" Japanese Straightener"

The famous "Japanese Straightener" has been a topic of many a discussion on and off line. The bottom line is that it is NOT a product. Today in the beauty industry the latest version and most used by stylists is the "thermal straightener" it is the same thing the difference is the brand of product used. Let me explain to you what makes it permanently straight . The hair is first prepared by shampooing with a clarifying shampoo to remove all impurities and oils from the strands. Then, a stabilizer or PH balance is applied through out the strands. The actual straightening product (which by the way stinks) is applied OFF THE SCALP (very important) this is the step that actually alters your hair's DNA structure. The technician should by this step be watching closely for the process to be completed and never leave you alone or on a timer to forget you for the time period the timer is set for. Every three to five minutes the strands should be checked. because the application was not and is never applied through out the whole head at the same time, the quads the hair are divided into, will process sooner than the last quad applied. Therefore it may be necessary to remove one quad at a time as they process and reach the proper texture. After the chemical is completely removed the hair is then dried with a blower removing ONLY about 80% of the moisture. The remaining 20% is evaporated with a 100% ceramic iron again OFF the scalp. If the iron is ceramic coated in my personal experience it WILL break the hair where the iron closes which is very close to the scalp. This is the part that a lot of stylists just don't get and or have no patience to complete and tend to try to cut corners. If the the hair is not properly sectioned to flat iron, the risk of breakage is higher. After the whole head is flat ironed the neutralizing formula is applied and processed. A cocktail of emollients and restructures are then applied for a length of 3 to 6 minutes. Finally is time to style and maybe flat iron one last time depending on the texture and bulk of the hair as well as the weather (on humid weather is is very recommended to flat iron on last time for a straighter result). The processed hair CANNOT be held with ponytails, headbands, glasses, clips, pins, scrunchies or pulled back behind the ears. Any of these can create a crease that cannot be corrected. After a period of about 72 hours minimum the person can shampoo and condition the hair with a hydrating system, blow dry or let dry natural. There are different strengths for the various types of hair and previously chemically treated as well. I advice to consult thoroughly with a technician prior to your service. The results can be amazing or devastating if YOU fail to screen the person properly.