Hair Straightening is a hair styling technique that has been used for centuries. This process involves straightening and flattening hair to create a sleek appearance. Hair straightening first gained popularity in the 1950s among black people, who wanted to have a smoother appearance. Today, many men and women use this technique to create a more polished look.
Hair straightening techniques vary depending on the type and texture of a person's hair. These techniques work by exploiting the chemistry of the hair. Since hair is made of keratin protein, it is composed of many different types of bonds that give it its shape. Some of these bonds are noncovalent, while others are covalent and disulfide. By breaking these bonds and creating new ones, straightening techniques can alter the structure of hair.
While hair straightening techniques can make your hair appear smooth, streamlined and frizz-free, too much straightening can cause damage and breakage. Moreover, straightening products produce a lot of heat. This heat can cause damage and breakage if overused. Hence, it is crucial to take the right steps to prevent damage.
Hair straightening techniques should be done only if you are sure that you have hair that is free of chemicals. Although some hair straightening products have been tested by the European Directorate-General of Health and Consumer Affairs and the Oregon OSHA, many have not been. However, some of these products have been subjected to air tests. These tests showed that some products released formaldehyde into the air while being applied.
Purchasing a straightener is an expensive investment. It is important to research the benefits and drawbacks of different types and features to ensure that you make the right choice. Remember that the straightener you choose should cover all your needs. You should also consider its temperature settings. Lower temperatures are better for thin or fragile hair, while higher temperatures may result in damage to the hair.
Some salon products contain formaldehyde, a chemical that has been deemed carcinogenic by several international regulatory agencies. Even though hair straightening products can cause harm to the hair, many salon products are still sold as safe and effective. As a result, several countries have banned the use of formaldehyde as an active ingredient in straightening products.
Another technique is chemical straightening. This method involves using an alkaline agent to break the bonds of hair keratin. These bonds cannot be broken by oxidizing agents, but they can be broken by reducing agents. Reducing agents are called bases. Alkaline solutions break the bonds, while acidic ones neutralize the base. The disulphide bonds then reform in new positions. There are several different chemical hair-straightening techniques, but they all have the same chemical basis.
While chemically straightening your hair can give you an instant style, you should consider the long-term consequences of this process. If the chemicals used are not good for your hair, it can lead to damage and breakage. It may also make your hair brittle and dry. For this reason, it is important to use heat-protecting products.