Hair straightening treatments explained
The new generation of straightening treatments has taken the hairdressing industry by storm and are ideal for clients who want to achieve super-sleek hair without using irons every day.
More commonly known as Brazilian straightening treatments, most originate from Brazil, and their main advantage is that they not only straighten the hair, they also repair it.
Jez Barnett from KeraStraight says these treatments were first launched in the late 90s. "Since then, there have been significant developments in getting the perfect balance of stunning condition and long lasting results," he says.
One of the key ingredients that make these straightening treatments so beneficial is keratin. Once the keratin treatment is applied, it is ironed into the hair using ceramic irons. "This bonds the keratin into the hair and creates beautifully conditioned, shiny hair," says Jez.
Because of their conditioning properties, the latest Brazilian treatments can be applied to hair that is in poor condition, including bleached and damaged hair.
They're also perfect for coloured hair and can even be applied immediately after it's been coloured.
"Being semi-permanent they also fade out of the hair and do not leave that 'curly roots, straight ends' problem," he adds.
Although the active ingredient which straightens the hair varies between formulas, they all work in the same way by stiffening the hair. "This effect will last between two to four months depending on the condition and individual formula.
The results last longest on porous, damaged hair," says Jez. "It really is an evolution in straightening and repairing the hair."
Find Out More About the Leading Straightening Treatments
Global Keratin
Who's using it? A favourite of salons across the country including hob salons, Daniel Galvin, Trevor Sorbie, Clipso and Jo Hansford.
The claim: The Brazilian taming treatment uses keratin-based formulas to calm, condition and define damaged and unmanageable hair for up to five months. Hair is completely transformed, leaving it easy to style, soft and glossy with a deep shine. The formaldehyde-free formula is infused with vitamins, collagen and the same protein that naturally occurs in hair.
Interested? Call Global Keratin on 020 8207 2591
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola
Who's using it? A hit in the USA, Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy can now be found in some of Britain's most reputable salons, including Errol Douglas, Lisa Shepherd, Hooker & Young, Paterson SA, Rush, Haringtons and seanhanna.
The claim: The company describes it as 'skincare for your hair' and says the more it is used, the better condition your client's hair will become thanks to the build up of keratin.
Application takes two to three hours and lasts up to four months. Homecare products are available to keep hair in optimum condition.
Interested? Call Keratin Complex 020 8906 2814
The KeraStraight system
The claim: It is said to bring new life to hair, even after years of damage - good news for clients with dry, brittle, over-processed hair. One of its biggest selling points is that KeraStraight does not use any strong chemicals to straighten the hair, but instead adds natural keratin to produce luscious locks. Each treatment lasts up to four months and will gradually fade out.
Interested? Call 0845 459 0026
La-Brasiliana
The claim: Dubbed 'the Brazilian blow-dry', La-Brasiliana offers smooth, frizz-free hair that is instantly manageable. It's a keratintreatment with collagen, which replenishes the hair's condition and seals in moisture. It takes between one-and-a-half to four hours to apply and the results last two to four months.
Interested? Call La-Brasiliana 01282 613413.
For those clients who only want to achieve the super straight look some of the time, don't forget that there is a perfect straightening iron for every eventuality.
