Overview

Japanese Hair Straightening –  The Non-Toxic, Non-Formaldehyde

For new clients: A consultation is required for any new client at our salon to schedule a Japanese Hair Straightening service. After the consultation, our staff will help you book an appointment at a later day. A consultation for Japanese Hair Straightening usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

Japanese Hair Straightening was initiated in Japan in the 1990’s, and it has become a popular way of straightening hair permanently. It is a new revolutionary technique that helps not only straighten curly, wavy, and frizzy hair but also makes the hair smooth, silky, and shiny. Japanese Hair Straightening is also called Thermal Reconditioning because the process needs to use heat from special flat irons to restructure the hair’s protein bond while making the cuticle on the surface smooth.

The treatment works for most types of hair, even colored and highlighted hair, but it also depends on the condition of the hair. Our staff will analyze thoroughly and test your hair in order to let you know about the result you should expect in advance.

The process usually takes at least 3-4 hours, but it may take more time depending on the length and the condition of your hair. After having the treatment done, your hair not only look more beautiful but it is also a lot easier for you to take care at home, which can save you a lot of time.

Although the treatment is permanent on the part of your hair that is treated, you will need to do the root touch-up for the new hair growth. It is recommended to do the Japanese Hair Straightening touch-up every 6 months to a year depending on your maintenance and your hair growth rate.

The Process

Japanese Hair Straightening –  The Step By Step Process

Step 1 – Consultation

Starting with a discussion about history and condition of your hair. Our stylist will then test your hair and let you know what the best solution is for your hair and the result you should expect.

Step 2 – Shampoo

Your hair will be shampooed and cleaned completely to make sure it will absorb the treatment.

Step 3 – Apply Protections

Any protection creams will be applied on your hair if it is needed.

Step 4 – Apply The Solution

The solution will be applied section by section and away about half an inch from your scalp. This step of applying solution takes a considerable amount of time depending on the type and the condition of your hair. The solution helps soften the hair and break down the protein bonds.

Step 5 – Rinse

When your hair is well-done with the solution, it will be rinsed completely with water.

Step 6 – Flat Ironing

After rinsing, your hair will be blow dried completely and divided into sections again to prepare for flat ironing. Your hair will be flat ironed carefully little by little. Therefore, this step consumes the most time of the treatment. This process helps restructure the bond of your hair and make your hair straight.

Step 7 – Neutralizer

When the flat ironing process is done. Neutralizer will be applied on your hair. The neutralizer helps to balance the pH of your hair, to seal in the straight bonds, and to keep your hair in straight. This step normally takes 10-15 minutes.

Step 8 – Rinsing the Neutralizer

When the time of waiting is over, neutralizer will need to be rinsed completely. A post treatment will be also applied on your hair to help balance the condition of your hair. Your hair then will be rinsed again and blow dried.

FAQs

Japanese Hair Straightening –  Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q
Does the process work for colored and highlighted hair?
A Yes. It can be done on colored and highlighted hair. Our stylist may use protection creams if needed to protect your hair before applying the solution.
Q
How long does the treatment last?
AThe part that is treated will last permanently if your hair is well maintained. Depending on your maintenance and the growth rate of your hair, you will need to come back every 6 months to a year for a retouch on the new hair that grow out.
Q
Do I need to do flat iron after having the treatment done?
AYou don’t need to do flat iron anymore after having the treatment done. It may damage your hair. You can blow dry your hair to make it more shiny and straight with or without a brush.
Q
Can I style my hair with hot tools such as curly iron for special occasion?
AYes, you can. However, do not forget to apply heat protection and do not set the temperature of the hot tools over 375 degree Fahrenheit.
Q
Can I do color or highlight after having the treatment done?
AYou should wait for at least 2 weeks after having the treatment done to color or highlight your hair. When you do highlight, make sure that you let your hairdresser know that you have done hair straightening and ask them to use the gentle product to highlight your hair.
Q
How long does the process take?
ANormally, the process takes at least 3-4 hours; depending on your hair condition, the process may take a little bit longer.
Q
How long does I have to wait to wash my hair after the treatment?
AYou can wash your hair after 48 hours or 2 days.
Q
How can I take care my hair after the treatment?
AAfter the treatment, for the first 48 hours, please don’t wash your hair or make it wet. Also, do not tuck your hair behind your ears or tie your hair up. After 2 days, you can wash your hair and you’re free to do what you want.
Q
Can I go for a swim in the pool or in the ocean?
A

Please do not swim in a chlorinated pool or salt water for at least two weeks after your treatment. You should also avoid extensive sun exposure during this time.

Keep in mind that chlorinated water and salt water can affect the longevity of the treatment. Chlorine and seawater can have stressing effects on even virgin hair (hair that has never been chemically treated at all) and while the thermal reconditioning and its counterpart treatments help to restore the condition of the hair, you don’t want to “undo” all those benefits by being careless. So, enjoy the sun, surf and poolside all you want, but make sure to protect your hair in the process. This includes rinsing your hair carefully after coming out of the ocean or a chlorinated pool. You should also use a gentle shampoo and conditioner in these instances as well, to remove any residual salt or chlorine and help restore the hair’s pH balance.

Not found your question? Just ask us!