Okay, let’s talk straight. For decades, women of African descent the world over have relied on various tried-and-tested methods to “relax” their hair. Then, about a decade ago, the Yuko system made a big stink among people of all colors when it came over from Japan, followed by Opti-Smooth. Now a third contender is fighting to become top dog in the hair straightening stakes: the Brazilian.

Not what the name may imply, the Brazilian is a relatively new hair straightening system that has nothing to do with waxing away pubic hair. It is a semi-permanent way to straighten the hair on your head, which uses keratin – and sometimes formaldehyde – to tame even the curliest locks. But while it may be taking the world of hair by storm, even it has its drawbacks…

If you are considering straightening your hair for more than just an occasional night out, you may be thinking of a permanent hair straightening system. Here is the best – and the worst – of the most popular systems currently on offer. Remember, success will depend not only on your type of hair and how rigorously you adhere to its upkeep, but also on the skill of your stylist – as well as the products he or she chooses to use.

Brazilian Hair Straightening (aka Brazilian Blow-Out or Brazilian Keratin Treatment). The stylist applies active keratin, a protein found in the top layer of our skin which makes it both waterproof and tough, although sometimes this is used in conjunction with formaldehyde, which can be dangerous (see below). The formula is then sealed into the hair using a hot iron, taking away frizz, curls and unruly waves. Takes about two hours, more for longer or more unruly hair.

PROS: Will fade away gradually, meaning that it will eventually grow out and leave you with natural waves once more. Takes less salon time and generally costs less than the Yuko or Opti-Smooth system. Leaves the hair with more body than the Yuko System and can be used on dyed hair as well as virgin hair.
CONS: The effect doesn’t last as long as Yuko or Opti-Smooth – about three to four months. And if the product contains actual formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, – you will need to check with the salon first – this could reportedly be a health hazard, for both you and your stylist as well. Note that the FDA does not regulate the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics.

The Yuko System. Created in the 1990s, this can make any type of curly hair straight in about five hours – for about six months or so, depending on hair. After a consultation with your stylist, your hair will be washed and divided into segments, then the application will be put on for roughly 20 minutes, depending on hair length etc. It will then be flat-ironed and a neutralizer will be put on to reset the bonds of the hair. It will then be rinsed, followed by a blow-dry, style and perhaps a cut. The whole process takes roughly five hours in total.

PROS: Last forever. That means that you won’t see any curly hair until new hair grows in.
CONS: Last forever. That means that when new curly hair grows in, you will have a ring of frizz on the top followed by dead straight hair. The only way to look “normal” – with hair either entirely straight or entirely curly – is to have your hair redone, in about six months’ time, or to straighten the top bits with straightening irons. Also, repeated application of the Yuko system can cause extensive damage to hair – and not just the ends. Not recommended for use on color-treated hair as it will damage it too much.

Opti-Smooth. Similar to the Yuko System, but you will have a choice of results: cold-smoothing is for less frizz, progressive smoothing will leave you hair looking as if it’s just been freshly blow-dried, and heat-straightening will make it look iron-rod straight (that’s just so passe, darling!).

PROS: Lasts forever (see Yuko, above). If your hair is shorter or you choose cold-smoothing, the salon time will be considerably lessened.
CONS: Lasts forever (see Yuko, above). Unlike the Yuko system, however, Opti-Smooth claims to be kinder to hair long-term, with less damage and breakage. Not for dyed hair.

Other Ways To Straighten Hair

* Blow-Drying. Many people seek to blow-dry their hair to make it straight and sleek, although often only a salon blow-dry can have truly effective results. Can damage hair long-term.

* Hair Straighteners. A variety of flat irons or hair straighteners are on the market today – those with ceramic plates are usually considered the best as they work by gliding through the hair without it catching on the edges and splitting. It’s advised to use them sparingly with special products/gels that minimize heat damage to the hair.

* Home Relaxing Kits. Much like a do-it-yourself salon-style routine. Apply straightening cream, leave on, rinse away, straighten with straightening iron, neutralize, wash and blow dry. Takes about two hours in total, more for longer hair. Good luck!

* Ironing. Time was when many young girls had their hair ironed – with a clothes iron – to have straighter tresses. The process could take up to an hour and was often saved for special occasions. Required two people: one to lay her head on the ironing board while the other wielded the iron. Had to be a trusted friend – with excellent eyesight!

Hair straightening is just another way that us mortals deal with “the grass is greener” syndrome. In the 1970s and 1980s everyone was rushing to have a perm and make their straight hair curly, now the reverse is the talk of the town.

If you decide to go the permanently straight route, it’s important to find a salon you trust. Take heed if your hair is dyed, colored or even just highlighted, as this may affect the outcome of the straightening process – even if your stylist assures you this isn’t the case!

Remember, also, that all chemically straightened hair will require a good hair-care routine to keep it looking good. This means using a protein-rich shampoo, conditioner and other anti-frizz products, as locking in all the moisture possible will be crucial in maintaining that salon style.

Sarah Matthews is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a Healer at Yodle Local or more Health & Medicine articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.

Author: S Matthews
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Hairstyling is considered one form of vanity that is usually being attached with women. The most popular hairstyle seen in a lot of women today is straight hair. Most women settle with this kind of hairstyle due to its simplicity and because it is very manageable. The popularity of the idea of having a frizz free and shiny long straight hair made women with curly hair to consider the idea of indulging in straightening treatments to achieve straight hair.

Several methods of straightening treatments and procedures have already been introduced. The most common is the use of straightening irons; the Chi Dazzle Hair Straightener for example is the most commonly used brand of iron. Unfortunately, not all can get straight hair by just the use of irons; some will require a more adjunct procedure to be able to address the problem. Straightening methods will depend on the type of hair being treated. The common methods used for hair straightening are as follows:

o Chemical Relaxers – This method is recommended for those who have really curly hair. Mostly African American women go for this kind of treatment. Chemical relaxing treatment is usually done in a salon. The treatment involves application of different solutions directly to the hair to stimulate hair shaft to break down, reform and solidify the protein bonds resulting to a straighter hair.

o Permanent Hair Straightening – Japanese Thermal hair straightening is the latest hair straightening procedure that has been introduced recently. The procedure includes the use of chemicals together with a hair iron to permanently straighten the hair. The treatment usually lasts for 4-6 months since new hair needs to be treated as well.

o Hair Straightening Irons – Hair irons has been one of the commonly used equipment to straighten the hair. Aside from it is very handy, you can quickly straighten it without application of any chemicals. Chi Dazzle Hair Straightener in particular is known as the best styling iron. CHI, the leading brand in hair irons, employs a technology that involves the use of negative ions to deeply penetrate the cortex. Since they are using ceramic as the main material for their irons; drying of hair is avoided.

o Hair Straightening Products – Hair straightening products have been widely available in the market and application is usually done at home. Instructions are provided to guide the user on how to properly apply the product to achieve the best results. Although this kind of straightening treatment doesn’t last long as compared to treatments being done in the salon. That’s why daily usage is sometimes required to gradually see the result. It is usually recommended to those have wavy hair but not exactly curly since the result might not be guaranteed.

Hair straightening methods vary depending on the type of hair being treated. Its thickness, length and texture are common factors being considered before engaging in any type of hair straightening procedure. New breakthroughs are being discovered everyday to conveniently address the demands of a straight hair. Hair irons like Chi Dazzle Hair Straightener always comes in handy for those who need a quick fix without the hassle of going to a beauty salon. Many hair straightening products are also readily available for easy consumption.

Krystal is a professional beauty consultant with Salon Hive

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There are many points to consider in finding the right ceramic hair straighteners for you. Brand will probably be a major factor when selecting your new hair straightener, and the first name that springs to everyone’s mind is GHD. There are, however, many manufacturers out there to choose from for all requirements, and budgets. From Corioliss, producing exclusive designs such as the C2 crystal (no WAG’s dressing table would be complete without one!) through to trusted old favourites such as Remington, Morphy Richards and Babyliss – there is much more to think about than just a name. Ceramic hair straighteners come in a rainbow of colours and offer a number of functions. Whatever your budget, you’ll want a straightener with some basic features. Let’s run through some of them.

Safety first. Even basic straighteners must have a heat resistant handle. Some come with a heat resistant mat too and, if yours don’t, you should consider investing in one. Heat resistant mats are readily available and inexpensive – particularly in comparison with scorched furniture!

How many times have you arrived at work and had that sinking feeling you’ve left your straighteners on? By choosing a model with an automatic shut off function, you can rest at ease. A timer in the unit will turn your straighteners off for you after a set period of time.

An automatic heat control sensor will ensure there is even heat distribution across the plates.

A light indicator will let you know when your straighteners are hot enough to us. Better still, a digital display will take the guess work out of straightening, letting you know exactly what temperature the plates have reached.

Multiple heat settings allow you to suit the temperature of your straighteners to the needs of your own hair. Thick and very curly hair requires more heat. This hair-type is particularly prone to damage and you may think more heat is the last thing it needs. A higher plate temperature, however, cuts down styling time, reducing the number of strokes required to straighten each section and is actually beneficial, particularly since the effects are much longer lasting. In contrast, fine hair needs less heat. By selecting the correct heat setting according to hair-type, styling time is reduced, the effects are longer lasting, and, most important of all, you minimise the risk of damage.

Ceramic straighteners give even heat distribution across the plates, making straightening faster and easier. They warm up quickly – some in less than 10 seconds! The smooth plates reduce static and flatten hair cuticles, making frizz a thing of the past!. Excessive styling can take its toll on your hair. Ceramic plates keep damage to a minimum as styling time is reduced, the effect is longer lasting and plate hot spots are eliminated.

Tourmaline straighteners are the latest innovation in the haircare world! Previously, these were available only to salons and hair professionals, and since their arrival on the mass marketplace, tourmaline straighteners have become a best-selling heat-styling appliance! Tourmaline is a semi-precious stone which is ground down to a fine powder and infused into the straighteners’ plates. Tourmaline gives a negative ion output which eliminates frizz creating beautiful, shiny, super-straight hair! Tourmaline plates reduce styling time – a section can take just 25 seconds! Less time styling is not just good news for you, but excellent news for your hair!

Ionic straighteners are great for brittle, frizzy and colour-treated hair. Negative ions are very important when we straighten hair. Positive charges are present in all hair. They ruffle hair cuticles causing hair to lose its shine and giving a frizzy look. The ionic straightener redresses the the balance, creating negative ions. These negative ions cancel out positive charges, smoothing hair cuticles and giving hair a sleek, glossy look, whilst sealing in your hair’s own natural oils.

Cordless straighteners are perfect for your suitcase, or even handbag – they’re perfect for people on the go! Maybe you’re just tired of getting in a ravel with your straightener’s wire’s cord. Then cordless straighteners are for you!

Steam straighteners can be used on damp hair, eliminating the need to blow dry hair before use. This not only cuts back on styling time, but creates less heat damage to hair. Steam hair straighteners are great for very curly or thick hair. The shot of steam packs some punch in eliminating those stubborn kinks! Many models come with ceramic plates reducing warm-up time and ensuring even distribution of heat across the plate, giving a gorgeous, shiny, sleek look!

Straighteners with brush attachments or de-tangling prongs work well on curly hair too. The prongs smooth out hair without causing damage or breakage.

Lindsay Coope
The great news is that if you shop online for Ceramic Hair Straighteners you can find unbeatable deals at great prices!

Author: Lindsay Coope
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Permanent Hair Straightening has become very popular as recent styles of pin straight hair are the in thing. This technology was developed in Japan where straight hair is desired by most women. This process is generally called Japanese Hair Straightening but in the US, Canada & UK it is also referred to as Ionic Retexturizing, Japanese Straight Perm, Thermal Reconstruction, and Rebonding. This is a very intensive process that leaves the hair completely straight, and feeling silky and smooth with a glossy appearance. It works by breaking down the hydrogen bonds in the hair’s cortex to remove all curl and waves. Since this is a permanent restructuring of your hair, it will last until new hair growth, which will of course come in as normal.

Permanent Hair Straightening only works on Caucasian or Asian hair. It is not recommended for African hair which is considered more fragile. For African hair you are better of with relaxing which is especially made for African hair. If you have used a relaxer on your hair in the past you should not get your hair permanently straightener as these two processes are not compatible and you may see breakage or fall out. Also, be sure to inform your stylist about other processes like bleaching, color, highlights etc. that you have used in the recent past. The best way to make sure you are a good candidate for this process is to have your stylist do a strand test. Actually your stylist should be the one to suggest this if they are professional and and experienced and are looking to get you the best results. Although straightening can be done on colored hair, be sure to follow general guidelines of waiting two weeks or more before and after.

If you do decide to go ahead remember that hair straightened by this process will keep your hair looking smooth and shiny for six to nine months depending on your hair growth rate. Therefore the 4 to 6 hours (depending on hair length) it takes for the process is definitely worth it. You may also think that the cost of $500-$800 for a good experienced stylist is worth it as it will cut down on daily styling time for many months. I will caution you to use only shampoos and conditioners recommended for your new shiny mane. Primarily you will need deeper conditioning, maybe even leave-in conditioners, and styling products with sunscreen.

I have many friends that swear by Japanese Hair Straightening and have not personally heard any horror stories. I myself am considering it but am still mulling it over. One thing to remember is that permanent means that you will not be able to have any curls or waves – no curling iron will work. So it is a commitment for over six months so choose wisely.

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The different hair straightener that is available in the market today has a different and interesting history behind. The evolution of this hair straightening devices over the years from the heating irons to the present day straighteners is highly interesting. Today we take for granted our hair straightener but it is sure to create goose bumps after knowing what ladies had to do years ago to keep their hair straight. Earlier it was done so easily and often there had been a case of burnt scalp and fried hair.

Iron that we use to iron clothes was used earlier to straighten hair which is contrary to belief. There were also other quite a few methods of hair straightening, earlier that involved abrasive chemicals that were incredibly harmful to the scalp and hair both. But today, it is still possible to chemically straighten the hair, which is considered better that what was found in the past. But with the advent of modern hair straightening implements, the process of hair straightening has become easy and it is really not necessary to go to such an extreme. With this new hair straightening tools there is no commitment, no need to apply potentially harmful chemicals to your scalp every few months to keep your hair permanently straight and also that there is minimal possibility of damage to your hair.

Looking few years back the evolution of hair straightener started with the straightening comb. There is some confusion with the actual inventor of hair straightener but it is true that Madam C.J Walker in the early 1900s who made a record as America’s first black woman millionaire to make fortune with the invention of hair care products specifically tailored to black women popularized the use of hair straightener among the black women. That which we are thinking as a modern invention is actually a modification of an old invention by adding modern technology. Through time there had been many methods devised to curl hair and to keep the curl in place and people who are said to bring in the revolution in the world of fashion were- Charles L. Nessler, a German hairdresser, Eugene Sutter, Gaston Boudou who brought little modification to Sutter’s work, Rambaud, a Paris beautician, who had perfected a system of curling and drying permed hair for softer, looser curls by using an electric hot-air dryer, French chemist Eugene Schueller of L’Oréal laboratories who combined the action of thioglycolic acid with hydrogen peroxide to produce the first cold permanent wave and many more.

So there was gradual shifting from one hair styling tools to more advanced implements and in the mist of time the original inventor got overlooked. However the credit for the straightening hair still goes to the French hairdresser, Marcel Grateau, of late 19th century, who invented the curling iron, the permanent wave and later the Gillette safety razor. It could be seen that curling iron has remained a favored tool from the beginning and with time we have traveled a long distance and left behind the use of metal rods that were too risky as they were heated by inserting into hot coals or heating on gas or electric stoves and had no temperature control. So was then several accidents like burnt scalp, damage hair and burnt fingers. Modern day hair straighteners have more control and flexibility and are safe to use. Manufacturers have not stopped themselves from updating their product. In the near future we will come across different implement with different hi-tech features making our work easier than ever.