How to straighten hair or straighten hair to keep hair healthy

Healthy hair has its own beauty. However, some people may crave straight hair because it is considered manageable. In fact, there are various ways you can do to straighten your hair or what is often called a straightener.

Choice of how to straighten hair

Previously, it may take a long time to straighten hair due to the use of natural ingredients. But now, technological advances have changed it.

There are several types of treatments that are said to make your hair straighter. Each type has different chemical compounds and methods. You can get it through hair care at the salon and even at home.

Here are some ways to straighten hair that require salon equipment to be more effective.

1. Rebonding

One way to straighten hair with equipment at the salon is rebonding . Rebonding done by changing the structure of the hair follicles so that their shape changes.

You see, hair is made up of proteins connected by bonds that determine the structure of the hair. As a result, each person will have a different hair type depending on the ties, whether straight, curly, or wavy hair.

The way the straightener works relaxes hair ties and destroys them. That way, the hair will be easier to style to become straighter.

The duration of this procedure is around 3 - 8 hours, depending on the length and structure of your hair. Process rebonding fairly complicated and starts from washing your hair, straightening your hair with a plastic board, to straightening your hair back to make it straight.

Even though it is quite popular, this method of straightening hair certainly has its own risks because the hair will be exposed to heat for a long time. Besides, the effect of rebonding also only valid for 6 - 7 months.

2. Smoothing

Different from rebonding , smoothing is a way of straightening hair using formaldehyde that is applied to the hair. After application, hair is "ironed" at a certain temperature to lock it in order to keep it straight.

While not ideal for all hair and semi-permanent, smoothing using a material that is not too strong. That way, the risk of hair damage is also reduced.

The formaldehyde used in hair straighteners breaks the hydrogen bonds of the keratin molecule.

Then, the hair that is dried will have new keratin because the formaldehyde binds the keratin filaments to make them straight. This is what makes the hair result smoothing become straighter and more shiny.

This trait is indeed semi-permanent. This means that this method of straightening hair only lasts between 2 - 5 months. This method which is also called keratin treatment is usually recommended for owners of wavy and curly hair because it will not change the structure of the hair too much.

3. Ironing hair

For some people, straightening hair has almost become a daily necessity. The reason is, straightening is very useful for arranging and tidying up hairstyles.

This method of straightening hair uses a tool that functions similar to an iron, which produces heat to remove frizz.

Different from smoothing and rebonding , the straightener does not require any chemicals. However, the effect only lasts a moment, namely 1-2 days after use.

However, it does not rule out the dangers that lurk from frequent hair straightening, including:

• hair becomes dry,
• hair loss,
• scalp feels itchy, as well
• the original hair type and texture slowly disappeared.

That is why, you should not carelessly straighten your hair frequently. There are various tips that can be done to care for hair even though it is often dyed, namely:

• use conditioner or hair vitamins before straightening,
• set the paint temperature as low as possible, as well
• do hair care as often as possible, such as hair masks.

4. Other hair straighteners

In addition to the three methods above, you can also straighten your hair with the help of other tools without chemicals, including:

• hair straightener comb or hot comb , and
• blow dryer.

Dangers of straightening hair with active chemicals

The chemicals and tools used to straighten hair do make hair more manageable. However, there have been various side effects reported that affect the health of the hair and scalp.

If you often straighten your hair with certain tools and chemicals in the near future, you may experience:

• itchy scalp,
• there is a burning sensation on the scalp,
• hair loss,
• scars on the scalp,
• weakened and thinning hair shaft,
• change in hair color, as well
• allergic reactions to chemicals.

That is why, hair straightening tools and chemicals should not be used too often so as not to cause the above conditions.

The natural way to straighten hair

Hairdressing tools and chemicals used on smoothing , rebonding , and straighteners can certainly damage hair. The reason is, the hair will be exposed to heat and chemical compounds that can harm the health of the hair and make it dry.

Problems such as split ends, hair loss, and dandruff can occur when a hair straightener is used incorrectly. No need to worry, you can try other alternatives by utilizing natural methods and ingredients

Here are some natural ways that can be used to straighten hair.

1. Use conditioner after shampooing

The simplest way to straighten your hair naturally is to use conditioner. Hair conditioner contains oils, humectants (moisturizing agents), and special alcohols that keep hair soft and supple.

Not only that, some conditioners also contain special proteins that can drop the ends of broken hair. As a result, the hair looks thicker. Experts recommend that you regularly use conditioner after every shampooing.

2. Combines essential oils and hair care products

You may have heard neighbors or closest friends recommend essential oils for straighter hair. This method may not have been scientifically proven, but the active ingredients in essential oils are certainly beneficial for hair.

You can mix a few drops of an oil, such as lemongrass, lavender, or argan, in your shampoo and hair conditioner while shampooing. Then, use the mixture as usual.

You certainly need a process that is not short. However, this method is safer from the dangers of hair damage than hair styling tools.

3. Using a hair mask

Source: Lifealth

Hair masks are created to produce shiny and healthy-looking hair. The reason is, hair masks help to nourish hair and lock in moisture, vitamins, and antioxidants in hair.

In addition, this natural way of straightening hair also helps strengthen hair so it doesn't fall out and break easily.

You can make masks at home using natural ingredients. For example, an egg and olive oil mask is claimed to be effective at straightening hair because they can restore hair protein to make it easier to manage.

How to make an egg and olive oil mask:

• Beat 2 eggs and 3 tablespoons of olive oil until blended
• Apply the mixture on the hair
• Let stand for 1 hour
• Shampoo your hair

You can use the hair mask every 2-3 times in two weeks. If natural ingredients at home are not sufficient, you can also buy commercially available hair masks.

If you have certain health conditions related to diseases of the scalp, consult your doctor before trying to straighten your hair or straighten it. Either with tools or using natural ingredients.