Hair Straightening, part 2

If you are finding this post for the first time, go back and read the previous post before starting in on this one... :)

 

Now you're wondering if this is true, why would any salon carry and perform such a service? Sadly most salon professionals are not well educated in the chemistry behind the chemical process they perform, and rely on the information provided to them by the product rep. that sells the product. That being said the inherent problem becomes obvious, the rep wants to make money, the company wants to make money, so the product is sold to the salon in the best light possible, often without the salon even knowing how or why it works. Keep in mind that the danger for the salon professional is just as great as for the client, after all, it’s the stylist that is handling the formaldehyde each service, client after client.

It is the professional opinion of the staff at Ritual that the Brazilian Blowout or (BKT) are too much of a liability to the health and safety for the client and the stylist, therefore we do not offer the service and DO NOT recommend it to ANYONE.

The educated decision...

Now that we have effectively eliminated one of the three options for altering the hair to be straight, lets look at the remaining two. That is of course assuming you value your health and life.

Before getting into the details of the differences between the two services, it is best to evaluate your decision to chemically alter your hair in the first place. A good salon will always have a thorough consult explaining the pros and cons of the service and how it will react with each client's hair type and texture. It should be made clear that each of these services are permanent and will remain in its altered chemical state, leaving only the new growth in its natural state of curl. Each client has hair that is unique to them, thus the limitations and effects of the service will vary from person to person, however, basic facts are: Once the hair is straight, you can curl it with a curling iron or rods but achieving that natural curl is unlikely through styling. Washing it is just like washing your natural hair. It may feel softer or even thinner or thicker than before.

Your stylist should also go over the reasons why you should not chemically alter your hair. If you often utilize your natural curl in styling your hair, realize that you will no longer be able to achieve that natural curl. If you like to change the color of your hair often, or are thinking about changing the color of your hair keep in mind that changes in color may affect your hairs health and physical state, rendering it unfit to be relaxed or thermal straightened.
So you’ve had your consult and are fully informed about the chemical process of altering your hair. which do you choose, the Relaxer or the Thermal Straightener? The answer to that question depends on the type of hair you have, how much hair you have, and how you want to style it after the service. Often people with very curly hair feel like it is kinky or unruly. They don't necessarily want to have straight hair but rather relax the curl into a more manageable wave. The solution would then be a Chemical Relaxer. As the name implies, it is intended to relax the curl in the hair, and is limited in how much it can relax. The maximum a relaxer can smooth the hair is 70-80%, that means that it takes out up to 80% of the curl. If the client wants less curl removed, the stylist can perform a Soft Wave or Wave Reduction by using extra large sized rollers to reshape the existing curl into something less tight. This can effectively reduce the curl by 30-50%.
Thermal Straightening is a much longer process because the hair gets thermally straightened with a flat iron about 3 to 4 times throughout the whole service, which is what makes it so effective in reducing the curl. A Thermal service can reduce the curl in the hair by 95%. Often times the client needs only to touch up her hair with a flat iron in the morning to get out any kinks that might have occurred during sleep. This service is the ultimate and maximum amount of straightness that is possible in a chemical process. Note the name no longer implies relaxing the curl but rather straightening the hair all together. If your styling habits are to straighten or thermal style your hair 80-90% of the time, and are looking to cut down your daily styling time, and reduce frizz and increase smoothness, this is the service for you.
It is a good idea to remember that with any service involving an alteration to the natural form of your hair there are risks. It is the responsibility of the client to be informed and know the potential risks and proper care and treatment for each service performed on them. It is equally the stylist responsibility to ensure that they have educated the client so they may make an informed decision. If done right, relaxing or thermal straightening your hair can be a wonderful thing that, not only makes your daily routine a breeze, but also gives your hair that soft smooth and healthy look that gives you confidence and leaves you feeling and looking absolutely fabulous. The well educated professionals at Ritual are always eager to answer any questions you might have and do whatever is in our power to help you look your best.

We do have a couple of before and after photos on our website and on our facebook page if you'd like to check them out :)