Japanese hair straightening or thermal reconditioning is an amazing option for many seeking perfectly straight hair with little to no daily hassle. But it isn’t right for everyone. Here are some questions to ask to discover if this process is a viable option for your hair.

Did you color your hair recently?

Hair is easily damaged through a variety of means. Excessive coloring can create problems with the thermal reconditioning procedure. Ideally, to ensure that your hair does not
develop any unwanted symptoms and achieves the desired effect you are looking for, refrain from coloring around 6 months beforehand. This will allow the hair to build-up protein levels that can withstand thermal reconditioning. More importantly, during the first phase of treatment, a shampoo is used to clear the hair and if you’ve put on color, it will simply wash away and the remaining residue could hinder the ironing process.

Have you had your hair chemically straightened before?

If you have had your hair chemically straightened before, you may be more at risk with Japanese hair straightening. Some methods of straightening are completely incompatible while others, such as Brazilian keratin treatments, can be interchanged with no problems.

Excessive chemical usage will not only permanently damage your hair, but could result in scalp problems too. Be upfront with the expert and inform them of your past experience with hair straightening, so they can make recommendations as they see fit.

Do you experience dryness, dandruff or any other hair problems?

Dryness and an overall lackluster hair look is a clear indication of a protein shortage. Being the structural body of every hair strand, protein is responsible for keep hair in its particular shape and without proper care, will result in breakage and hair loss. And in these cases, performing thermal reconditioning will only make matters worse. Since the entire process is chemical-based it has an adverse effect on hair strands that lack sufficient protein levels. Dandruff can also be tricky to navigate through and therefore prior consultation is recommended to ensure that the stylist knows exactly how to proceed further.

Do you suffer from hair loss?

For people already suffering from hair loss, this treatment will add to the problem. Hair breakage and loss is a sign of protein deficiency, something which needs to be addressed before the thermal reconditioning procedure can be utilized. Thermal Reconditioning uses chemicals to straighten hair and requires hair to be in optimum condition to prevent unnecessary damage. However, without sufficient protein, the strand structure is compromised and any knowledgeable stylist will not allow the process to go through. Protein deficiencies can be Do you have hair highlights?

Highlights are very tricky to straighten. They are different shades than the natural colour and need to be carefully rinsed in order to ensure their well-being during the hair straightening process. Moreover, they need to be ironed at a different temperature, which is slightly cooler as their properties are different and will not be able to cope with the regular dosage. This should be conveyed to the stylist beforehand, so that they prepare accordingly and can judge whether thermal reconditioning is feasible or not, and will it have the desired results you are looking for.
Learn more about each step of the process

Do you want permanently straightened hair?

This is the biggest and most underlying question that you need to ask yourself. Do I need have a major overhaul, especially one such as this? Curly hair can be fun too, but it all really depends on your preference. So think long and hard, because once the Thermal Reconditioning procedure has been executed, it will take some time before your hair grows out and can be styled the way it was before. And if you aren’t satisfied with the end result, that’s even more troublesome. So seek professional help with stylists and determine whether you should be going for thermal reconditioning in the first place.

Now that you’ve read over some issues to consider, do you think you’re a good candidate for Japanese hair straightening? If so, take a look at a list of questions to consider asking a potential stylist.