| With an onslaught of shampoo commercials on TV, | | | | the chemicals to the experts. The reason is simple: |
| featuring models with long, smooth and super straight | | | | dealing with strong chemicals requires technical |
| tresses, it is no wonder that a big chunk of the women | | | | know-how of the entire hair straightening process. |
| population want their hair to look impeccibly perfect. As | | | | Also, professionals will be able to evaluate one's hair |
| a result, hair salons offering hair-straightening services | | | | condition to find out how strong the chemicals will be |
| continue to mushroom all over. Do-it-yourself hair | | | | used, to avoid any damage. |
| treatments, hair ironing kits, and other various hair | | | | $$$$: Hair ironing kit |
| products are constantly being upgraded, with new and | | | | While this hair tool is, of course, cheaper than a salon |
| improved. | | | | visit, it does not guarantee lasting results. Hair irons |
| To say that there's a great variety of hair-straightening | | | | come in various types. Those using metal plates are |
| methods and products to choose from is an | | | | usually the cheapest, but it is not recommended for |
| understatement. Women find themselves in a dilemma | | | | regular use because its surface will cause hair |
| on what would suit them, and bring out the best results. | | | | damage in the long run. The ceramide hair iron is |
| Among their major concerns is cost. When it comes | | | | considered gentler and effective, but it comes with a |
| to hair treatment, does price really matter? Will a more | | | | higher price tag. Using ceramic plates, this kind of iron is |
| expensive process generate better results, or do | | | | smoother, which will result in better flattening of hair. It |
| cheaper ones suffice? | | | | also has a better control in temperature, that will |
| Factors to consider: | | | | prevent burning and permanent hair damage. In buying |
| 1. Hair Condition | | | | a hair iron, make sure to test it before buying. |
| Needless to say, more work translates to higher costs. | | | | Thoroughly read and follow the instructions included in |
| The curlier the hair, the more expensive the salon | | | | the kit. When you regularly iron your hair, avoid using |
| treatment or hair product will be. | | | | other chemical treatments, such as coloring dyes, |
| 2. Treatment life span | | | | because it might result in hair damage. It is also |
| One has to choose whether she wants her hair to be | | | | recommended to have a regular trim to prevent split |
| straight permanently or for a certain period only. While | | | | ends from occurring. |
| some women prefer to have hair a la Cher for their | | | | $$$: Hair dryer |
| entire life, others love experimenting with various | | | | Amazingly, despite the emergence of newer hair |
| hairstyles - frizzy one day, super straight the next. A | | | | straightening products, the good old hair dryer is still |
| permanent treatment's rate will of course be higher | | | | surviving, and in fact, still widely used. Perhaps among |
| than a temporary one. | | | | the cheapest of hair straightening products, the hair |
| 3. Maintenance | | | | dryer still remains to be reliable in temporarily managing |
| When one constantly takes good care of her hair, | | | | frizzy hair. Like the hair iron its results last only until the |
| especially after undergoing a hair-straightening | | | | next wash. Before starting, make sure the hair is free |
| treatment, there will be less frequent salon visits | | | | of tangles by using a wide toothed comb. It should also |
| necessary. | | | | be slightly moist. Use a large and round brush for |
| $$$$$: Chemically straightened treatment done by | | | | better results. Setting lotion, gel or leave-on conditioner |
| professionals in a salon | | | | may also be applied after blowing the hair to eliminate |
| While there are hair straightening formulas readily | | | | frizz and achieve a smoother, silkier appearance. |
| available in the market, it is still recommended to leave | | | | |