There are many types of hair straightening, which leaves consumers with a lot of difficulties when it comes to choosing! Everyone wonders what kind of straightening I should choose for my hair! What are the advantages of progressive brushing over permanent straightening? What we're going to try to clarify in this article is the main types of straightening that exist on the market, explaining their main differences, advantages and disadvantages. This article is really an explanation, it's not directly linked to the services we do in our salons. We're talking about some straighteners here that we don't even do in our salons. We're going to talk more specifically about four types of straightening: progressive brushing, permanent or Japanese straightening, relaxing and laser straightening. Progressive brushing Progressive brushing generally lasts between 3 and 6 months. It works very well on the hair, but it is thermo-active, meaning you always have to use a hairdryer every day to get the straightening effect. As a general rule, this brush does not leave hair 100% straight. Progressive brushes generally have 3 steps: anti-residue shampoo, smoothing cream and finishing mask. The active ingredient in these progressive brushes is usually glyoxylic acid. These straighteners can be with or without formaldehyde. We believe that formaldehyde should not be used, as it is harmful to health. With these progressive brushes, apart from a few exceptions, you have to go three days without washing your hair so that the product continues to have an effect. During these three days, it's important not to tie your hair up or tuck it behind your ear. During the straightening process, the hair must be flat ironed in very fine strands. There is also a pause time of between 30 and 60 minutes, which means it takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the hair and the technician carrying out the process. For coloured hair, there is the possibility of the hair changing up to 3 shades, i.e. becoming blonder, with yellowish, orange or greenish highlights. Generally, progressive brushing can be done on any type of hair, even on highlighted or coloured hair. It's important to always tell the technician what processes you've had done before, so that he can make sure it's compatible and the condition of the hair. In our salon, this service is called Slett formaldehyde-free straightening, and it has some specific features that you should know about by clicking on the link! Permanent or Japanese straightening Permanent straightening, which is also commonly called Japanese straightening, really does leave your hair 100% permanently straight, and you don't need to use a hairdryer every day. Generally, the hair is left with a "flowing straight" effect. When we talk about permanent, we are always referring to hair that has undergone the straightening process. The root will grow back naturally, with the same shape and type of hair as before. On the other hand, if it's permanent, the hair that has undergone the process will never go back to the way it was before. It will remain straight forever. Generally, the active ingredient in this type of straightening is ammonium thiogliocate, which means that it can only be done on natural hair and is not compatible with any other type of chemical. Therefore, no colouring or highlights can be done before or after this process. Since nowadays almost all hair has some kind of chemical in it, even if it was a long time ago, it is always advisable to do a strand test before straightening. These straighteners usually have three steps: shampoo, straightening cream and neutraliser. There may be brands that work with more steps. The process also uses a flat iron, in the same way as a progressive brush, and the process lasts between 2 and 3 hours. The hair is ready the same day and can be washed or straightened as soon as desired. Relaxing This process is very similar to permanent straightening, and generally uses the same active ingredient (ammonium thiogliocate), but is less concentrated. Therefore, in this case too, it is advisable to do a strand test before the process. The main differences between the two are that in this case, there is no need to flat iron and the pause time is shorter. This achieves a relaxing effect rather than a straightening effect. In other words, your hair won't be 100% straight. This hair relaxer can be used to open up very tight curls, or to leave hair straight but with some wave. It generally consists of three steps: shampoo, straightening cream and neutraliser. Laser straightening In this case we're talking about Michele Encke laser straightening, which is done in our salons. This straightening lasts 6 to 8 months, and you don't have to blow-dry your hair every day. The hair is 100% straight, with a natural effect. This straightening consists of just one step, so the straightening cream is applied straight away to dry hair. No prior treatment is required. Laser straightening is done with a photonic device that emits light at a certain wave frequency, which acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions, i.e. it speeds up the process, making the straightening more effective, it lasts longer and the hair looks shinier. Despite being called a laser, this light has nothing to do with the laser used in waxing or other treatments. It's more like a led light, which doesn't cause any discomfort or increase in temperature. What's more, this straightening is compatible with any other type of chemical treatment done before or after this process, so it can be done on hair with highlights or colouring. In the case of this straightening, the hair is ready on the day of the process and can be washed as soon as you wish. You won't need to wash it for three days or tie it up. There may also be a change in colour, in the same way as progressive brushes. We therefore recommend that if you are thinking of colouring your hair or doing highlights, you do so
