What are hair straighteners and how to use them correctly?

Smooth, radiant hair is the dream of every woman. But in life, to achieve such an appearance of curls is not always possible. After dyeing or styling using thermal appliances, the hair looks dry and naughty. In addition, some women naturally got the curly structure of the hair shaft, to tame such a head of hair is not an easy task. To correct the situation, products that promote hair straightening are used.

The procedure of hair straightening implies not only the goal of smoothing hair, but also to provide care. The main thing is not to spoil the structure of the hair shaft, to maintain its moisture and elasticity. To smooth hair, you can resort to three different methods, which, although they have one common goal, but are significantly different from each other.

• Professional methods - 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 such a procedure will remain for a long time.
• The use of instruments and appliances - this method is used after each washing of the head when drying and styling the hairstyle. Smooth strands can be achieved with irons with a smooth surface, and in addition, hair can be straightened with a hairdryer and a hair brush. With the frequent use of such devices, the condition of the hair will deteriorate, as they are exposed to high temperatures.
• Use of styling products - use compositions that are applied to the hair during styling. It can be gel or creamy textures, liquid sprays, balms or masks. Under the influence of these funds, the hair becomes heavier and straightens from heaviness. In addition, the funds help to fix the result and facilitate the straightening process itself. The disadvantage is that the effect is short-lived, and after washing your hair, styling will need to be repeated.

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

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

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

• Keratin straightening - lies in the fact that the hair is washed with a preparation for deep cleaning in order to fully reveal 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.

• Chemical straightening - lies in the fact that the hair is affected by a composition prepared from ammonium thioglycolate, guanide hydroxide or caustic soda. Under the influence of these components, changes in the structure of the hair occur - it becomes loose, and the bonds inside it are broken in places. As a result, curls become straighter, but they can become overdried and brittle. The advantage here is that the straightening result is stable.

• Lamination of hair - this procedure is considered favorable for the hair, since each hair treated with such a composition is coated 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 its breaking off or delamination. Before the procedure, the hair is washed with deep cleaning shampoo, then the drug is applied to them and then the strands are treated with a hot air stream for 20 minutes using a hairdryer. Then the composition is washed off with water, and for 10 minutes the hair is treated with balsam. After lamination, the curls look smooth and healthy, while the waviness is smoothed out, and the effect lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

• Cosmetics for straightening - manufacturers of professional products produce not only drugs that are used by 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. And also it can be one remedy that helps to achieve smooth hair when applied. An example is the line of products from Moroccanoil, which in the kit offers shampoo, conditioner, mask and lotion (not requiring rinsing). Using these tools comprehensively, 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 KeraSys - 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 straighteners offer a wide range of products, and it is best to choose the most suitable product specifically for your hair structure, after consulting with specialists, relying on their knowledge and experience.

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

• Flaxseed decoction - flax seeds when exposed to warm water form around them gelatinous substance, which is used for home lamination of hair. The broth is filtered and distributed through the hair, after which they are dried with a hairdryer. At the same time, the hair retains its shape well and looks smooth.
• Beer - foamy drink can straighten even the most naughty locks. To do this, apply evenly beer to slightly moistened hair and allow the hair to dry. Best of all, if you dry with a round brush and a hairdryer, while as if pulling each strand. The hairstyle will last a long time, and the hair itself will be straight and shiny.
• Oil based masks - such compounds 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 takes care and straightens the strands. Straightening occurs because the porous structure of unruly hair is moistened, and voids are filled with oil, as a result of which the strand is heavier and straightened.
• Cognac and a decoction of chamomile - this product is prepared from two equal parts, which include cognac and filtered broth made from pharmacy chamomile (1 tablespoon of raw materials is brewed with one glass of boiling water). The solution is wetted with strands 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 a hairdryer.

Means for hair straightening 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 tools and requiring certain skills in working with them. Almost every manufacturing company specializing 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. The keratin composition of these or other manufacturers can be bought either separately or in a kit, which includes deep-cleaning shampoo, keratin and balm for leaving after the procedure.

Pros:

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

Minuses:

• body reactions to formaldehyde are possible, which is expressed in eye irritation and lacrimation, swelling of the nasal mucosa, in addition, allergic manifestations are not ruled out;
• 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 hair scales, and they also nourish and moisturize the hair shaft throughout its length.The cream envelops each hair, making it heavier, but at the same time it gives protection during styling when thermal devices are used. The straightening cream has a drawback - it is ineffective on dyed hair. The reason is that the hair flakes are clogged with coloring pigment, and the cream does not penetrate the hair structure. The most famous products in the form of a cream include “Instantly Smoothing” made by Sunsilk, Styling Effect cream from Joanna, Bonacure line cream “Perfect Smoothness” from Schwarzkopf.

Pros:

• noticeable smoothing effect from the 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 shampoo;
• has a certain perfume fragrance;
• with highly curly curls may not give the desired result.

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

This is a liquid ready-made product, which, in addition to keratin, also contains a nutritional complex of vitamin supplements and organic acids. Serum is applied to the curls using a spray. The composition penetrates deeply into the structure of the hair shaft, while moisturizing and nourishing it, as well as promoting straightening. The smoothing effect is manifested during drying of the strands during installation. Examples of effective serums are Schwarzkopf under the name Osis + Flatliner, Active Keratine manufactured by Belita Vitex, and Keen Keratin from the Glättungs Serum brand, which is available in 7 milliliters ampoules.

Pros:

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

Minuses:

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

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

Pros:

• funds are suitable for permanent hair care, ensuring their smoothness and hydration;
• affordable and easy to use;
• do not adversely affect the skin and scalp.

Minuses:

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

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

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

• the most effective drugs must contain formaldehyde components - without it, it is impossible to change the structure of the hair;
• when straightening thin and dry hair, choose products containing cysteine ​​- this amino acid will maintain the moisture content of the hair shaft and prevent its fragility;
• each drug has its own exposure time of the composition on the hair, the thicker and coarser the hair, the longer it is necessary to maintain the composition;
• buy keratin only from trusted suppliers, ideally, the product should have a certificate;
• the best drugs are those that, in addition to keratin, contain in their composition and a caring complex.

Keratin straightening can be performed at home. To carry out 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 a deep shampoo;
• blow dry your hair and comb;
• apply keratin to thin strands, not reaching the roots by 1 cm and stretching the drug along the entire length;
• leave keratin on the hair for the amount of time indicated in the instructions;
• blow dry your hair and comb;
• pull each strand with an ironing straightener, 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 with sulfate-free shampoo.

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

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