Permanent Hair Straightening: Benefits and Risks

What is Hair Straightening?

The purpose of hair straightening is to give hair a smooth, sleek appearance by flattening and straightening it. Women straighten their hair for various reasons, such as to meet socially or personally acceptable beauty standards, manage frizz and curls, change up their hairstyle for variation, and achieve a sleek and polished look. It provides a flexible, controllable, and frequently polished appearance.

What are the Types of Hair Straightening?

Hair straightening is divided into two main types based on the duration of its outcomes, that is, temporary and permanent hair straightening. 

Temporary hair straightening

Non-permanent straightening, sometimes called temporary straightening, is the most popular way of straightening hair. A flat iron is usually used to accomplish it. Flat irons smooth out frizz and curls using heat, leaving hair straight and flat. One straightens hair with a flat iron if one wakes up in the morning and finds that it is frizzy. Because it only lasts a short while, it is regarded as a non-permanent straightening treatment.

Permanent hair straightening

Curly or wavy hair is permanently straightened with permanent hair straightening chemicals. The natural linkages in the hair are generally broken and then reconstructed into a straight pattern to achieve this goal.

With chemical treatments, permanent hair straightening provides straight, flowing hair without needing regular styler use. This is accomplished in a variety of ways; nevertheless, the following two phases are necessary for the process to be carried out:

1. To break down and treat the hair in a more manageable manner, hairdressers initially apply a solution that is based on sodium.
2. An oxidant is given to the hair to aid in fighting the keratin, the protein that causes the hair fibres to take on the desired shape.

What are the Methods of Achieving Permanent Hair Straightening?

Keratin straightening

Hair treatments that give the hair a straight texture for three to five months are Brazilian blowouts and keratin hair treatments. Both of these names are used interchangeably.

Japanese thermal straightening

Japanese acid perming, or heat hair straightening, is more like a "straight" perm than keratin. This process requires the most salon chair time (5–6 hours) but offers a six-month warranty.

Hair Rebonding

Hair rebonding is the term used to describe the process of straightening out an individual's wavy hair. The price varies quite a bit from one salon to another, depending on which one has visited.

Hair relaxing

A chemical hair relaxing procedure is performed to straighten kinky or curly hair. This involves using a relaxer, usually containing lye or other alkaline compounds, to break down the hair's natural structure and change its texture.

What are the Benefits of Permanent Hair Straightening?

Straightening one's hair has become a popular alternative for styling, and not just among people who have naturally curly or frizzy hair; it is also popular among people trying to change their appearance. There is no denying the benefits of straightening hair, even though others believe that doing so too frequently harms hair. 

Elegant and Sleek Appearance

One of the most visible benefits of straightening hair is that it gives the illusion of being smooth and groomed. Straight hair conveys a timeless allure that has the potential to transform appearance completely. If one is going to a formal event or wants to look more put together on an everyday day, straight hair is a terrific choice. 

Tolerable Tresses

One must know how challenging it must be to deal with unruly hair if they have ever experienced a terrible hair day. Their hair is easier to handle if they straighten it. Frizz, tangles, and knots are no longer a struggle. Their straight, silky hair easily glides through their fingertips. 

Creative Hairstyles

Straight hair is a fantastic foundation for applying a variety of different hairstyles. It resembles a blank canvas that is only awaiting their artistic interpretation. With any professional hair straightener brush, they effortlessly add curls, waves, or braids to their straight hair to change their look whenever they want. They have access to a wide range of options.

Increased Self-Assurance

Have they ever noticed how having nice hair makes one feel like the most critical person in the world? Having their hair straightened gives a person the confidence boost they require. When a person feels confident in their appearance, it comes through in their demeanour and attitude.

Time-Efficient

Straightening hair is typically far less time-consuming than styling curly or wavy hair. It can be quite helpful if one is running late and needs a quick but elegant look. Through consistent practice, one can incorporate it into their morning routine without experiencing any additional stress. 

Improved Health of Hair

Modern heat protectants and high-quality hair straighteners improve the health of a person's hair, going against the common idea that straightening hair causes damage to it. By protecting the hair from extreme heat, these products help to avoid split ends and damage. Furthermore, straight hair gives the appearance of being healthier and shinier.

Extended-Duration Design

Straightened hair tends to maintain its style for a considerable amount of time. As a result, one won't have to be concerned about hair becoming frizzy or unruly throughout the day. The streamlined appearance is something a person takes pleasure in from morning to night.

Frizz Reduction

The benefits of permanent hair straightening for reducing frizz are substantial. It gives hair that is frizzy, wavy, or curly sleek, straight strands that are easy to manage. Frizz is mainly caused by moisture absorption, which is decreased when the hair cuticles are sealed. It saves time and effort by changing the structure of the hair, reducing the need for everyday styling. Long-lasting results, usually lasting several months, make it a good option for people looking for a polished yet low-maintenance appearance. It also makes hair shine better and less prone to breakage and split ends.

Improve split ends

The appearance of split ends is improved. Split ends are a primary factor contributing to hair loss in adult females. Keratin treatments cannot repair split ends; nevertheless, they temporarily improve the appearance of split ends, giving the impression that hair is thicker and fuller throughout the rest of its length.

What are the Risks of Permanent Hair Straightening?

Although hair straightening temporarily improves problematic hair, it causes significant damage. This hairstyle works for everything from casual dates to red carpets, whether it's a sleek ponytail or open hair. When one is short on time, he must go for straight hair. Hair straightening is enjoyable, but it's bad for one's hair. It causes irreversible damage.

Here is a list of all the potential adverse effects that one must be aware of when straightening one's hair:

Increased hair loss 

A typical adverse effect of hair smoothening is chronic hair loss. It also indicates hair health decline. One's hair follicles become more fragile if one uses dangerous chemicals on one's hair in excessive amounts and for an extended period during the process of smoothing one's hair. This causes the hair to become detached from its roots, which ultimately leads to hair loss. There is also the possibility that it causes the natural strength of one's hair to decrease, which further causes the hair to break.

Dry hair

After a few washes, the hair gets dry. The harmful chemicals used to straighten and smooth hair affect its texture from scalp to tip and damage it greatly. One more reason for dryness is a flaky scalp, which is a direct result of the chemicals making their way into one's hair follicles. Due to the residue left behind by these chemicals, one's hair becomes incredibly fragile. If one uses hair oil consistently, one can alleviate this problem.

Split ends 

Another unintended consequence of hair smoothing is the appearance of split ends. The condition known as split ends is caused by repeatedly subjecting one's hair to high temperatures and chemicals, which cause one's hair strands to lose their moisture and become dry. This adverse consequence also includes hair follicles that are less robust due to the high heat level applied. 

Skin damage

It is also possible for the chemicals employed in the process to cause damage to the skin. Blisters or rashes appear on the face, scalp, and neck region if the chemical is accidentally brought into contact with the skin while the treatment is being administered. One of the chemical compounds utilised in the process is called formaldehyde, which can cause irritation, redness, and roughness of the top layer of one's skin.

Spoiling natural hair texture

During the procedure, administering some harsh chemicals causes one's hair's natural texture to be significantly altered. The new, straightened texture of one's hair results from the amino acids and disulphide bonds in one's hair, breaking and rebonding all over again. This process is what gives one's hair its style. On the other hand, this results in losing the inherent texture of one's healthy hair.

Hair discolouration 

The discolouration of the hair is one of the smoothening side effects that is observed the most frequently. By consistently applying serums and shampoos that contain potent chemicals to one's hair, one risks experiencing this condition. It is possible for one's hair to grey earlier than it must.

Scalp dandruff

Even though keratin treatment causes abundant dandruff, dandruff is a significant concern for many people. Dandruff flakes result from the residue of the toxic chemicals coming together for the first time after the process has been finished. The result of these is that itching, hair loss, and greasiness are experienced. Dandruff is a contributing factor to severe other hair issues, such as inflammation of the scalp.

Greasy hair

Another unintended consequence of hair smoothening is greasiness, which is brought on by the excessive number of serums and lotions that are regularly applied to the hair to keep that straight texture. Using these serums on hair too frequently risks giving it a greasy and flattened appearance.

What is the Association between Chemical Hair Straighteners and Risks of Cancer?

Numerous studies have connected chemical hair straighteners to ovarian, breast, and uterine cancers, among other cancers. This research has focused mostly on Black women, who are known to be significant consumers of these devices.

According to one of the most recent research projects, postmenopausal Black women who reported using hair relaxers more than twice a year for more than five years had at least a 50% higher chance of developing uterine cancer (published in December 2023 in Environmental Research).

According to 2022 research, women who used chemical hair straightening products during the previous year had a twofold increased risk of uterine cancer before the age of 70. Black women made up 60% of the participants who said they had used straighteners in the year before.

What are the Essential Precautions to Observe before getting Permanent Hair Straightening?

To avoid any damage and to ensure that hair remains straight and silky for an extended period, the following advice must be followed. 

1. One must wait approximately three days before giving one's hair a treatment before washing it.
2. Refraining from tying one's hair firmly and using a pin before the operation is essential.
3. Before washing one's hair after the treatment, one must go to bed with one's hair straight for three days.
4. One must not tie one's hair immediately after receiving treatment because doing so will alter the structure of one's hair.
5. If one wants to keep one's hair lustrous and frizz-free, one must only use the hair care products that are advised, such as shampoo and conditioner.
6. To provide one's hair with the required nourishment, one must oil it regularly.
7. A healthful and well-balanced diet is essential for promoting good hair development.
8. It is recommended that one refrain from washing one's hair frequently and trim it every two months.

People Also Ask

How should I take care of my hair after getting permanent hair straightening treatment?

It is essential to care for your hair after getting permanent hair straightening treatments to maintain its health and prolong the outcomes of the treatment. First and foremost, avoid washing hair for at least 02 to 03 days after getting the treatment so that the chemical fully settles down. Make sure you use shampoos and conditioners that are free from sulphates and paraben to prevent the hair from damage as it interferes with the chemicals used in the treatment. It is essential to follow the ritual of regular deep hair conditioning to keep the hair hydrated and free from dryness or possible potential damages. Avoid the frequent use of heat styling tools such as flat irons or blow dryers as they threaten the treated hair. Moreover, it is essential to protect the hair from environmental stressors by using a scarf or a hat in the sun, and a swim cap when in chlorinated pool. Regular visits to your hairdresser for trimming the hair also gives better outcomes as it keeps the formation of split ends at bay, giving a healthier look. Just by following these tips, individuals can enjoy shiny and healthy hair post treatment with outcomes that are often long lasting.

Can I dye my hair after getting permanent hair straightening treatment?

Yes, you can dye your hair after getting permanent hair straightening treatment. However, it is recommended to wait at least 02 weeks before planning for hair dye to minimize the risk of damage as the chemicals settle down. Both permanent hair straightening and hair dye require the use of strong chemicals on hair that often result in hair weaking and breakage. Thus, it is recommended to leave a suitable interval between getting these two for your hair.

Conclusion

The purpose of hair straightening is to give hair a smooth, sleek appearance by flattening and straightening it. Women straighten their hair for various reasons, such as to meet socially or personally acceptable beauty standards, manage frizz and curls, change up their hairstyle for variation, and achieve a sleek and polished look. Hair straightening is divided into two main types based on the duration of its outcomes, that is, temporary and permanent hair straightening.

Flat irons smooth out frizz and curls using heat, leaving hair temporarily straight and flat. Because it only lasts a short while, it is regarded as a non-permanent or temporary straightening treatment. Curly or wavy hair is permanently straightened with permanent hair straightening chemicals. The natural linkages in the hair are generally broken and then reconstructed into a straight pattern to achieve this goal. The various methods to achieve permanent hair straightening include keratin straightening, Japanese thermal straightening, hair rebonding and hair relaxing.

Straightening one's hair has become a popular alternative for styling. Its benefits include elegant and sleek appearance, tolerable tresses, help in achieving neat and creative hairstyle, increased self-assurance, time efficient, improved hair health, extended duration design, frizz reduction and improve split ends.

Although hair straightening temporarily improves problematic hair, it causes significant damage. Its risks include increased hair loss, dry hair, split ends, risk of skin damage, spoiling the natural texture of hair, hair discolouration, scalp dandruff and greasy hair.