There’s no denying that Afro hair is gorgeous. The textured curls are some that many can only dream about. However, I understand wanting to shake things up a bit when it comes to your appearance, which may lead you to want your Afro hair straightened permanently.
There are many options for straightening Afro hair “permanently.” I put permanently in quotations because there is really no way to “permanently” get rid of your coils. Your new hair growth will reveal curls that need to be treated.
If you’re ready to take a break from your charming coils – but don’t want to have to worry about straightening them daily – then keep reading. This article is all about how to straighten Afro hair permanently, whether you want to hit the salon or stay home and cozy in your jammies.
Let’s talk about straightening Afro hair permanently!
Contents
How to Straighten Afro Hair Permanently – 5 Ways
While you could straighten your Afro with your go-to straightener day in and day out, most people don’t have the time or patience to stick to that routine. Not only that, but daily straightening can wreak havoc on the health of your tresses. Who wants to deal with that?
If you want straight hair for a more extended period, you need to look into “permanent” straightening methods. Here are the top five strategies to consider.
1. Straight Perm
When people hear the word perm, they think of curly strands – you know, the kind you’d see graced on women during the 1980s (we’re looking at you, Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston!). But perms don’t always equate to curls. A straight perm can be used to achieve straight locks.
A straight perm is applied similarly to a regular “curly” perm. It’s a chemical process that breaks the hair’s protein bonds and follicles, relaxing the curl pattern and leaving you with stick, straight hair.
The pros of a straight perm are that it’s cheap and not time-consuming. The drawback is that it can be very damaging to your natural hair, and you may end up with frizziness – which isn’t ideal. Your hairstylist can suggest whether or not a straight perm is suitable for your mane.
2. Japanese Hair Straightening
If you’re looking for a technique that will completely eliminate curls and frizz, Japanese hair straightening may be the right choice for you. This is a relatively lengthy and costly method, but it will get rid of up to 90% of curliness and frizz for up to six months.
Japanese hair straightening is somewhat similar to a straight perm. Chemicals break the hair’s bonds, removing the curl pattern and replacing it with a soft and straight texture. From there, the hair is rinsed and flat-ironed before a neutralizer is applied. Then, it’s rinsed and flat-ironed once more.
The best word to describe a Japanese hair straightening treatment is intense. It is a somewhat invasive technique that should only be performed by a professional with plenty of experience. Otherwise, you run the risk of pretty severe damage to your Afro hair. No Bueno!
3. Keratin Hair Straightening
If the Japanese hair straightening technique sounds too intense for your liking, you might consider going the keratin route. Keratin hair straightening is sometimes referred to as “Brazilian keratin treatment” or “Brazilian blowout.”
During the treatment, a hairstylist will apply Keratin product to the hair before blow-drying and “sealing” with a flat iron. The results may be minimal, especially on Afro hair. You may need additional treatments.
The bonus of Keratin hair straightening is that it’s relatively gentle on hair strands and is even known to condition while straightening. However, you may need multiple treatments before you achieve “straight” hair. You may also dislike the way your new hair growth appears.
4. Hair Rebonding
If you want super straight results with zero curl or frizz, hair rebonding can be an option. Hair rebonding uses powerful chemicals to break down the hydrogen bonds of your hair strands before replacing them with a new, straight hair structure design.
For most people, hair rebonding is a “miracle,” and it will get hair straighter than any other procedure. However, because it uses harsh chemicals (such as formaldehyde), it’s notably one of the least healthy options.
5. At-Home Treatments
Sitting in the salon chair for hours isn’t exactly appealing. Neither is spending hundreds of dollars of your hard-earned money on getting your hair pin-straight. If you’re someone who dreads visits to the hairstylist and wants to save some money, you can try at-home treatments.
Many at-home treatments can smooth and straighten Afro hair, such as the Moroccan Keratin Hair Treatment. As long as you follow the directions closely, you can achieve your desired results.
Quick tip: Many old-school treatments contain lye. Double-check to make sure lye is not one of the ingredients in your treatment. While it’s great for straightening hair, it can be pretty damaging and should be avoided.
FAQs
See? You can successfully get your Afro hair straightened permanently! Still want to learn more about straightening Afro hair permanently? Then check out these frequently asked questions below.
How can I straighten my afro hair without damaging it?
Permanent hair straightening can be damaging. If you want to straighten your Afro hair without damage, the best way is to apply a heat protectant and use your blow dryer on the lowest setting rather than a flat iron. Do so sparingly and always apply conditioning masks.
How long does afro hair stay straightened?
If you get your Afro hair professionally straightened, you can expect your hair to remain straight for six months or longer, depending on the chosen technique. If you straighten your Afro hair at home using a blow dryer or flat iron, results can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
What should I put on my afro hair before straightening?
Always start with a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your mane. Then, when your hair is thoroughly dried, apply a heat protectant before using your straightener. The conditioner will keep your strands in tip-top conditioner while the protectant will reduce the damaging effects of heat on your locks.
If You Want Your Afro Permanently Straightened, You Have Options!
If you want to enjoy slick straight hair for a while, you have several choices. You can opt for regular straight perm, Japanese, or Keratin hair treatments or try hair rebonding. At-home treatments can be successful, too. If you’re unsure, consult your stylist to discover which method suits you and your hair type.
Have you had your Afro hair straightened permanently? Which method did you use to get it straightened? What techniques do you advise against? Share all of your stories with us below!
