After that, each section shall be washed off with a good quality clarifying shampoo. A special solution is applied all the way from the scalp to the strands. After that the hair is blow dried and flat ironed. After this your hair will look perfectly smooth, straight and long. But if your hair is way too curly, the entire process shall be repeated.
How Long Does It Last and What Is The Cost?
This treatment has been advised for hair that is already in good quality. Since it contains chemicals that can cause great damage to your hair, it cannot be used on those whose hair is already poor in quality. It will last as long as six months, which is pretty much longer than the Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment. The cost of this will be around 150 dollars in Queens, New York and 400 dollars in Manhattan. Although it is expensive, the results are equally effective.
See More: How To Do Permanent Hair Straightening At Home
Is Japanese Hair Straightening Safe?
The Japanese Hair straightening procedure is similar to permanent hair straightening method. It makes use of string chemicals to break the bonds in the hair follicles. This can potentially damage your hair in the long run. Also, this treatment requires expertise by the beautician. Lack of proper training and knowledge may end up as a disaster. With your hair growing by few inches every six month, you will notice that the root is curly and needs a touch up. Several touch ups can kill the follicle, resulting in hair loss and baldness.
Benefits of Japanese Hair Straightening:
You can expect pin-straight, shiny and glossy hair after the Japanese Hair Treatment has been completed.
You will notice the following benefits of this treatment:
- Shiny, Glossy hair
- Super-straight locks
- No curls or waves
- No need to spend time in styling your hair
See More: How To Do Hair Straightening At Home
Japanese Hair Straightening Pros and Cons:
The following are the pros and cons of getting this treatment done:
Pros:
- Makes your hair pin straight
- Adds shine and gloss to your hair follicles
- You will have no curls or waves to deal with
- You can enjoy straight hair for atleast 6 months
Cons:
- Overdose of harmful chemicals
- Makes your hair really dry
- High maintenance required
- Touch ups for every 6 months are needed
- Can cause hair thinning, breakage and ultimately hair loss
What Does It Do?
Japanese Hair Straightening changes the structure of your hair completely. Your hair will look glossy, beautiful, attractive and very unique. Others could have a bad hair day, but for you, your hair shall always remain soft, fresh, clean looking and healthy. The moisture in your hair shall be sealed and you will look like an absolute diva.
What Are Not You Allowed To Do?
You are supposed to take good care of your hair after the straightening procedure has been completed. You cannot wash your hair for the next 72 hours with any kind of shampoo. You are supposed to keep your hair straight and still as much as possible for the next few days.
How to Take Care of Your Post Hair Treatment:
After the procedure of Japanese Hair Straightening has been completed, you have to be very careful. The first thing you need to be is patient. Don’t make a pony tail out of it for the next five days since this is the time when your hair sets in. Again, you need to stay away from coolers that make your fly or move too much. The still your hair remains, the better it is for you.
Where Can You Get It Done And Why?
You can get Japanese Hair Straightening done mostly in Japanese and Korean salons. But in places like New York, this treatment has been essentially banned. According to New York Magazine, Ted Gibson, Mark Garrison, Charles Washington and Ric Pipino are some famous parlours that have stopped using Japanese Treatments mostly because of its negative side effects on the hair.
See More: How To Straighten Hair
The Good Part About This:
Even though it’s expensive, the good part is that you don’t have to use a straightner or hair straightening products for the next six months. Your hair shall remain free from any kind of dryness and frizzyness even on rainy and humid days. The technique is professional and very effective. Those who would like to experiment with new hairstyles should definitely try this one. Your life will become a little more easy and simple and you don’t have to worry about your hair at all. So go to a good and suitable salon that performs Japanese Hair Straightening and get it done.
DIY: Japanese Hair Straightening At Home:
Although not recommended, we shall show you how to straighten your hair at home and avoid expensive salons. Keep in mind that you might end up damaging your hair if you are not fully aware of the procedure.
1. Pre-Treatment:
First, you need to ensure your hair is ready for the treatment. Your hair must be free from dyes, colors or other chemical treatments
2. Things You Need:
Get these supplies ready to create permanent straightened hair at home:
- Japanese Hair Straightening Treatment Kit
- Clarifying Shampoo
- A blow Dry
- Ceramic Coated Straightener
- Plastic Comb
- Deep Conditioner
3. Shampoo:
Washed hair best responds to the treatment. Make sure to use a good quality shampoo
4. Activator:
Apply the activator on your hair and avoid the scalp. This needs to applied quickly and evenly
5. Rinse Hair:
After leaving the activator for 50 minutes, rinse your hair and towel dry
6. Blow Dry:
Blow dry your hair with an ionic dryer and get it ready for ironing.
7. Flat Iron:
Set the iron to 350 F and section your hair. Neatly iron each section for uniformity.
8. Second Rinse:
Now rinse your hair again to get the activator out of your hair.
9. Blow Dry:
You can either air dry or towel dry your hair.
10. Keep Hair Dry:
Avoid washing hair from atleast 72 hours after this procedure.
We hope this article helped you gain good understanding of how Japanese straightening treatment is done and whether it’s worth your effort and money. Like any straightening treatment that uses chemicals, the Japanese version is not safe for your hair. While you may enjoy pin straight hair for a while, you will notice the damage sooner. However, the extent of damage varies from person to person. It is recommended to avoid this treatment if you already have dry, damaged hair to avoid going bald in future!
