For some women, simple frizz is a nightmare. For others, with wavy, curly or frizzy hair, daily hair maintenance takes a lot of time. And among them, some are tempted by a hair straighteningto obtain smooth and shiny hair in the blink of an eye or almost.
But to choose it, the mission becomes more and more complicated. Not a week goes by without an advertisement for a “new” smoothing flooding the market, and particularly social networks. The most frequently put forward remains the Brazilian smoothing, but there are also Japanese, Malaysian, Indian, or American smoothings! Or even treatments called “hair Botox” which promise to restore healthy hair.
The most popular is still the brazilian. “The principle consists of injecting keratin inside the hair. It is a natural protein, already present in the hair structure, which gives strength, elasticity and shine. It is closer to a care than a straightening which was very popular before. But which modified the structure of the hair and remained straight until regrowth. Rather, a smoothing aims to discipline the hair so that it regains its initial appearance over time: about 6 months depending on the brands used and the speed of growth”, explains Elodie Hammouda from the Lucie St Clair salon in Paris.
THE japanese straightening, is a bit different. Like all other names, it refers to the result obtained. Japanese gives very straight hair like Japanese women… Except that sometimes the effects are not as expected, hair can be “massacred” by products of which the consumer is unaware of the composition and the compatibility with his type of hair.
Be careful with do not confuse smoothing and keratin treatment. The latter is often called Botox, because it claims to “rejuvenate” the hair. In reality, it is a deep treatment that will repair and nourish in depth. It can relax curls or waves, but less than straightening.
Tip #1 Check for unauthorized chemicals
To find your way around these proposals in all directions, there are tips to know. “No smoothing is natural. Even those that claim to be vegan or with 100% ingredients from nature remain marketing fantasies. Smoothing necessarily contains chemicals. For a few years now, formalin (formerly used) has been strictly prohibited by law. So if in doubt, ask the hairdresser for the bottle or brand, and check on the DGCCRF website, smoothing sectionthat the product is authorized”, recommends Vincent Martin co-founder of Ans Brasil. And if we refuse to give you information on the product used, run away! The two components generally present and authorized in smoothings are carbocysteine or glyoxylic acid. It is also possible to make a request for a specific smoothing product via the form of the Medicines Agency. Read also: Cosmetics: 5 tips for identifying harmful substances (for health and the planet)
Tip n°2 Avoid straightening in an apartment or by non-professionals
Also avoid smoothing in an apartment which are the subject of incessant advertising on the networks. Sometimes they are not practiced by hairdressers, but by people who buy products from wholesalers and have a brief training by the manufacturer. Or no training at all!
Tip #3 Straightening stings, gives off an odor or smokes? Run away !
Another precaution to take ask if the product stings or emits smoke. “If the application of the product stings a little, or after rinsing you notice smoke when blow-drying with a hair dryer or plates, it is likely that the product contains formalin. Some claim that this is normal , because we are in the presence of fruit acids among other fantasies. We can also tell you that it takes a little to discipline the hair. No! Smoothing should neither sting nor give off a strong chemical odor. And if the hairdresser does not answer you or does not show you the product, it is never a good sign. In any case, we must be able to discuss and ask questions before making a decision. A professional must be able to analyze your hair and answer your questions!”, alert the specialist.
Tip n°4 Do not straighten if it is contraindicated with your state of health
Finally, you should know that there are categories of people who must be even more careful in the event of a straightening project. IPregnant women, breastfeeding women, or people prone to allergies. “A smoothing specialist is not a doctor or dermatologist. Only they can advise you on possible risks. I always give a simple example for comparison. A strawberry is not dangerous. But in a sensitive or allergic person it can trigger disorders. So if in doubt, medical advice can always help”, concludes Vincent Martin. By taking these precautions, you will be able to make an informed decision.
