Straightening is more effective, but I don’t want the damage. For such problems, I recommend comparing with perms and irons.
Comparing damage with hair irons and straightening
There are two ways to deal with frizzy hair: hair irons and straightening or straight perm. First, let’s compare hair ironing and hair straightening.
Hair straightening can be done for a period of about six months, although the length of time it is effective varies from salon to salon. It also uses quite strong chemicals, and many people may be concerned about damage to their hair after a number of times.
Then, what if you use irons without straightening your hair? Almost every day, a high heat iron is applied to the hair.
The damage from straightening chemicals is only once every six months, but with an iron you can assume that you are damaging your hair every day. Even though it is a cheaper and easier method, irons also increase the risk of damage to your hair.
Straight perm vs. hair straightening to compare damage
Let’s compare straight perm and hair straightening. Some hair stylists recommend straight perms, but straight perms are originally used to “undo” perms. It is not intended to straighten frizzy hair like straightening.
The treatment differs depending on whether or not an iron is used in the process, but the straight perm does not provide the same effect as straightening.
In addition, while straightening is performed about once every six months, the frequency of straight perm is once every two to three months. The same amount of harsh chemicals are used, so it is safe to assume that the damage caused by the chemicals is stronger with the straight perm. Recently, there is a new type of straight perm called “natural straight perm,” which uses gentler chemicals and has a softer finish than hair straightening. The purpose of this treatment is to straighten out your hair, so it is easy to understand if you think of it as a treatment between hair straightening and straight perm.
Comparison of damage and frequency of treatment with 3 major hair approaches.
As we mentioned, it is easier to choose between straightening, hair ironing, and straight perm. Here is a comparison of damage and frequency focusing on three approaches.
- Hair ironing damage
Frequency of use: Everyday
Cause of damage: High temperatures caused by irons
Purchasing a hair iron itself will only cost you electricity when you use it, but it will cause heat damage to your hair every day.
- Straight perm damage
Frequency of use: Every 2 to 3 months
Cause of damage: Pain caused by chemicals
The chemicals used are not much different from those used in hair straightening. Because it is used as a treatment to undo perms, there are cases where it does not work for people with strong frizz.
- Pain from hair straightening
Frequency of use: Every 6 months
Causes of damage: Pain from chemicals, heat damage from hair irons during treatment
Because this treatment is specialized for frizzy hair, it is highly effective, but it does cause pain. There are also problems such as hardening of the hair after repeated treatments. Some hairdressers explain that “our chemicals are weak,” but only those who have not studied enough do not understand the strength of the chemicals.
As mentioned above, there are different ways to approach the use of frizzy hair. Consider this while also consulting with a skilled hairdresser.