HAIR OSH

Holidays bring upon us a festive mood and a need for “looking our best” while we entertain and enjoy the festivities. Hair straightening can help you manage those holiday stresses by creating a look that can vary in many ways, giving you different styles beginning with one technique. Not only is it something that helps you look your best but it keeps your hair from being unruly and wild.

The last thing you need as your putting on the finishing touches going out the door to that holiday event is hair that just goes wild! Note: ALWAYS tell your stylist if you have treated hair (coloring, perms, etc.) as these require special techniques and products to get the best and safest results!

Having your hair straightened can truly help make your holidays less stressful and here’s how:

1. A Simple Sleek Look that lays flat, sleek and shiny throughout the holiday season

2. The ability to place added festive hair accessories can turn your simple plain look from daytime business to evening savvy in no time – and it’s no longer hidden by frizzies or unruly curls

3. Proper techniques give your hair a shine and glow that is unmatched by other simple techniques such as hot oil treatments, constant trimming of split ends or using conditioners that can build up

4. Hair is no longer unruly – getting caught in a snow storm, rain storm, high winds and horrible weather no longer end up causing a frizz attack on your head! You can go out without worry looking glamorous from head to toe. Don’t forget to use the proper product though!

5. When your hair looks good you look and feel good! Taking the time and effort to have your hair straightened not only will make you feel beautiful as you enter those office parties and family gatherings this holiday season but it’s going to last well into the New Year…. making that resolution of a “new you” seem even more realistic!

6. Sometimes a “gift” to yourself is just needed! You’re important and making yourself feel good with the treat of a good, quality hair straightening can truly bring you into the holiday spirit all through the season! Of course you can always put a complete spa and hair straightening treatment on your list for someone to gift you!

Common Hair Straightening Terms:

* Japanese Straightening – (One of the best, probably most expensive but also best quality techniques out there when done by a properly trained hair technician)
* Thermal Reconditioning – (An excellent conditioning technique that leaves your hair in great condition AND beautifully straight)
* Straight Perm – (Be careful here, using the improper chemicals and an untrained staff can give horrible results of damaging hair extensively! Use a professional!)
* Japanese Straight Perm – (One of the best, probably most expensive but also best quality techniques out there when done by a properly trained hair technician)
* Keratin Treatments – (Less expensive & slightly less time intense technique, also available by many salons and a lot less exclusive to special training)

Hair straightening is known as many things but one of the most recently popular and well known versions is called Japanese Hair Straightening. This technique is offered at many salons and is a long, drawn out process; but the results are just short of miraculous and in most cases last for a lengthy period of time.

It is HIGHLY recommended you have your Japanese Hair Straightening done in an experienced salon.

What to expect:

Cost: $80 - $100 per hour (Japanese Straightening is a 5 to 8 Hour Process ) this does not include tip or extras such as special shampoos you may wish to purchase to get the most out of your new “do”. Don’t skimp, get the proper shampoos, conditioners and products for your hair

Time: On average the entire Japanese Straightening process runs about Six Hours (less for shorter hair, longer for much longer hair – and it’s also dependent upon which type of straightening you are going for)

Other processes, such as the Keratin treatments take much less time but are still time consuming.

Benefits: While some may consider the process costly (running anywhere from $500 - $800 total after you add in tips, special shampoos and conditioners) this technique generally lasts up to 6 months or more before you need a “touch up”. Japanese Straightening techniques are the crème de la crème and will generally last longest (6 months or even longer when treated properly)

Cons: The biggest deterrent would have to be the cost and time involved in getting your hair professionally straightened. Other cons include the fact that treated hair is very touchy and must be done with an experienced hair technician can all be factors you must consider. You can find less expensive techniques but they won’t last as long as the more expensive techniques and may be slightly more damaging to your hair, especially if done improperly or the wrong chemicals are used. Special product is recommended to maintain your hair (shampoo, conditioner, etc.)