A lot of people especially women wish to have naturally straight hair. For one, it can make daily life easier. If you are not a hair-conscious person but with naturally-straight hair, you can do with brushing your hair after bathing and you’re good to go. You can also easily style naturally-straight hair.

For others who are not as fortunate, there are hair straightening salons you can go to if you want to achieve silky straight hair. Before deciding on hair straightening, you must know everything about it first. Is it the right choice for you? What should you consider before heading to a nearby Japanese hair straightening salon?

Benefits of hair straightening

Many hair stylists recommend hair straightening at least a year after the last treatment However, hair expert Ron Williams suggests hair straightening every six to eight weeks. According to Williams, periodic hair straightening can produce better results. Among the benefits he mentioned include:

• Offers variety in your appearance
• Makes you appreciate your hair more
• Gives an opportunity to assess your hair’s health (ex. You can easily see split ends on straight hair than on curly hair)
• Can provide an intensive scalp treatment
• The scalp is more accessible and easier to “clarify” and tend to absorb treatments more easily

If you don’t want to go to a permanent hair straightening salon, you can opt for other “straightening” alternatives. You can choose a keratin treatment by a hair stylist or use a flat iron. Keratin, hair spa, or hot oil are good hair treatments that can help maintain your hair’s health. However, it won’t make your hair straight.

On the other hand, using a flat iron can be a good hair straightening alternative. But it is time-consuming and can cause accidental burns on your scalp. Using a flat iron every day is not healthy for your hair either. In this case, a hair straightening salon treatment is a better option if you really want straight hair.

Is it safe?

People vary on their hair’s reaction to hair treatments. For example, some may experience pleasant results after a hair straightening treatment. However, others may experience hair damage the first time they receive the straightening treatment. In other words, some people may be prone to hair damage due to hair straightening treatments.

It is true that hair straightening has a set of benefits. However, you should also be aware of its potential side effects including:

Excessive drying

Most chemicals used by hair straightening salons, with the combination of heat, can damage your hair and strip off its natural oils. It can also reduce the elasticity of your hair and make your hair feel coarse and frizzy.

Hair breakage

Chemically-straightening your hair can cause damage and make your hair brittle and prone to split-ends.

Hair dullness

Hair straightening treatments can also cause dull hair. This is due to the lack of hair’s natural oils. In effect, your hair will look lifeless and dry.

Hair loss

Permanent hair straightening can also lead to hair loss. It will most likely that you will see strands of hair in the shower drain or your hairbrush. Hair loss is due to weak follicles that helps in holding your hair to your scalp.

Allergic reactions

Chemicals used on hair straightening can cause adverse reactions to some individuals. One of the major culprits is due to formaldehyde which can cause adverse reactions on the lungs, nose, and skin.

Things to consider before straightening your hair

Despite the potential risks of hair straightening treatments, it does not mean it’s all bad. It’s just that you should gauge your decision based on your hair’s overall health and your hair straightening needs. Also, make sure to go only to trusted and professional hair salons.

Not all hair straighteners are meant for everyone.

It will depend on your hair’s texture, thickness, and overall health. Consult a professional hair stylist for the best options.

Make sure to disclose to your hair stylist about your hair history.

Have you applied hair color days before your scheduled hair straightening treatment? Those kinds of things. Nonetheless, be honest with your hairstylist, or risk damaging your hair in the end.

If hair straightening treatment is not recommended, let it be.

Rather than risk damaging your hair permanently, it is best to keep your hair as is. If you have naturally curly hair, embrace it. You can also opt for other treatments that can nourish your hair.

Finding the best hair straightening salons

For your hair care needs, trust only the best hair salons in Rockville and avail free consultation upon visit.