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HAIR
STRAIGHTENERS, ARE YOU PERM OR TEMP?
In
today's hair care market, people can use a number of different
hair straighteners. It is important to be clear on exactly
what you want to do to your hair before you purchase such
a product. Will this be a hairstyle that you keep on a long-term
basis? Do you just need a new hairdo for the prom? What is
your specific situation?
If
your desire is to make sure your hair straight temporarily,
you may decide to go the route of thermal straightening. You
can easily accomplish your goal of short-term hair straightening
using items such as blow dryers, hot combs, flat irons and
curling irons.
Another
factor you need to take into consideration is the type
of hair you have. Do have mixed, ethnic, or hair that
is already straight? If you have coarser hair, you can use
a hot comb as a tool to style your hair. This is a very popular
way to do hair in the Black community, and has been used for
years by women and men alike.
One
of today's most sought after hair straightening tools is called
a ceramic flat iron. A good ceramic flat iron does not pull
or damage an individual's hair. It is a very valuable weapon
to have in your hair style arsenal because it is lightening
fast. We live in a microwave society, and if speed is essential,
this is one of your best options.
While
using the thermal straightening tool of choice don't forget
the sprays, gels, lotions or pomades that protect the hair
from the heat. Depending on your hair type and length some
type of pre-treatment must be done before straightening the
hair with heat. Chemicals are also another widely used method
of straightening the hair. Unlike thermal straightening, chemical
straighteners or relaxers are permanent.
No
matter which product you decide upon, it is crucial to use
some type of gel or lotion beforehand. This will act as a
type of protection for your hair. The heat emitted from all
of these tools can hurt your hair, so pre-treating your hair
is a good thing to remember.
Chemical
hair products will provide you a more permanent kind of hair
straightening. There are 3 commonly used chemical hair relaxing
processes used in the hair care industry. These are commonly
called hair relaxers. This is not a popular solution for people
wanting to use all natural products because they contain various
chemicals.
Sodium
hydroxide is the heavyweight champion of the hair relaxer
universe. It packs the mightiest punch, and will accomplish
the task of straightening very easily. It works by making
the fibers of your hair softer. At the same time as it is
softening your hair, it also makes your hair expand.
The
second most frequently used hair relaxing product most
commonly used on the market is named Guanidine hydroxide or
no-lye relaxers. The lack of lye in these products mean
that they do not create a burning sensation when they are
used. This is a more pleasant alternative to relaxers which
may be powerful, but also more toxic to your hair, because
of the lye they use to relax your hair.
In the Latino and Black communities these are the hair care
products of choice. They provide an excellent way to make
your hair straight permanently.
The
last type of hair relaxer is known as ammonium thiglycolate.
This is the least damaging of the three types of chemical
hair products. If you want to straighten your hair permanently
using a chemical product, this may be your best choice.
The
type of hair straightening product you choose is an important
decision. Having a series of options makes the choice easier,
and knowing whether you want a permanent or temporary hair
straightener is also a crucial factor to note.
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