Kiss your curls goodbye.
With the intense heat of summer looming upon us, our hair is getting frizzier and our willpower to fight it on a daily basis is dwindling. But before you go spend an arm and a leg on a snazzy new set of locks, check out our hair straightening treatment rankings for the best investment possible for your luscious locks.
5. Flat Iron
Okay, so this isn’t really a straightening treatment, but for beginners, a flat iron is the easiest way to tame frizzy hair until your next shampoo. When straightening your hair, make sure it’s completely dry before using a flat iron to avoid further damage to your hair. As straightening hair can make hair dry and brittle, be sure to always use a heat-protecting spray and try to go heat-free on days when you don’t need a straightener.
4. Hair Rebonding
Rebonding is a chemical hair treatment that makes hair straight, shiny and sleek. Hair rebonding involves using a cream or relaxant softener to break the natural hair structure followed by a neutralizer to re-bond the structure again. Rebonding is ideal for those who have problems taming their wavy or thick hair, however once hair starts to grow in, the treatment can be easily detected. As popular as rebonding is, it can only be done every once in a while as it can make hair very fragile and weak. It also requires a lot of hair care maintenance – so choose this one wisely!
3. Chemical Straightening (Hair Relaxing)
Chemical straightening, or hair relaxing, is the process of breaking protein bonds in the hair. When a certain number of bonds are broken in curly or wavy hair, it then becomes straight. However, as simple as that sounds, the execution of it by a professional is crucial for its success. For example, if too many bonds are broken your hair will go limp and if not enough are broken then the hair doesn’t straighten out. This hair care procedure is no joke. However, for those willing to fish out the money for a quality treatment at a quality hair salon, the results are well worth the money…just make sure to do your research first!
2. Japanese Straightening (Thermal Reconditioning)
Using both chemicals and heat, Japanese straightening is a smoothing and conditioning treatment that promotes a permanently altered structure of hair. During a Japanese straightening treatment, protein bonds in the hair are loosened and then reshaped by hair cells. For those of you who can’t sit still, be forewarned this is a lengthy process that involves numerous steps… six to eight hours to be exact. After a few days, you will also need to return to the salon for an hour or so for the final step. On the plus side, this treatment lasts about six to seven months. As amazing and long-lasting as this treatment sounds, it can be very damaging to hair in the long run, so make sure to think long and hard about this one.
1. Keratin Treatment (Brazilian Straightening)
Keratin treatments have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and with good reason. They are one of the safer hair straightening techniques out there. Keratin is a natural protein that is already found in our hair, however as protein content decreases with age and a poor diet, so do keratin levels. The keratin treatment adds a coating of keratin onto the hair shaft giving it nutrients that leave hair silky, smooth and straight.
After a salon professional applies keratin solution to hair, a 450 degree flat iron is used to seal in the formula to hair strands (protect your ears from the heat, ladies), creating a moisture barrier that reduces frizz and gives hair a shiny finish.
The best part about a keratin treatment is that hair grows back into its original structure gradually and the treatment can be done repeatedly without worrying about damaging hair. In fact, keratin treatments actually give better results on repeated usage. While it’s not the cheapest treatment, it will last about six months, especially if you follow the treatment with keratin-infused sulfate free shampoos and conditioners! Tempting, right?
We know that everyone’s hair is different, therefore while our rankings are based on how safe and effective the treatments will be, each person may have completely different results. For best results, be sure to talk to a hair care professional before embarking on a permanent straightening adventure!
I find the best way to straighten your hair is using natural methods.
Did you get straight hair?? Which did you use?
I have just had the L’Oréal straightening treatment , overall I am pretty happy. The strongest wave/curl at the back of my head has slightly returned after three weeks but my hair is still incredibly easy to manage to what it was. I will have it again.
Hi this is an interesting article.. It has some valuable information. I have been straightening hair for over 15 years … I do the Japanese Hair Straightening. I believe that it is the same thing as re bonding… I also don’t think it needs to be super complicated but it is time consuming! I do not require my clients to return to the salon unless they wish to.. There is also a Japzillian hybrid that gives the best of both worlds!
Thank you for making my choice easier. Keratin it is. For those of us who don’t want their hair Damaged, it seems the obvious Choice.
I’ve been doing permanent straightening/Rebonding for my customers over 17 years, actually it is safe to do on a Un-bleached hair.
it is a permanent result and you can always just straight the regrown hair without touching the straitened part.
make sure you are with a hairdresser who Specialist on this thing, control the relaxing level of protein bond is the key
Have been doing Japanese for about 5yrs now. Great results about 4hrs 350″$. However now want to go back to curly so guess I have to cut my hair really short to get back my curls..bummer..haven’t decided yet but sick of the expense!!
Rebounding is actually the same as Japanese Straightening. With Japanese Straightening you do not have to return to the salon several days later. Also, I’ve performed straightenings in as little as 3 hours ( rare) and as much as 7 hours ( also rare). I’ve been performing Japanese Straightenings ( Thermal Reconditioning) since 2005. Not trying to be argumentative but there are some erroneous facts here. Other than that, good article.
Blair is % correct. I have also done hundreds of these Japanese TR treatments since being trained in 2005 & qualified to open an account to purchase fresh product directly from New York supplier.
I have found several untrue statements in this article, particularly the one about returning a few days later for another procedure to be done. Some brands of Keratin Smoothing that are to be left in hair for 72 hours, some hairdressers require this of you and in my opinion that’s just an opportunity to charge client more money, when you can simply wash the product out yourself at home.
If you have an allergy in hair dye? Do can you go in hair rebonding?
I’ve been doing keratin for over ten years. It’s amazing. Your hair doesn’t frizz in humid weather, and over time the product has gotten cheaper, faster, and safer. I will probably keep doing it every six months for the rest of my life.
Hi, Celia; which brand Keratin treatment do you use?
In Japan you don’t have to return to the salon. It only took me around 3 hours for med/long ish thick hair, and results lasted almost a year before needing retouching. No noticeable damage for me either!
I have been wanting to get keratin but I have been scared, I heard people lost hair is it true?
We always recommend going to a good hairdresser to discuss these options 🙂
Yes is true
Japanese straightening every year for five years. Never had any damage issues. Overall the best at managing thick coarse hair
I did rebounding 3 times excellent result straight and shiny hairs but my hairfall alot !!!!! In last I did keratin…. waste of my money time …. no change at all !!! I would never recommend keratin
Hi Farah, we’re sorry to hear that you haven’t had any satisfactory results with the keratin treatment, but thank you for your feedback 🙂
i got keratin for the first time in USA and it had no change at all in my hair, however when i used to get it done in Pakistan, my hair used to stay straight for a year and they looked healthy and great
Hello! Thank you for your comment! Stay tuned for more articles coming your way soon!
Hi this is an awesome article.. It has some valuable information. I have been straightening hair for over 10 years … I do the Japanese Hair Straightening Shampoo. I believe that it is the same thing as re bonding… I also don’t think it needs to be super complicated but it is time consuming!
Hi Alen! Thank you, we’re glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I have been getting japanese thermal reconditioning for many years and it is the only way i have smooth hair but the problem is finding the right person to do it. Many will rush through the process and the results will not be good. You have to find someone with experience and patience.
Patience is a virtue Kara and it seems to have paid off for you. Thank you for the tip 🙂
I have been getting my hair Japanese straightened for over 13 years now. My hair is now waist length..i have it touched up about every 18 months. I don’t have curly hair, but it’s thick and bushy. Took her 5 hours today. It never in all the years I have been doing it has damaged my hair. The flat iron used to damage it. Now my hair can air dry which means less heat. Never had to go back the next day..
Thank you for sharing your experience Jill 🙂
What is the date of your article entitled “Frizz-Free Living: The Top Hair Straightening Methods Ranked?”
Thank you.
Hi Kay, This articled was published in June 18th 2018. I hope this helps
My grandaughter is 1/2 black and 1/2 white and wants her straight . It takes hours just to dry it and straighten it. And only last a couple days . Her hair is very thick with tight curls. Would the keratin treatment work on mix hair
Hi Tammy thank you for your post! As your granddaughter is mixed race we would recommend a hairstylist who specialises in afro hair and they can recommend the best treatment or relaxant to help achieve the results that she wants. I hope this helps 🙂
The correct term is ethnic hair, not Afro hair and finding the correct stylist is key.
I got my keratin 3 days back . Today i washed my hair and noticed my hair was back to normal as it was . I spent around rs. 8000. And I got same hair back . Every person around me is laughing for that.
Hi Sakshi! Sorry to hear about this and I would recommend that you go back to the salon and ask for an explanation. Good luck!
Love the keratin treatment and it really doesn’t damage the hair. Just tried it and can’t wait to do it next time for better results. Thanks for the info
Thank you for your post and you are most welcome 🙂
I have no problem with my hair after I rebonded it was ok and I gained confidence the only thing I don’t like is the roots but oh well hair grows
Thank you for your post and you are most welcome 🙂
Good read and informative. Thanks for the good tips. As is always true no 1 size fits all; some treatments work for some but did nothing to another. I need this good info to decide how to deal with my frizzy hair & I’m going out to get the Keratin treatment.
Thank you for your kind words and we glad you like our post 🙂
I am manager at salon located in Dubai , I share this link with my staff . It is informative for common as well as salon staff
Dear Marilyn, Hello to you and your staff in Dubai. We glad to hear that you find our posts informative!
I tried the Keratin treatment once and it was a complete waste of money on my thick, bulky hair. Made absolutely no difference. Have been getting the Japanese straitening done on and off for over 20 years and it’s fabulous. Hair dries naturally in sleek smooth style, can then go out in any weather and it stays the same. It’s fantastic.
Thank you for your kind words and we glad you like our post 🙂
I live in Brazil, here keratin straightening is the most popular and 80% of women do it. The keratin method is the only one compatible with bleaching and dyeing, that’s why it’s so popular.
Thank you for your kind words and we glad you like our post 🙂
Dear Alice, Thank you for your post and for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Good article, but what about Botox for the hair? I heard its better than Keratin. Is it true?
Hi Maddy, thanks for asking! We believe both are great treatments, it all really comes down to what you want to achieve. Hair Botox is more aimed to repairing your hair, filling in the split ends and fending off frizz, making your hair feel smoother and more hydrated than with keratin. Keratin treatments are more effective at straightening your hair. Hope this helps! Kind regards 🙂
What about the dangers of formaldehyde in these keratin treatments?
Dear Alison, we understand your concern. Please note that there are various keratin treatments that do not contain formaldehyde and we fully recommend those! Kind regards 🙂
Senior stylist here, doing Keratin ‘smoothing’ services regularly for 4+ years. In training, We were asked NOT to call them straightenings. It saddens Me, they’ve been lumped together, here. Having had all manner of chemical straightening services over 15years, I’m super happy to have found Kerasilk, from Goldwell. Having developed allergies, from Colouring, I’m pleased to say, I get Zero reaction from this, and I apply without gloves. It cuts drying time dramatically & super smooth is achieved with 1-2 passes of a quality iron. Me, I’m never going back…
Dear Cheryl, we appreciate your honesty and professional advice. The effort you put into suggesting the other readers of this article which products to use is quite impressive. Your advice is priceless, thank you for enriching us with it! Best regards 🙂
Hair rebounding and thermal reconditioning are the same thing . Japanese hair straightening is almost the same thing except that not all methods come from Japan so technically that makes it slightly different. The hair that is straightened stays straight until it is cut off. Most of my clients only take 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 hours although some people can take longer. My clients’ hair stays healthy, shiny and soft. Done correctly I don’t consider that their hair gets damaged. If I think it is ‘iffy’, I just won’t perform the service. I’ve been doing this since 2005. My website explains more but I don’t know if it’s ok to post it. Feel free to post it or not:)
http://www.thermalreconditioningSF.com
Which Keratin salon treatment brand have you found to be the best?
Dear Deb, we appreciate the time you took to leave this question. Kindly note that we cannot state the names of keratin salon treatment brands. Still, we suggest you try looking for the right salon depending on the results you want to achieve and the location you are currently at. For a high-quality recommendation, we suggest you consult with professional hairstylists. We wish you a wonderful week. 🙂
Excellent information. I was pretty sure that I wanted to use the Keratin straightening method but I know it can be expensive. My hair is very thick and I was told that I need the strongest keratin treatment. In the past the hair stylist used the weakest treatment because she was afraid of damaging my hair. It wasn’t strong enough to hold my hair straight. After reading your ratings I will definitely get the strongest keratin treatment. In the end it will save me time and money. Do it once and be done. Thank you.
Hi Susan, we are glad our article helped you get more information on how there is nothing to worry about having a keratin treatment regularly as it keeps your hair straight, yet healthy! We love hearing about our posts clearing up uncertainties the readers were seeking to find. Thanks! Best regards: 🙂
Thanks for sharing the great information i will surely try Keratin straightening method.
Dear Marry, your comment means a lot to us. Thank you for leaving it! What a joy to know that our article helped you get to know more about the straightening methods. We are glad you found out that the method involving Keratin is strongly suggested and healthy for you. We hope we will have similarly interesting articles soon. Stay tuned and take care! Best regards 🙂
I have straightish fine hair and am looking for something that will bring the shine back and strangthen it. I have gray hair with not chemical treatment. Will this work for me?
Dear Kathy, your comment is very much appreciated. Kindly note that we carefully scrutinized the information we shared in the article. Rest assured that each methods’ effectiveness is guaranteed. You could truly witness the desired optimal effects if you tried practicing these methods; especially the first one ranked – the Keratin Treatment (Brazilian Straightening). However, we recommend you reach out to a professional hairstylist and elaborate on your situation for the most reliable answer. Hopefully, your desires will soon become a reality! Have a nice day. Kindest regards 🙂
I think that is one of the such a lot vital info for me. And i’m happy reading your article. However should observation on some general things, The web site taste is perfect, the articles is really excellent
I will surely try the Keratin straightening method, I am grateful for you sharing this information.
Hello! We are so happy to hear you found the information shared useful! Let us know what you think of the method once you decide to try it out 🙂
Thanks for your tips. I am happy to read your article, Because I found my hair treatments.
Hi! Thanks for sharing! Stay tuned for more interesting articles! 🙂
I got the braliz straightening treatment . It comes in a spray 6 weeks ago. After treatment my colour was lifted and very brassy yellow.
Since that day my hair has been flat and lifeless.
The body is gone and it gets greasy very quickly.
I am at my wits end and terrified that my hair will be left like this permanently.
Realy I got the best hair straightening treatments ideas. I think Keratin Treatment is the most popular and best method on this list. Thanks for sharing this awesome information.
Hi there! Thank you for sharing! Glad to hear you found the information helpful – stay tuned for more incoming <3
I found this post really informative for my hairs. Thanks for sharing it with us.
My hair is also thick, coarse, curly and completely unmanageable, especially the bangs, when not straightened. I had Goldwell Kerasilk done twice at different salons with no noticeable difference after the first wash. For the last few years I’ve used Japanese straightening once a year. I have noticed my hair is thinner and has less volume. But it is extremely easy to care for and I have no catastrophically bad hair days. I like to look professional for work. Next time, I will get the strongest solution on my bangs and regular on the rest of my hair to see if it increases the volume.
[…] Quote from the source: … […]
[…] Fabio has more than just your usual suspects, and the staff at Fabio Barberia are trained to deliver the best cuts and styles. In addition to cutting hair, Fabio also offers treatments and styling, including keratin treatments and keratin straightening treatments. […]
[…] Chemical treatments like perms and relaxers offer a great way to switch up your look, whether you want bigger curls or smoother locks. In a hair salon, they are an essential service that provides impressive results for a diverse clientele. […]
[…] Chemical treatments like coloring, perming, and relaxing can be damaging to your hair, leading to breakage and split ends. If you must undergo chemical treatments, be sure to go to a professional stylist who uses high-quality products and follow their aftercare instructions closely. But whenever you have the option to skip them altogether, do it. […]
Hi there, my hair is a bit wavy and a bit straight..im looking for keratin treatment.. Please let me know if it gives split ends or not.