About Japanese Thermal Straighteners
A Japanese thermal straightener is a process that reconditions curly hair into straight hair. The process is known by different names, including thermal reconditioning. Japanese thermal straighteners use a combination of heat and chemicals to produce permanent results. The chemicals forever alter the hair proteins, transforming curly or wavy locks into pin-straight strands. The process can take several hours, and the price ranges from $300 to over $1,000 per treatment. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Japanese thermal straightening originated in Japan in the 1990s. It became popular in the U.S. in the mid- 1990s. Yuko and Liscio are two major Japanese companies that makes and distributes Japanese thermal straightening products in the U.S.. Both companies obtained U.S. patents in the late 1990s. Since then, various other companies have created similar Japanese thermal straightening products, but Yuko and Liscio remain the favorites.
Function
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Japanese thermal straighteners change the chemical makeup of curly hair. Unlike temporary solutions, such as hair dryers or ceramic flat irons, Japanese thermal straighteners are permanent. This type of treatment is geared toward those who only want straight hair, without the hassle of daily, weekly or monthly maintenance.
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Warning
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Because of the high cost of Japanese thermal straighteners, many people are tempted to find discounted reconditioning treatments. This is dangerous, because those offering cheap rates may not use the correct products or the proper technique.
It's also important to go to a stylist recommended by friends, co-workers or a trusted source, such as a popular magazine.
Hair grows at the rate of 1/2 inch each month. Although Japanese thermal straighteners permanently alter hair, it does not affect new growth. Due to the process of new growth, it's necessary to return for thermal re-application once every six to nine months.
Process
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Japanese thermal straightening takes two to six hours to complete. The first step is applying a special chemical that reprograms the hair proteins from curly to straight. The chemical covers every strand. After about 10 minutes, a stylist removes the chemical, and then introduces heat, via a flat iron. The temperature of the flat iron is at least 365 degrees. The stylist gathers 1/8 inch of hair to flat iron. Each strand is completely straightened. After this process, another chemical is applied to the hair, to seal in the straightness. Then, the hair is washed, blow-drie, and flat ironed again.
Considerations
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After the process, hair must remain completely dry for at least 48 hours, or it's possible it will revert to its natural state.
Prior to thermal reconditioning, a potential client must need for a pre-treatment consultation. This is when the stylists surveys the hair type and whether it is good candidate for Japanese thermal straightening. All certified stylists will follow this step prior to treatment.
Japanese thermal straightening is not recommended for all types of curly hair, specifically the kinky-coils predominant in African Americans.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Okinawa Soba, Flickr
