Side effects of hair straightening

Published: 12 de March de 2023
| Last Updated on 28 de March de 2023 by Easy Hair Hub
Many people are concerned about hair straightened and their side effects.
Dr. Oguz Kayiran
Medical Reviewer

Swipe and swipe so your hair gets in line! Hair straightening has become increasingly popular over the years, and it's easy to understand why. Straight hair looks neat, polished, and professional. However, many people are still concerned about the potential damage that hair straightening could cause to their beloved hair.

In this post, the following common questions and concerns related to hair straightening are going to be addressed:

  • Is hair straightening good for hair?
  • Is it okay to straighten hair once a month?
  • What is the safest way to permanently straighten hair?
  • Does your hair go back to normal after you straighten it?

So if you are a hair straightening obsessed, this is the ultimate guide to learn the healthy way to straighten hair!

1. Is hair straightening good for hair?

Hair straightening is not necessarily bad for your hair. However, the process of straightening can damage your hair if it's not done correctly or if it's done too frequently. Using high-quality products and equipment is essential to avoid any side effects, putting special emphasis on the use of heat protectors. Doing so will help minimize the risk of damage and ensure that you're getting the best possible results.

Some of the most common side effects of straightening your hair that you must be aware of are:

  • Dryness, breakage and split ends

Straightening hair requires applying heat directly to it, which if done for a long period of time can cause your hair to lack its natural oils making it extremely dry. In the same line, this weakens the structure of your hair to the point where hair breakage is increased. Consequently, when hair breaks from the middle split ends start to form.

  • Hair fall

Hair follicles are also damaged by the overuse of flat irons or the chemicals present in cosmetical hair straightening treatments. The more damaged your roots get, the more your hair will fall!

  • Frizziness

Yes, you read it right! Straightening your hair may help you get rid of your frizz in the moment, but in the long-term it creates a counterproductive effect. As a consequence of the dryness produced with hair straightening, more frizz is produced instead of less.

  • Dullness

As you’ve read before, straightening hair reduces the amount of natural oils in your scalp and any moisture it has. These two are responsible for the shine of your hair. Without them, your hair will appear dull and dry.

  • Slower hair growth

Straightening your hair way too frequently and without a proper heat protectant can provoke permanent damage to your hair cuticles. This leads to slower hair growth.

2. Is it okay to straighten hair once a month?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your hair type, the method of straightening, and the products used.

If you have thick, coarse hair, you may be able to straighten your hair once a month without experiencing too much damage.

However, if you have fine or thin hair, you may want to avoid straightening your hair too often, as it can cause breakage and split ends. It's always best to consult with a hair professional to determine what's right for your hair type.

3. What is the safest way to permanently straighten hair? 

When it comes to permanent hair straightening, there are several methods available. All of them use a different chemical formula and processing method.

If you are looking for the best way to straighten hair permanently, these are the three best options:

  • Keratin straightening

Anyone interested in hair straightening knows about Keratin treatment. This is a chemical procedure in which your hair is first washed and then brushed with the treatment, which is left on your wet hair for around 30 minutes. Since keratin is a protein that's naturally found in your hair, this method can be less damaging than some of the other options.

  • Japanese thermal straightening

This process has been popular in Japan since the 90s and is based on the use of a chemical to turn wavy and curly hair into permanently straight. According to experts, it reduces curls by 70 to 90%, together with hair volume and frizz. The process is simple to understand: the chemical solution is used, rinsed, blow-dried and then flat-ironed. Compared to Keratin, Japanese thermal straightening is more intense as it alters hair bonds.

  • Hair rebonding

Hair rebonding is the process of straightening your hair through powerful chemicals. This hours-long process uses water and the chemical formaldehyde to break hydrogen bonds from your keratin molecules and create new links changing the structure of your hair to a straight one. The difference between Japanese thermal straightening and hair rebonding is that Japanese thermal straightening is much gentler and natural-looking.

4. Does your hair go back to normal after you straighten it?

If you use a flat iron to straighten your hair, your hair will naturally return to its normal state after your next shower. However, if you go for a permanent straightening method, your hair won’t return to its natural state until it grows out.

So, to straighten or not to straighten?

You do you! Your hair is only yours and you decide how you want to rock it. Information is key, so if you decide to iron your hair frequently or go for a permanent treatment, be aware of the possible side effects. It is really advisable to have a clear understanding of what your hair type is so you can minimize the damage of your hair. Also, be sure to choose a salon with experienced professionals so your hair is treated with the delicacy it deserves.

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