Japanese hair straightening treatment or thermal reconditioning is a process that is really popular among women who want super straight and sleek hair. So, here is everything you need to know about it as a beginner who wants to get this treatment done from a keratin treatment salon.

What Is Thermal Reconditioning?

Thermal reconditioning is also known as Japanese hair straightening treatment. It is a type of permanent hair straightening treatment in which a solution is applied onto the hair and it is left to break the bonds in the hair. The reason why your hair is a certain way and has a certain texture is because of the protein bonds in the strands.

When it comes to a thermal reconditioning treatment, the solution, which contains a lot of potent and strong ingredients, breaks down the hair bonds and makes it super straight, and then heat is used to fuse the treatment and style in place.

That is basically the gist of a Japanese hair straightening treatment or thermal reconditioning. This treatment is perfect for people with super frizzy and curly hair. This treatment permanently straightens the hair and makes the hair very soft, healthy, shiny, and sleek. If you want to permanently straighten your hair, then this is the treatment to go for. It works like a charm. It can work on the curliest of manes and the result will be amazing for a long time to come.

How Is Thermal Reconditioning Done?

So, now that you know what thermal reconditioning is, here is what you can expect from the process of said treatment. When you sit in that salon chair, you will see a bunch of things happening. They will be as follows:

Washing Hair

The hair will be shampooed first. When it comes to any chemical hair straightening treatment, for that matter, washing the hair is key. You want to leave your hair untouched and unwashed after the treatment, so washing the hair before the treatment is important.

It also gets rid of any product buildup and you start with a clean scalp ready for the next step.

Applying The Treatment

Next, a solution is applied liberally to the hair. It is a cream-based solution and this is what makes the hair super straight. It turns the hair from coiled up to super straight. The solution is left on the hair for some time. Usually, it is somewhere between 30 to 40 minutes, but no more than this. Once the time is up, the next step is followed.

Washing Hair Followed By Treatment Application

Now, the treatment is washed and at the same time, a conditioning treatment is applied. This is the reconditioning part of thermal reconditioning. This is really important because the treatment, which contains ammonium thioglycolate, can dry out the hair and you need to ensure that you’re restoring the moisture back into the hair.

So, once the hair is washed and the treatment is washed completely off, the conditioning cream is applied.

Flat-Ironing Or Blow-Drying Hair

After the conditioning part comes the thermal part, and in this, either a flat iron or a blow dryer can be used. If you want super sleek, straight hair, then you can opt for a flat iron. If you want a more blown out Hollywood look, then you can go for the blow-drying method.

Either way, the heat is bumped up to high intensity and then the hair is taken in sections and is straightened. The heat not only helps style the hair, but it also sets the treatment in place. It also gives the hair that shiny look, which is to die for.

Applying A Neutralizer

The last step in thermal reconditioning is to balance the hair pH out perfectly, because using all of these products and heat and manipulating the hair will turn into a mess big time. So, a neutralizer is applied on the hair, which is also a cream-based product for at least 10 minutes to – you guessed it – neutralize the hair and ensure that the treatment doesn’t damage the hair further. Once that is done, you are good to go.

Depending on the hair length and the thickness, this process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours and sometimes, even 8.

Does Thermal Reconditioning Damage Hair?

Short answer? Yes, thermal reconditioning does damage the hair. The products used in this treatment plus the heat can be really damaging to the mane and that is not good at all. So, this is why you have to really take care of the hair after the fact and you have to completely change your hair care routine and products and go for some with more keratin, damage restoring properties, and more. Hair care becomes even more important if you plan to get extensions from a hair extensions salon Potomac after thermal reconditioning.

Note that your hair does look really shiny and healthy, but the strands will be really delicate and one wrong swoop can make your hair fall out. Hair fall is one of the biggest problems people have to deal with after getting thermal reconditioning done on the hair and that is because they tend to forget that their hair is still very delicate and they need to take it easy for a bit before they use chemicals on their hair again.

So, in a nutshell, Japanese hair straightening treatment is damaging to the mane, but the way you take care of the hair after the fact will ensure how severe the damage is or if there is any damage at all.

How To Take Care Of Hair After Thermal Reconditioning?

Speaking of damage and taking care, you have to keep certain things in mind when it comes to thermal reconditioning and taking care of your hair after the fact. The better you take care of your hair by moisturizing and deep conditioning hair, the better results you’ll see and your treatment will stay put in the hair with no need of touch ups for a long time.

Avoid Chemicals

You need to limit the use of chemicals on the hair, at least for the first couple of weeks or months. This is crucial. Your hair will still be very delicate and if you’re not being careful and slapping on hair dye and getting highlights the first chance you get, then you will dig your own grave.

Minimize Heat-Styling Tools

Also, you don’t want to use heat on the hair either. Your hair is already quite straight, so there is no point in doing so. You just want to brush your hair and you’re good to walk out that door.

Protect Your Hair

You also want to keep the hair as frizz-free and tangle-free as possible. You don’t want to keep the hair super loose, especially on a windy day, otherwise you will be hit in the face with a frizz storm. Loosely tie the hair and you will be good to go.

Lastly, try to keep the hair protected from high sun exposure and chlorine. If you do want to go outside or take a dip, then cover your hair and tuck everything in snuggly.

Conclusion

Thermal reconditioning really does the trick when it comes to changing your hair forever (until new hair grow out), but there are certain downsides to it as well and now you know all the ins and outs. If you have any queries, consult a Japanese hair straightening salon Potomac.