What are the means for straightening hair and how to use them correctly?

Smooth, shining beauty hair - the dream of every woman. But in life to achieve such an appearance of curls is not always possible. After dyeing or styling using thermal instruments, hair looks dry and unruly. In addition, some women from nature got the curly structure of the hair shaft, to tame such a hair - not an easy task. To correct the situation in the course are funds that promote hair straightening.

The procedure of hair straightening involves not only the goal to smooth the hair, but also to provide them with care. The main thing is not to spoil the structure of the hair shaft, to preserve its moisture and elasticity. To smooth hair, you can resort to three different methods, which, although they have one common goal, but significantly differ from each other.

• Professional methods - are performed with the help of chemicals that change the structure of the hair shaft, and if it was wavy - give it a direct and even direction. These funds have a certain degree of aggressiveness, but the result obtained after carrying out such a procedure will be maintained for a long time.
• Use of devices and devices - This method is used after each shampooing while drying and styling hair. Smooth strands can be achieved with the help of irons with a smooth surface, and in addition, the hair can be straightened with a hair dryer and a hair brush. With frequent use of such devices the condition of the hair will deteriorate, as they are exposed to high temperatures.
• The use of styling products - use compounds that are applied to the hair during styling. These can be gel or creamy textures, liquid sprays, balsams or masks. Under the action of these funds, the hair becomes heavier and straightened from gravity. In addition, the funds help to fix the result and facilitate the process of straightening. The disadvantage is that the effect is short-lived, and after washing the hair, the styling will need to be repeated.

There are also so-called folk methods of hair straightening. As for professional preparations, their use should be entrusted to good specialists, since these products have a serious chemical composition, and improper handling can lead to disastrous consequences.

And now we consider in more detail the methods of straightening hair, which have long-term effect and short-term.

Professional methods include procedures that, to achieve a lasting effect, combine both chemical and mechanical effects. We list the methods and means for long-term smoothing hair.

• Keratin straightening - is that the hair is washed with a preparation for deep cleaning in order to fully open the flakes of the hair shaft. Then keratin composition is applied to the strands, which fills the hair structure, making it heavy and plastic. After that, the drug is fixed on the hair by heat treatment of the strands with an iron heated to a temperature of at least 230 degrees, as a result of which smooth and straight strands are obtained, and the effect itself can last from 4 to 6 months.

• Chemical straightening - is that the hair is affected by the composition prepared from ammonium thioglycolate, guanide hydroxide or caustic soda. Under the influence of these components changes occur in the structure of the hair - it becomes loosened, and the bonds inside it are sometimes destroyed. As a result, the curls are made straighter, but they can become overdried and brittle. The advantage here is only that the result of rectification is resistant.

• Lamination of hair - this procedure is considered favorable for the hair, as each hair processed by such a composition is covered with a cellulose film. The film improves the aesthetic appearance of hair, protecting them from ultraviolet rays, sea water and other adverse factors. The protective film is permeable to moisture, and the hair shaft does not dry out, which means there is no danger of breaking it or splitting it. Before the procedure, the hair is washed with shampoo for deep cleaning, then the preparation is applied on them and then treated with strands of hot air for 20 minutes with a hair dryer. Then the composition is washed off with water, and for 10 minutes the hair is treated with balm. After lamination, the curls look smooth and healthy, while the waviness is smoothed and the effect lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

• Cosmetics for straightening - manufacturers of professional products produce not only products that are used by hairdressers, but also products that can be used at home. Such products are produced in the form of kits containing all the necessary components for the procedure. And it can also be one tool that helps to achieve smooth hair in its application. An example is the line of products from the company Moroccanoil, which in the set offers shampoo, conditioner, mask and lotion (not requiring rinsing). Using these tools in a complex, you can achieve smooth hair for a certain period of time - it all depends on their individual structure. Another example is the “Straightening” mask from the manufacturer KeraSys - the product is simply rubbed into the hair, and after a couple of minutes it is washed off with water, resulting in a smooth and shiny effect of the strands.

Modern manufacturers of professional hair straighteners offer a wide range of products, and it is best to choose the most appropriate product specifically for your hair structure, after consulting with experts, relying on their knowledge and experience.

In addition to professional tools, hair can be straightened in a different way. And let the effect of such procedures be short-lived, but they will not cause harm to the hair. The essence of the home methods is that the available improvised means are used to care for hair and smooth it.

• Flax Seed Broth - Flax seeds when exposed to warm water form a gelatinous substance around them, which is used for home lamination of hair. Broth is filtered and distributed on the hair, after which they are dried with a hairdryer. At the same time, hair keeps its shape well and looks smooth.
• Beer - foamy drink can straighten even the most disobedient strands. To do this, lightly moistened hair should be applied evenly beer and allow hair to dry. Best of all, if you dry with a round brush and a hairdryer, as if pulling out each strand. The hairstyle will last for a long time, and the hair itself will be straight and shiny.
• Oil based masks - such compositions can be made using olive, almond, coconut, castor or burdock oil. The oils can be mixed, and sometimes beer is added to the oil, and then the mask cares and straightens the strands. Straightening occurs because the porous structure of unruly hair is moistened, and the voids are filled with oil, with the result that the strand is weighted and straightened.
• Cognac and chamomile decoction - this tool is prepared from two equal parts, which include brandy and filtered broth made from pharmacy chamomile (1 tablespoon of raw materials is brewed with one cup of boiling water). The finished solution is moistened with strands and left for an hour, while the head can be wrapped with film and a towel. Next, the hair is dried with a brush and a hairdryer.

Hair straighteners can be offered by the manufacturer in various forms. Let's look at how this or that form of drugs differs from each other.

This group of drugs related to professional tools and requiring certain skills in working with them. Almost every production company specializing in hair products has a line of keratin products. Trissola Keratin, Cocochoco, Inoar, Research, Indola, BC Original, Keratin Research can be called the most famous and effective brands in the work - and this list can be continued. The keratin composition of these or other manufacturers can be bought both separately and in a set that includes deep cleaning shampoo, keratin and a balm for leaving after the procedure.

Pros:

• guaranteed result of straightening strands, regardless of the degree of their waviness;
• long (up to 4-6 months) term of saving the result;
• perfect hairstyle look.

Minuses:

• body reactions to formaldehyde are possible, which results in eye irritation and tearing, swelling of the nasal mucosa, in addition, allergic manifestations are not excluded;
• as a result of the procedure, the hair may be dried out and begin to break off or fall out;
• preparations with keratin and the procedure itself are expensive.

The price of drugs with keratin depends on their volume, it is more profitable to buy packaging of 1 liter, but the shelf life of these funds is limited.

In their composition there are oils that help to smooth the hair scales, as well as they nourish and moisturize the hair shaft throughout its length. The cream envelops each hair, making it heavier, but at the same time it gives protection during styling when thermal devices are used. The cream for straightening has a drawback - it is ineffective on colored hair. The reason is that the hair scales are clogged with coloring pigment and the cream does not penetrate the hair structure. The most famous products produced in the form of a cream include “Instantly Smoothing” produced by Sunsilk, Styling Effect cream from the manufacturer Joanna, Bonacure “Perfect Smoothness” cream from Schwarzkopf.

Pros:

• noticeable smoothing effect from the very first application procedure;
• additional nutrition and hydration;
• affordability and ease of use;
• Does not harm the hair and general health.

Minuses:

• smoothing effect lasts until the next shampooing;
• possesses a certain perfumery fragrance;
• with very curly curls may not give the desired result.

Laying after applying the cream is carried out in the same way as with conventional styling products.

This liquid ready remedy, which has in its composition, in addition to keratin, is also a nutritional complex of vitamin supplements and organic acids. Serum is applied to the curls with a spray. The composition penetrates deep into the structure of the hair shaft, while moisturizing and nourishing it, as well as contributing to straightening. The effect of smoothing is shown during drying of strands when laying. An example of effective serums is the Schwarzkopf product called Osis + Flatliner, Active Keratine from Belita Vitex, and also Keen Keratin from Glättungs Serum, which is available in 7 ml ampoules.

Pros:

• smoothing and intensive hair care with a cumulative effect;
• affordability and simple use;
• have thermal protection and prevent over-drying and brittleness - strands become soft to the touch and elastic.

Minuses:

• smoothing effect unstable;
• hair gets dirty much faster and you have to wash your hair more often;
• with excessive application of hair look stale.

These tools will be used both individually and in combination with each other. Regular use of hair provides smoothness and shine, and this is achieved by the fact that the products contain keratin, silicone, oils and other hair care complexes. The shampoo in the process of washing protects the hair from drying out and fluffing, and the balm strengthens and fixes this effect. Practically every manufacturer of hair products produces keratin-based shampoos and balms: L'Oreal has Professionnel Pro-Keratin Refill Shampoo, Italian Kaaral presents Maraes Color Nourishing shampoo, and Pantene Pro-V brand produces Advanced Keratin Repair balsam.

Pros:

• Means are suitable for permanent hair care, ensuring their smoothness and moisture;
• affordable and easy to use;
• do not adversely affect the skin and scalp.

Minuses:

• individual intolerance to certain components of the product is possible;
• strongly curly hair can not be smoothed;
• straightening effect is unstable.

Choosing funds for curly strands, you need to decide what effect you want to achieve. If you are not ready for radical methods of exposure to your hair, then a serum, cream or shampoo + balm complex will suit you for a short-term effect.

Here's what to consider when choosing a drug for keratin straightening:

• the most effective preparations should contain formaldehyde components - without it, the structure of the hair cannot be changed;
• when straightening thin and dry hair, choose products containing cysteine ​​- this amino acid will keep the hair shaft moisturized and prevent its fragility;
• each preparation has its own aging period of the composition on the hair; the thicker and rougher the hair, the longer it is necessary to withstand the composition;
• purchase keratin only from trusted suppliers; ideally, the product should have a certificate;
• The best drugs are those that, in addition to keratin, contain in their composition and a caring complex.

Keratin straightening can be performed at home. For the procedure you will need:

• keratin composition;
• deep cleaning shampoo;
• hair dryer;
• rectifier-iron with heating to 230 degrees;
• comb, bowl and brush for applying the composition;
• protective gloves, goggles and a respirator.

The procedure for applying keratin consists of the following steps:

• rinse hair 2-4 times with deep cleaning shampoo;
• dry your hair with a hairdryer and comb;
• apply keratin on thin strands, not reaching the roots by 1 cm and pulling the drug along the entire length;
• leave the keratin on the hair for the amount of time specified in the instructions;
• dry your hair with a hairdryer and comb;
• pull each strand with an ironing rectifier that is heated to a temperature of 230 degrees, with each strand must be passed 5-10 times with quick movements from top to bottom;
• after a certain time, according to the instructions, you can wash your head using a sulfate-free shampoo.

After the procedure, the head can be washed as often as necessary with a sulfate-free shampoo. Extend the effect of smoothness can be applied by balms and styling products containing keratin.

If you want to do the procedure of keratin hair straightening at home, watch the video below.