Home and salon methods of hair straightening with instructions

Many people now always straighten their hair for a polished appearance, whether it’s for a special occasion or just everyday wear. However, selecting the best approach can feel overwhelming due to the abundance of options, ranging from professional salon services to do-it-yourself treatments.

We’ll look at both at-home and professional hair straightening methods in this post. Each method has step-by-step instructions, so choosing the one that best suits your hair type and lifestyle will be made easier. We offer both temporary and permanent solutions, depending on your needs.

Hair straightening at home

Because they only have an external effect and do not alter the structure of the hair shaft, at-home hair straightening methods typically produce short-term results.

Hair dryer

One of the easiest, albeit transient, ways is using a hair dryer to straighten hair. The effect will only last until your first hair wash, when your hair gets wet, or until you use styling products, if that. In any case, the effect can be slightly prolonged.

Blow drying works well for quick daytime or evening hairstyles, photo shoots, and well-behaved, easily styled hair; however, it is not recommended for stubborn curls.

For the process, you’ll require:

• Hair dryer. It is advisable to use a device that has a warm, not hot, air supply mode, as well as a concentrator nozzle;
• Heat protectant;
• Styling product – you can choose a product that combines heat-protective and fixing properties. Theoretically, you can refuse a styling product, but straightening with a hairdryer gives a short-term result;
• Comb. Skeleton combs, brushings, and regular massagers are used for styling.

How to properly use a hairdryer to straighten hair:

1. Wash your hair with your usual shampoo, after cleansing, apply balm or conditioner;
2. Wrap your hair in a cotton or microfiber towel to remove excess moisture;
3. Wait until the strands dry a little – depending on the structure of the shaft and thickness, this will take from 5 to 15 minutes. Hair should be damp, but not wet;
4. Apply a heat protectant – it will smooth out the effect of temperature on the shaft and prevent the destruction of its structure, as well as a styling product – mousse, foam, cream;
5. Starting from the face, separate one strand of medium width – 5-7 cm. Place the comb under the strand at the roots and, directing the warm air flow of the hair dryer onto the hair, slowly move the comb to the ends. For each strand, repeat this manipulation several times until it is completely dry. If you need root volume, use a brush and lift the hair from the very roots;
6. Repeat until all the strands are dry and straight, and at the end, spray your hair with a cold air flow of the hair dryer to fix the result.

It will last anywhere from two to three hours to two days, depending on your lifestyle, the structure of your hair shaft, and outside variables like humidity in the air and the weather.

Strong fixing agents, such as hairspray or fixing spray, can be used in addition to mousse, gel, or foam that was applied prior to styling to prolong the effect of the style. They are used as a last step on curls that are straight and dry. When using finishing styling products, remember that excessive application will glue the hair together and create an untidy, unnatural look.

With a flat iron

Because the curls are exposed to higher temperatures when using a flat iron at home, straightening hair with one of these tools is marginally more durable than using a hair dryer. However, just like with a hair dryer, the results of flat iron straightening will, in the best scenario, last until your next wash. If you work out in the gym or get caught in the rain, the results might deteriorate even sooner.

Advantages of straightening:

• Use devices with ceramic, Teflon or tourmaline plate coating – they are less harmful to hair, and also facilitate the sliding of the device along the length;
• Try not to set the temperature above 150 degrees – this way the effect will be less destructive;
• Always use a heat protectant – without it, after 2-3 procedures, your curls will turn into straw, since they will be deprived of moisture;
• Never straighten wet or even slightly damp hair. For styling with an iron, the strands must be perfectly dry.

What you’ll require:

• Straightening iron;
• Heat protection product;
• Comb – massage or any other;
• Elastic band or clip to divide the strands into parts.

How to use an iron to straighten hair:

1. Comb your hair thoroughly;
2. Apply a heat protectant;
3. Separate the upper part of the hair and secure it on the crown with an elastic band or clip;
4. Set the iron to a temperature of 130-150 degrees;
5. Separate one medium strand at a time, retreating from the root a couple of centimeters, lead with tongs to the ends. If the strand does not become straight the first time, let it cool down and work on other areas for now – you can return to it later;
6. Repeat with the entire separated part of the hair, then loosen the upper part and also go over it with an iron.

The straightening will vanish instantly if you wash your hair before the effect lasts, which could be anywhere from three to five hours to two to three days.

Like with a hair dryer, you can use hairspray or spray with medium or strong hold to keep the straightened look intact. Just make sure to apply the product sparingly and in small presses to avoid having it stick to your hair or make your style look unnatural.

Curling iron

Since the curling iron is made to curl hair, very few people use this method of straightening their hair. It just does not occur to them. However, a curling iron can be used to straighten hair in the same way that a straightening iron is used to curl hair. The same guidelines that apply to straightening hair with a straightening iron should also apply to curling hair: straighten dry hair, avoid overheating the temperature, and don’t forget about heat protection.

What you’ll require:

• Heat protection product;
• A comb;
• A cylindrical curling iron with a clamp.

How to use a curling iron to straighten hair:

• Turn on the device and leave it to heat up. If the curling iron is equipped with a thermostat, then set it to a temperature of 150 degrees for fine hair or a little more if the hair is coarse;
• Comb your hair and apply heat protection;
• Separate a small strand of hair, open the curling iron clamp and place it 2-3 cm from the roots;
• Fix the strand with a clip and gently but vigorously lead it along the hair, like an iron, towards the ends;
• Gradually, strand by strand, go through all your hair this way.

If you don’t have a flat iron on hand, it’s advised to straighten your hair using a curling iron instead. The curling iron slides more poorly than the straightener because of the clamping bar’s resistance, and the clamp can leave tiny creases on the straightened strand. However, this method works well if you need to straighten your hair immediately and you don’t have a straightening iron on hand.

Special care

A product or collection of products for straightening hair without the use of heat sources is known as special care. Manufacturers of cosmetics create:

• Shampoos;
• Balms and conditioners;
• Sprays;
• Masks;
• Oils and other products with a smoothing effect.

Oils, amino acids, and other substances seep into the structure of the hair shaft, weighing it down and forcing it to straighten, producing the desired effect. Although this at-home straightening technique is among the safest because it doesn’t harm the structure of the hair, it is less successful and rarely yields perfectly smooth strands.

When using specialized cosmetics to straighten:

• Use a complex of products within one line. Shampoo, balm, mask and leave-in spray from one manufacturer complement and enhance each other"s action, which helps to achieve a pronounced result;
• Choose products with a rich composition, not "dummies". Watch for the presence of amino acids, oils, keratin, ceramides – all of them will help make your hair smoother, more manageable and shiny.

Be patient and follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of the products you are using, as this straightening method has cumulative effects.

Starch straightening

A complex carbohydrate, starch is essential to the body’s regular operation and makes a great at-home hair straightening product. It transforms curls into smooth, dense, and straight hair, much like how starched collars on shirts used to be.

To start the process, get ready:

• Corn starch – 1 tbsp. l. You can also use potato starch, but it is much heavier and there is a high chance of getting not beautiful smooth hair, but disorderly hanging tow;
• Water – 200 ml;
• Balm or conditioner – 1-2 tablespoons.

For using starch to straighten:

1. Mix starch with water and put on medium heat. Stir until the mass becomes homogeneous and thickens;
2. Without bringing the mixture to a boil, remove from heat and let cool slightly – the mixture should be at a comfortable temperature for the skin;
3. Add balm or conditioner to the cooled starch mask, mix thoroughly;
4. Distribute the mixture evenly over the entire length, stepping back 1-2 cm from the roots.
5. Put on a plastic cap, warm it with a towel on top and leave for 1-1.5 hours;
6. Rinse with warm water with a small amount of shampoo.

Such straightening retains its effects even after you wash your hair, lasting one to two weeks. It is advised to create a starch mask no more frequently than once every one to two weeks.

Gelatin straightening

Examine gelatin straightening more closely if you have nothing to use to straighten your hair. It goes without saying that this is a home-only technique with some drawbacks, but the results are incredibly amazing.

For the process, you’ll require:

• Ordinary food gelatin-1-3 tablespoons depending on the length and density of curls;
• Hot water – 3 tbsp. l. for each spoonful of gelatin;
• Familiar balm or air conditioning – half a tablespoon.

The sequence in which gelatin straightens:

1. Dvivatin put in a ceramic bowl and pushing water. Leave it to swell according to the instructions on the package – usually from 15 to 60 minutes;
2. Put gelatin in a water bath and stirring to wait for the complete dissolution of the grains, but do not bring to a boil. Add balm or air conditioning to gelatin;
3. On pre -washed, wet hair, apply the resulting mixture, retreating a couple of centimeters from the root. Put on a plastic cap or bag, wrap it with a towel. Leave for 1-3 hours. To enhance the effect, you can warm the mask up with a hairdryer through a towel at the very beginning;
4. Rinse off the gelatin with warm water and wait for the curls to dry naturally.

This mask can be found in a variety of places; some even suggest using just gelatin and no conditioner. Of course, you can take a chance, but in this instance—I tried it on myself—it will be nearly impossible to wash off the gelatin mixture.

Gelatin following hair contact:

• Glues split ends together;
• Fills the voids inside the hair shaft with protein – gelatin is natural collagen;
• Envelops each shaft, protecting it from the effects of negative factors.

As a result of the weighting of the hair shafts, the hair becomes smooth, glossy, and noticeably straighter. However, remember that using gelatin at home is not the same as having keratin straightened in a salon, so the effects won’t be as noticeable.

The outcome of applying gelatin to hair is contingent upon:

• Hair shaft structure – the curlier the strands are initially, the less straight they will be in the end;
• Hair shaft quality – a greater effect is visible on problematic hair – porous, brittle, dry, split ends;
• Compliance with the technology and holding time of gelatin.

The results of using gelatin at home to straighten hair last for two to three weeks, but naturally, the effect fades over time.

For severely damaged hair, repeat the procedure once a week for prevention, and then switch to a preventive regimen after completing a course twice a week for a month.

Avoid using an iron to straighten your hair as this will burn the film, and avoid using strong shampoos as they will remove all of the gelatin that was infused into the hair shaft.

Which home straightening method is better

Giving a definitive response to this question is challenging because it depends on the objective, the length of time the effect must last, and the resources that are available. To put it broadly:

• Laying with a hairdryer and iron is suitable for short -term events for a day or evening. The effect will disappear after the first washing of the head or rain, but you can save it longer by fixing means. Not suitable for girls with thin and damaged curls, as only aggravates the situation. It is also not worth straightening the hair or a hairdryer on a regular basis, since the quality of the rods will noticeably deteriorate, even when using thermal protection products;
• Special care with smoothing shampoos, masks and sprays – a method for every day. It does not give a “wow” effect, but does not cause such harm as thermal devices. Suitable for girls with slightly curly hair, but to straighten the curls will not help;
• Starch and gelatin for straightening are safe and in terms of effectiveness the best options for home rectification. Suitable for all hair types, as well as for different conditions of the hair shaft. In this case, you will have to spend a lot of time on the procedure – first prepare the mask, then wait for the required holding time.

Every technique has benefits and drawbacks, so you must select the one that works best for the particular girl and her hair.

Hair straightening in a salon

Salon procedures yield a more noticeable and long-lasting result than do at-home procedures.

Keratin straightening

The process of saturating hair with keratin—which envelops each rod and smoothes the surface when heated to high temperatures—is known as keratin straightening or keratinization. The weight and visual health of the strands increase, and they also seem smoother and free of curls and waves.

If you adhere to the aftercare instructions, which include using sulfate-free shampoo, cutting back on sauna and bath visits, and using the proper comb with uncommon teeth, the results can last for up to three months after the procedure.

Among the procedure’s benefits are:

• Instant effect – smooth curls immediately after the procedure;
• Long-lasting result – cannot be compared with any home straightening method;
• Helps to straighten even curls.

Formaldehyde is keratinization’s primary drawback. Instead of adding formaldehyde directly to the mixture, releasers—substances that progressively release formaldehyde molecules—are used instead. After a sudden change in temperature, for example, releasers start to release molecules particularly aggressively. It is impossible to avoid harm from formaldehyde vapors at least, since one of the stages of keratin straightening is affected by temperature. More often than not, formaldehyde results in allergic reactions, rashes, and can damage the shaft’s structure.

The following technology is used during keratin straightening:

1. Washing your hair with shampoo with keratin, as well as using a balm;
2. Application of liquid keratin in two layers with an interval of 40 minutes;
3. After the keratin is absorbed, the hair is dried with a hairdryer, and then treated with an iron at the maximum temperature – 230 degrees. Under the influence of heat, keratin is sealed inside the rod, making it heavier;
4. Hair is washed again with shampoo to wash off excess of the applied composition.

The length and thickness of the hair, the compositions used, and the professionalism of the master all affect how long the keratinization process takes. It typically takes three hours.

When it comes to selecting the best keratin for straightening, be sure to give Trissola True, G-hair Keratin, and Kerarganic One Step a closer look. Even though there are products available on the market for keratin straightening, it is not advised to perform the procedure at home. Given that the composition contains formaldehyde releasers, technological errors, incorrect exposure, and other mistakes in the process may result in allergies, vapor poisoning, and deterioration of the hair’s quality.

There is also reference to "Brazilian hair straightening," which is essentially the same keratinization process due to similar compositions and technologies. Oils, amino acids, and plant extracts are the only extra ingredients that can differentiate between the formulas for various keratin straightening procedures.

Bio-straightening

The process of straightening hair strands using safe compounds derived from natural ingredients is known as "biostraightening." The products do not degrade the quality of hair shafts and do not contain formaldehyde or its derivatives.

Two varieties of this straightening exist:

• Amino acid or Japanese straightening. The products contain cysteine;
• Bio-protein straightening – with wheat and silk proteins;

Japanese straightening

The goal of Japanese straightening is to smooth and improve the structure of hair by using the amino acid cysteine, which is a component of keratin. Depending on how quickly hair grows back, the procedure straightens hair for a year or possibly less.

Japanese straightening follows a similar process to keratinization:

1. Washing your hair with a professional deep cleansing shampoo;
2. Treatment of the entire length with cysteine-based products with their aging under climazone;

Klimazon is a high-power tool used in hairdressing procedures to distribute heat uniformly and speed up processes like oxidation.

You will have to spend more time sitting with the composition on your head during the procedure if the salon does not have a climazone. Depending on the hair’s quality and structure as well as the manufacturer’s recommendation, the holding period can range from 15 minutes to several hours.

• Then the hair is dried with a hairdryer if it has not had time to dry itself and straightened with a hot iron to seal the composition inside;
• At the final stage, the head is washed again and dried with a hairdryer or naturally. Depending on the kit used, a fixer or neutralizer can be applied here – it all depends on the manufacturer and the technique in which the master works.

Even the most resistant curls can benefit from Japanese hair straightening, which can alter the structure of even Afro curls.

One of the composition’s undeniable advantages is that it doesn’t contain formaldehyde. After the procedure, the hair gets extremely soft, silky, and shiny. The following are some drawbacks of the technology:

• Costs 2-3 times more than regular keratin straightening;
• Not suitable for blondes, girls with bleached or very dry strands.

Protein straightening

Products that straighten proteins are made from wheat or silk proteins. They also strengthen the structure of the hair shafts, giving them density, shine, and smoothness, and they keep the natural keratin that is present in the hair from being washed out.

The process is similar to that of Japanese straightening, and the results are long-lasting. You only need to redo the straightening as your hair grows. However, if your curls are particularly unkempt, you might need to use extra smoothing products, such as special care products, hair dryers, and irons.

The safest and most efficient straightening technique available today is bio-straightening, but it should only be used by girls who are adamant about getting straight hair because the procedure’s long-term effects won’t let you "roll back" time and get your hair back to being curly or wavy.

Lamination

Lamination is a process that covers the hair shafts with a film, evens out their structure, adds shine, and increases elasticity. It uses a unique cellulose-based composition.

Other characteristics of lamination are as follows:

• Protection of the color of dyed hair;
• Protection from environmental influences;
• Giving density to hair.

Lamination can take the following forms:

• Hot – with heating of the strands, with the composition applied to them, with an iron;
• Cold – application of products to washed hair without subsequent heating.

Furthermore, there are various kinds of lamination:

• Classic lamination. Involves the use of compositions with cellulose of industrial origin;
• Phyto-lamination – with an additional nourishing effect due to extracts and vitamins in the composition;

• Bio-lamination – the use of products based on natural cellulose and other components of organic origin.

Since the primary purpose of lamination is protection, straightening is a byproduct of the process. However, if all requirements are satisfied following the procedure, smooth, straight strands will last for three to six weeks.

Cold or hot technology determines how the procedure is carried out.

• In the first case, the hair is washed, covered with the composition and left for action, and at the end it is washed off with water and shampoo;
• In the second case, everything happens the same way at first, but between application and rinsing there is another stage – heating with an iron.

The method can vary depending on the composition and from master to master. As long-term hair straightening procedures have been around, experts have occasionally created their own methods and discovered novel applications for products.

Botox

Botox is another method for straightening hair. Collagen is the protein that serves as the foundation for the Botox procedure. In contrast to keratin, which functions in the lower layers of the hair shaft, collagen acts on the outer layers of the hair shaft, producing a more surface-level, aesthetic effect.

Following a Botox procedure:

• Curls become softer;
• Shine appears;
• Appearance improves;
• Hair becomes strong, elastic and smooth.

Just like with lamination, Botox can be

While the cold method is solely intended for treatment, the hot method aims to improve the appearance of hair and straighten it. Though it would be misleading to refer to the cold Botox procedure as therapeutic, the ingredients in the products actually fill the voids momentarily, which can then be safely removed with shampoo.

Like other salon procedures, this one follows the same steps:

1. Washing the head;
2. Applying the composition;
3. Sealing the composition.

The process takes two to three hours, and depending on the individual and the quality of the product used, the results can last anywhere from two to six months.

How to choose a salon straightening procedure

Make sure to ascertain your current hair condition and other characteristics before committing to the procedure:

• Girls with colored hair will benefit from hair lamination or bio-straightening. The latter is not suitable only for blondes;
• If your hair is dry and damaged, also take a closer look at bio-straightening with proteins;
• Lamination is not recommended for oily hair – it can give additional oiliness at the roots.

It should be noted that the safest methods for protein and amino acid straightening are those that don’t involve the use of formaldehyde-based products. Refusing other procedures is preferable if you have heightened sensitivity.

Both at-home and salon techniques provide good options for straightening hair; each has advantages and steps unique to it. While salon services like professional keratin treatments and chemical relaxers offer longer-lasting results and expert application, at-home treatments like flat irons and do-it-yourself kits offer convenience and control. This post will walk you through both techniques and provide step-by-step instructions so you can decide which is best for getting sleek, smooth hair.

Questions

What term is used to describe permanent hair straightening?

Compared to an iron or any other at-home procedure, all salon procedures are, in a sense, long-term in nature. Japanese straightening with cysteine, or bio-straightening, is the most effective method. It has an eternal effect on the hair, and the goal of subsequent procedures is to straighten the areas that have grown back.

Which choice is least detrimental to the health of your hair?

If they weren’t, all of the methods described in the article would be outright prohibited. However, the same keratin straightening occasionally sparks controversy in the USA as customers voice concerns about the releaser’s formaldehyde-producing negative effects. It is advised that people who are concerned about the state of their hair focus on natural composition procedures such as biolamination and Japanese straightening.

Regarding Blanzo straightening kits, what can you say?

Under the DESRIZZ line, the Blanzo brand provides compositions for long-term molecular straightening. Hair can remain straight for up to six months when using the cold method and up to a year when using the hot method. The brand claims that ammonium thioglycolate, which is regarded as the mildest chemical in this group in both Russia and Europe, is used in the compositions. It should be noted that although Blanzo products are available for purchase on some online retailers, they are only used by licensed beauty salon professionals.

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Method	Instructions
Flat Iron	Start with dry hair. Set the flat iron to the right temperature for your hair type. Section your hair and run the iron slowly from root to tip. Finish with a heat protectant spray.
Blow Drying	Apply a heat protectant to damp hair. Use a round brush to pull hair taut while blow drying. Work in small sections, aiming the dryer down the hair shaft for a smooth finish.
Keratin Treatment	Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. Apply the keratin solution to damp hair. Blow dry and then flat iron to seal in the treatment. Avoid washing your hair for 48 hours.
Hair Straightening Cream	Apply the cream to damp hair, combing it through evenly. Leave it on as per the instructions. Rinse thoroughly and blow dry straight.
Salon

You can get your hair straightened at home or in a salon, based on your requirements and preferences. Both choices provide a range of techniques to suit different hair types and desired outcomes.

Straightening creams and flat irons are examples of basic products and tools that can produce good results for people who prefer the convenience of at-home treatments. To prevent harming your hair, it’s crucial to carefully follow the directions.

Even though they are more costly, salon procedures frequently result in more intense and long-lasting straightening. Experts employ cutting-edge methods that might be more appropriate for people seeking a longer-lasting fix.

The decision between at-home and salon techniques ultimately comes down to your hair type, financial situation, and amount of time you can dedicate to maintenance. You can have sleek, straight hair that fits your lifestyle and style with the appropriate method.

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