What are hair straightening products and how to use them correctly?

Smooth, beautifully shining hair is every woman's dream. But in life, it is not always possible to achieve such an appearance of curls. After dyeing or styling with thermal devices, the hair looks dry and unruly. In addition, some women naturally inherited the curly structure of the hair shaft; taming such hair is not an easy task. To correct the situation, hair straightening agents are used.

Hair straightening is about not only smoothing the hair, but also providing it with care. The main thing is not to spoil the structure of the hair shaft, to keep it moisturized and elastic. To smooth your hair, you can resort to three different methods, which, although they have one common goal, are significantly different from each other.

• Professional methods - are performed with the help of chemicals that change the structure of the hair shaft, and if it was wavy, give it a straight and even direction. These funds have a certain degree of aggressiveness, but the result obtained after carrying out such a procedure will persist for a long time.
• Application of devices and fixtures - this method is used after each shampooing when drying and styling the hair. Smooth strands can be achieved with smooth-surface irons, and hair can also be straightened with a hair dryer and a hairbrush. With frequent use of such devices, the condition of the hair will deteriorate as it is exposed to high temperatures.
• The use of styling products - use formulations that are applied to the hair during styling. These can be gel or creamy textures, liquid sprays, balms or masks. Under the influence of these funds, the hair becomes heavier and straightens from the severity. In addition, the funds help to fix the result obtained and facilitate the straightening process itself. The disadvantage is that the effect is short-lived, and after washing the hair, the styling will need to be repeated.

There are also so-called folk hair straightening methods. As for professional drugs, their use should be entrusted to good specialists, since these funds have a serious chemical composition, and inept handling can lead to disastrous consequences.

Now we will take a closer look at hair straightening methods that have a long-term effect and a short-term one.

Professional methods include procedures that combine both chemical and mechanical effects to achieve a long-term effect. We list the methods and means for long-term smoothing of hair.

• Keratin straightening - consists in the fact that the hair is washed with a preparation for deep cleaning in order to fully disclose the scales of the hair shaft. Then a keratin composition is applied to the strands, which fills the hair structure, making it heavy and plastic. After that, the drug is fixed on the hair by heat treatment of the strands with an iron heated to a temperature of at least 230 degrees, resulting in smooth and straight strands, and the effect itself can last from 4 to 6 months.

• Straightening with chemical components - consists in the fact that the hair is exposed to a composition prepared from ammonium thioglycollate, guanide hydroxide or caustic soda. Under the influence of these components, changes in the structure of the hair occur - it becomes loosened, and the bonds inside it are destroyed in places. As a result, the curls become straighter, but they can become dry and brittle. The only advantage here is that the result of straightening is persistent.

• Lamination of hair - this procedure is considered favorable for the hair, since each hair treated with such a composition is covered with a cellulose film. The film improves the aesthetic appearance of the hair, protecting it from ultraviolet rays, sea water and other adverse factors. The protective film is permeable to moisture, and the hair shaft does not dry out, which means there is no danger of breaking or delamination. Before the procedure, the hair is washed with a deep cleaning shampoo, then the preparation is applied to them and then the strands are treated with a hot stream of air using a hair dryer for 20 minutes. Then the composition is washed off with water, and the hair is treated with balm for 10 minutes. After lamination, the curls look smooth and healthy, while the waviness is smoothed out, and the effect lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

• Straightening cosmetics - manufacturers of professional products produce not only products that are used by professional hairdressers, but also products that can be used at home. Such products are produced in the form of kits containing all the necessary components for the procedure. It can also be one remedy that helps to achieve smoother hair when applied. An example is the line of products from Moroccanoil, which offers shampoo, conditioner, mask and lotion (no rinse required) in a set. Using these tools in a comprehensive manner, you can achieve smoothness of hair for a certain period of time - it all depends on their individual structure. Another example is the “Straightening” mask from the KeraSys manufacturer - the product is simply rubbed into the hair, and after a couple of minutes it is washed off with water, as a result the effect of smoothness and shine of the strands is achieved.

Modern manufacturers of professional hair straightening products offer a wide range of preparations, and it is best to choose the most suitable product for your hair structure after consulting with specialists, relying on their knowledge and experience.

In addition to professional products, hair can be straightened in other ways. And let the effect of such procedures be short-lived, but they will not harm the hair. The essence of home methods is that available available tools are used to care for the hair and smooth it out.

• Flax seed decoction - flax seeds, when exposed to warm water, form a gelatinous substance around them, which is used for home hair lamination. The broth is filtered and distributed through the hair, after which it is dried with a hairdryer. At the same time, the hair retains the given shape well and looks smooth.
• Beer - the foamy drink can straighten even the most naughty strands. To do this, evenly apply beer to slightly damp hair and let the hair dry. It is best if you dry with a round brush and hair dryer, while pulling each strand as if pulling. The hairstyle will last for a long time, and the hair itself will be straight and shiny.
• Oil based masks - such compositions can be made using olive, almond, coconut, castor or burdock oil. Oils can be mixed, and sometimes beer is added to the oil, and then the mask both looks after and straightens the strands. Straightening occurs because the porous structure of unruly hair is moistened, and the voids are filled with oil, as a result of which the strand becomes heavier and straighter.
• Cognac and chamomile decoction - this product is prepared from two equal parts, which include cognac and a filtered broth prepared from pharmacy chamomile (1 tablespoon of raw materials is brewed with one glass of boiling water). The strands are moistened with the prepared solution and left for an hour, while the head can be wrapped with a film and a towel. Next, the hair is dried with a brush and hair dryer.

Hair straighteners can be offered by the manufacturer in various forms. Let's look at how this or that form of drugs differs from each other.

This is a group of drugs related to professional products and requiring certain skills in working with them. Almost every manufacturing company that specializes in hair products has a line of keratin products. The most famous and effective brands are Trissola Keratin, Cocochoco, Inoar, Research, Indola, BC Original, Keratin Research - and the list goes on. Keratin composition from these or other manufacturers can be purchased separately or in a set, which includes deep cleansing shampoo, keratin and balm for post-procedure care.

Pros:

• guaranteed result of straightening strands, regardless of the degree of their waviness;
• long (up to 4-6 months) period of preservation of the result;
• perfect hairstyle look.

Minuses:

• possible reactions of the body to formaldehyde, which is expressed in eye irritation and lacrimation, swelling of the nasal mucosa, in addition, allergic manifestations are not excluded;
• as a result of the procedure, the hair can be overdried and begin to break off or fall out;
• keratin preparations and the procedure itself are expensive.

The price of drugs with keratin depends on their volume, it is more profitable to buy a package of 1 liter, but the shelf life of these funds is limited.

They contain oils that help smooth the hair scales, and they also nourish and moisturize the hair shaft along its entire length.The cream envelops each hair, making it heavier, but at the same time it also gives protection when styling when using thermal devices. The straightening cream has a drawback - it is ineffective on colored hair. The reason is that the hair scales are clogged with coloring pigment, and the cream does not penetrate into the hair structure. The most famous products available in the form of a cream are Sunsilk's Instant Smoothing, Joanna's Styling Effect cream, and Schwarzkopf's Perfect Smooth Bonacure cream.

Pros:

• noticeable smoothing effect from the very first application procedure;
• additional nutrition and hydration;
• affordability and ease of use;
• does not harm hair and general health.

Minuses:

• the smoothing effect lasts until the next shampooing;
• has a certain perfume fragrance;
• with strongly curly curls, it may not give the desired result.

Styling after applying the cream is carried out in the same way as with conventional styling products.

This is a liquid ready-made product that, in addition to keratin, also contains a nutritional complex of vitamin supplements and organic acids. The serum is applied to the curls with a spray bottle. The composition penetrates deeply into the structure of the hair shaft, while moisturizing and nourishing it, as well as promoting straightening. The smoothing effect appears during the drying of the strands during styling. Examples of effective serums include Schwarzkopf's Osis + Flatliner, Belita Vitex's Active Keratine, and Glättungs Serum's Keen Keratin, which comes in 7 ml ampoules.

Pros:

• smoothing and intensive hair care with a cumulative effect;
• affordability and simple procedure of use;
• have thermal protection and prevent overdrying and brittleness - the strands become soft to the touch and elastic.

Minuses:

• smoothing effect is unstable;
• hair becomes dirty much faster, and you have to wash your hair more often;
• over-applied hair looks stale.

These funds can be used both individually and in combination with each other. Regular use provides the hair with smoothness and shine, and this is achieved by the fact that the products contain keratin, silicone, oils and other hair care complexes. The shampoo during washing protects the hair from drying out and frizzing, and the balm enhances and fixes this effect. Almost every manufacturer of hair products produces shampoos and balms with a keratin composition: L'Oreal has the Professionnel Pro-Keratin Refill Shampoo, the Italian Kaaral presents the Maraes Color Nourishing shampoo, and the Pantene Pro-V brand produces the Advanced Keratin Repair conditioner.

Pros:

• products are suitable for permanent hair care, ensuring smoothness and moisture;
• affordable and easy to use;
• do not have a negative effect on the skin and scalp.

Minuses:

• possible individual intolerance to certain components of the product;
• very curly hair cannot be smoothed;
• the straightening effect is unstable.

When choosing products for curly strands, you need to decide what effect you want to achieve. If you are not ready for radical methods of influencing your hair, then a serum, cream or shampoo + balm complex will suit you for a short-term effect.

Here's what to consider when choosing a keratin straightening product:

• the most effective preparations should contain formaldehyde components - without it, it is impossible to change the hair structure;
• when straightening fine and dry hair, choose products containing cysteine ​​- this amino acid will keep the hair shaft hydrated and prevent it from brittleness;
• each drug has its own duration of exposure of the composition on the hair, the thicker and coarser the hair, the longer the composition needs to be maintained;
• buy keratin only from trusted suppliers, ideally the product should have a certificate;
• The best drugs are those that, in addition to keratin, contain a caring complex in their composition.

Keratin straightening can also be done at home. For the procedure, you will need:

• keratin composition;
• deep cleaning shampoo;
• hair dryer;
• straightener-iron with heating up to 230 degrees;
• comb, bowl and brush for applying the composition;
• protective gloves, goggles and a respirator.

The procedure for applying keratin consists of the following steps:

• rinse hair 2-4 times with deep cleaning shampoo;
• dry your hair with a hairdryer and comb;
• apply keratin to thin strands, not reaching the roots by 1 cm and pulling the preparation along the entire length;
• leave keratin on the hair for the amount of time indicated in the instructions;
• dry your hair with a hairdryer and comb;
• pull out each strand using a straightening iron, which is heated to a temperature of 230 degrees, while each strand must be passed 5-10 times with quick movements from top to bottom;
• after a certain time, according to the instructions, the head can be washed using a sulfate-free shampoo.

After the procedure, you can wash your hair as often as necessary with a sulfate-free shampoo. You can prolong the smoothness effect by applying balms and styling products containing keratin.

If you want to do the keratin hair straightening procedure at home, watch the video below.