What is Permanent Hair Straightening?

Don’t you just envy those girls in magazines and on TV commercials for hair products sporting sleek, stick-straight hair? We all know it’s a combination of good hair care, great hair products, and quite a bit of Photoshop, right? But that doesn’t stop us from dreaming about having the same kind of hair. 

Oh, what a joy it must be to walk around with hair that sways along with your every step! Thankfully, such a dream is not hard to reach. In fact, you can call your hairstylist right now and book a permanent hair straightening session! But, if this isn’t something you’re familiar with, hold on just a teeny tiny bit longer as we share with you what permanent hair straightening is and what your options could be, should you choose to get it done. 

What is permanent hair straightening? 

Not to be confused with the process of when you perm hair, permanent hair straightening refers to any hair treatment that uses chemicals to alter your hair’s overall look and texture. You can get this treatment done at the salon or you can do it yourself at home as well. Results from these kinds of hair treatments can last anywhere from a month to half a year, depending on how hard the chemicals need to work in straightening your hair. 

Types of permanent hair straightening treatments

1. Keratin treatment - this is one of the most common and most popular types of permanent hair straightening. A keratin treatment will not only give you straight hair, but it will make your hair look shinier and feel so much softer, too! The results usually last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, but the whole process could take multiple salon appointments. Thinking of doing it at home? Get your supplies here. 
2. Thermal straightening - also called the Japanese thermal hair straightening process and/or acid perm, this process is more traditional compared to a keratin treatment. It can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to do and the results can last up to 6 months or more. Many also claim that this is the longest-lasting permanent hair straightening treatment, so you might want to consider that if you want to minimize your trips to the salon. 
3. Regular perm - many people think that to perm hair means to curl it, but perming actually works both ways. You can get a perm to straighten your hair too! A regular perm can last up to 3 months or more, depending on your hair. This is probably the most affordable permanent hair straightening treatment you can opt for, too. 

There are at-home hair straightening treatments you can try, too! Visit hairsense.ca for a wide range of options. While DIYing your permanent hair straightening treatment is a good way to save some money, we would recommend that you have a pro do it for the first time. Ask about the process while getting your hair done so you have an idea of what to do and how to do it for the next time when you do it at home!