Understanding Smoothing Treatments
The desire to have smooth and manageable hair has led to the creation of numerous smoothing treatments. But how do they actually work? What happens inside the strands of your hair when you apply these products?
What Makes Hair Curly or Straight?
The texture of hair is determined by the structure of proteins called keratins. These proteins are bonded by disulfide bonds that can be modified through heat, chemicals, or both. In the case of curly hair, these bonds are distributed unevenly, creating loops or waves. Smoothing treatments aim to break those bonds and restructure them so that they align, resulting in straight hair.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
The choice of treatment depends on your needs and the type of hair you have. If you’re looking for a temporary solution with minimal damage, keratin smoothing may be your best option. For more permanent results, Japanese smoothing is ideal, but be sure to maintain good hair care to avoid long-term damage.