By now, I'm sure you've heard of
hair straightening process invented in Japan that has swept America and made countless women forever grateful to it's hair-transforming powers. It goes by several different names - Japanese Straightening, Thermal Reconditioning, Straight Perm, and Japanese Straight Perm. So, what exactly can you expect after a thermal reconditioning service? Well, it's actually nothing short of miraculous, if you choose right product and stylist.I had my treatment done at a Japanese salon in Ohio that specializes in this service. After about six hours of sitting in salon, being alternately shampooed, heated under intense heat lamps, blown out, flat ironed, and then going through entire process again, I emerged from salon with a completely re-texturized, smooth and sleek head of hair. All together, straightening process cost about $750, including a VERY generous tip and a large bottle of shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for my new tresses. The hourly rate for service was $80, which is actually below most others that charge about $100 an hour. I was under strict instructions to guard my hair from water or any type of moisture for next 72 hours.
I was completely thrilled with my new hair. The light reflected off of it like crazy, and it blew naturally in breeze, not at all dried out or artificial, like you might expect after a chemical treatment. It actually was in best condition ever, which seemed counterintuitive since it had essentially just been through six hours of chemical and heat treatment. Nevertheless, it was absolutely and undeniably true.
I was told I would need to come back for a touch up on new growth anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on how straight I wanted it to stay and rate of hair growth. It is now six months later, and even though it has more body, it is still shiny and smooth. I actually like it a little more with some body at roots. It gives it a little extra lift, and remaining hair is still straight and manageable.
There are some things you want to look out for when searching for a salon that offers thermal reconditioning. First, find out which Straightening product they use. The best Japanese Straightening System is Liscio, and second is Yuko. Both are made in Japan. Any others are to be cautiously researched. Liscio has produced best results on clients, and if you've read about it anywhere, there is nothing negative to be reported. This is system salon I went to used, and my results were healthy and beautiful. Second, make sure technician performing service has plenty of experience in process. Any good salon will provide you with before and after pictures of their work. Third, be sure to be open and honest with stylist about any prior hair-coloring or processing, so they can adjust treatment accordingly for best results. Don't fall in to trap of buying expensive shampoos and conditioners like I did (I spent about $85 on shampoo and conditioner). You can actually use several quality, gentle shampoos and intensive conditioners and get same, if not better, results( http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/best-haircare-products-reviews.html ).
