Everything You Need To Know About The Famous Japanese Straightening

[ad_1]

If you are looking for impeccable straight hair, Japanese straightening will surely have crossed your mind, one of the most effective techniques to permanently modify the hair structure.

Gone are the days of battling with hair straightener, for the sake of a flawless straightening. However, before undergoing this popular smoothing treatment, there are a couple of things you should know.

What is Japanese straightening?

Also known as Yuko straightening, Japanese straightening is a technique of permanent straightening that relaxes the hair fiber to the maximum and closes the cuticle, transforming frizzy and rebellious hair into completely smooth and shiny locks.

Created in the 1990s by hairstylist Yuko Yamashita, the method involves breaking the connections that give hair its shape through a radical chemical process with the application of heat, and then rebuilding them to create a new hair structure.

How long does Japanese straightening last?

Japanese straightening is a permanent and irreversible method, which can last up to six months in perfect condition. This means that as the hair grows, its effect will not be noticeable at the roots. Also, you can only get rid of its effect by cutting your hair and letting it grow back, a bonus if you plan to forget about daily styling!

How is Japanese straightening done?

Everything you need to know about the famous Japanese straightening — Japanese straightening will save you styling time every morning and will get rid of annoying ‘frizz’. Credit: Shutterstock

To carry it out, it is important to understand the process to achieve positive results. We recommend that you put yourself in the hands of an expert, to avoid irreparable damage to your hair.

The first step is to apply a chemical solution of cysteine —consisting of water and gold molecules— that restructures the hair and prepares it to be straightened.
The solution is left to act for 20 minutes and is then rinsed.
Now, the stylist will need to apply a conditioning treatment to keep the hair strong and hydrated during the process.
Once the hair is dry, each strand is meticulously straightened, using the iron at a temperature of 82ºC.
Finally, the new structure is fixed and sealed, applying a neutralizer.
The neutralizer should be rinsed out, followed by a final pass with a ceramic plate iron.

Of course, although the process is apparently simple, the duration of it can range between two and six hours, depending on your hair type.

What is better: keratin or Japanese straightening?

The best chemical process will depend on the results you want to achieve. Although Japanese straightening changes the natural structure of the hair to leave it completely straight, the keratin (or Brazilian blowout), helps to strengthen and smooth it, eliminating frizz, restoring the fibers and nourishing the cuticle. The latter does not necessarily leave hair straight, but rather stretches it and improves its appearance, leaving it manageable and controlled.

How good is Japanese straightening?

The list of advantages of Japanese straightening includes improving the appearance of hair, regardless of its type or thickness. The results are long-lasting and you will require less time to comb your hair in the morning. In addition, it leaves hair frizz-free, with a soft texture.

However, you should keep in mind that this type of chemical treatment can make the hair look thinner and less dense. Also, once you’ve changed its structure, you can’t get the texture or appearance back.

Always remember to go to an expert, since a lack of experience when applying it could damage your hair.

Although it is a quite beneficial method and is usually safe, Japanese straightening can also be somewhat aggressive -due to the nature of the technique-, especially for weak hair or hair that has already been chemically treated.

Consider avoiding it if your hair is extremely damaged and you have previously subjected it to bleaching, for example. Japanese straightening is more recommended for healthy hair that has not been recently bleached or dyed.

The care to preserve an impeccable Japanese straightening

Woman with Japanese hair straightening — Of course, Japanese straightening requires meticulous care before and after to avoid mistreating your hair. Credit: Shutterstock.

After undergoing this process, consider adopting the following routine in order to maintain the health of your hair and ensure that the effect lasts:

Keep your hair dry for the first few days. Experts suggest stopping washing your hair for at least the first three days after the treatment, in order for the neutralizer to finish acting on the hair. Avoid showering and even sweat.
Avoid heavy products. During the first 72 hours after the treatment, it is important to stop applying products such as oils, gels, and even dry shampoo. Leave your hair loose and touch it as little as possible.
Let your hair down. Wait a week before picking up your hair with garters, barrettes, clips or any other accessory to avoid unwanted marks.
Wash your hair with mild products. Since it completely rebuilds the hair structure, Japanese straightening can weaken the hair. However, it is possible to strengthen it again, giving it the appropriate care and using the appropriate products. In the newsroom we love the TRESemmé Keratin Antifrizz shampoo, professionally developed with keratin and hyaluronic acid for soft, shiny and manageable hair. This also creates a protective barrier against moisture and instantly controls the frizz.