Japanese hair straightening

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Japanese Hair Straightening, also known as Thermal Reconditioning in the USA is a method of permanently straightening human hair. This process is different than that of using relaxers to smooth out the hair. The procedure takes four to eight hours, depending on the length and volume of one's hair. Beauty salons in Los Angeles, California charge upwards of $500 USD to perform this procedure. Some salons in Chinatown, New York charge under $200 for the same procedure. In Korea, the procedure costs 30,000-150,000 won (30-150 USD). In Japan, the procedure costs around 100,000-200,000 Yen (about $90-180)

[edit] Procedure

The process for Japanese hair straightening goes as follows:

The stylist assesses the hair type and condition.
The hair is washed.
If necessary, protein is applied to the hair. There is a small extra charge for this procedure, but it is possible for the customer to end up with less than satisfactory results if the protein is not applied.
Solution #1, which breaks the hair's disulfide bonds, is applied.
The stylist rinses the first solution out of the hair when he or she deems it necessary.
The hair is partially blow dried.
The hair is ironed in small sections with a thermal straight iron.
A second solution, which reforms the broken disulfide bonds, is applied.
Hair is rinsed and conditioned.
Hair is blow dried once more.

The procedure is not particularly effective for tightly curled hair or hair that has already undergone serious chemical treatments. As with any chemical procedure, an experienced technician is essential.

The treatment will also make the hair healthier and shinier. Humidity will not affect the hair as before because the porosity of the hair is changed (hence the smoother feel).