Straighteners damage your hair, straightening is just for curly hair… No longer let preconceived ideas rule your locks with an iron fist…or should we say iron straightening plates? Find out which technique is perfect for you by scrutinising these highly misleading prejudices.

1. Straighteners burn your hair

False…unless you use them incorrectly. The compulsive urge to go over the same strand several times with hot plates and daily straightening will result in damaging the hair fibre by dehydrating it. Instead, use hair straighteners and respect your locks. Always apply a thermo-protective treatment beforehand. It acts as a shield by protecting your hair from the heat. Also consider adjusting the temperature according to your hair type to avoid overheating your locks (moderate temperatures for sensitised, fine or fragile locks and higher temperatures if your hair is thick).

2. I can use my straighteners on damp hair

Yes and no… although certain straighteners can now be used on damp hair, the heat from the straighteners is more damaging for the hair fibre when your locks are wet. It is therefore preferable to use heated devices on dry hair, at risk of making your locks weaker.

3. I can’t use straighteners on my extensions

Quite the contrary. It is better to use straighteners to straighten your extensions rather than a hairdryer and brush as they tend to pull on them.

4. Straightening is temporary

More or less but not always! This depends on the type of straightening used. Although the results from using straighteners are short-lived, DIY chemical straightening kits provide you with straightened locks for several weeks. If you opt for professional salon straightening, your hair will stay straight for even longer. With Brazilian straightening for example, your hair stays straight for on average 4 months. However Japanese straightening is permanent as it definitively modifies the structure of your hair. Therefore, you must wait for it to grow out to get back your hair’s original nature.

5. Professional straightening is the same as hair-smoothing treatments

False. Although both methods have the same end result (making your locks straight), they do not use the same techniques. Straightening requires a treatment combined with the heat of straighteners. Hair-smoothing treatments are more damaging for your hair as they release chemical actives.

6. Professional techniques are just for those with curly hair

False. Although they are ideal for boosting curly and frizzy hair, they can also be used on poorly defined waves. They also create an impeccable blow-dried effect in fluffy locks and can even eliminate frizz in hair which is sensitive to humidity. On top of that, they can create perfect hairstyles for any occasion.

7. I can choose any professional straightening technique

False. The methods available vary depending on your hair’s condition. If your locks are natural and in good condition, you can choose the technique which best suits it depending on your desired result. However, Japanese straightening should be avoided if you have highlighted or coloured locks as it is too damaging for strands which have been already weakened by colouring. With damaged hair, opt for Brazilian straightening which will treat the hair fibre with keratin. However, to obtain a satisfying result on fizzy or extremely curly hair, opt for Japanese straightening.

8. With a long-lasting straightening technique, there is no need for upkeep

This is true for Brazilian straightening as the effects gradually fade over time. However, for permanent straightening, such as Japanese straightening, you will need to get touch-ups done on regrowth twice a year to keep your hair looking straight from the roots down to the tips.

9. With professional straightening, you no longer need straighteners

Not necessarily. Not all professional straightening techniques are the same. Whilst you can get ultra-smooth locks with Japanese straightening, your hair will remain supple with Brazilian straightening. The keratin will relax the fibre, but will not straighten it. To carry out touch-ups and to achieve impeccable straightening, your straighteners are still your best ally.

10. If I straighten my hair long-term, I can no longer curl it

You can! Even after professional straightening, nothing is stopping you from curling your locks with straighteners or curlers . Your hair will go back to being straight after it has been washed. However, the curls will not hold as well. Forget semi-permanent curl services after Japanese straightening as the structure of your hair fibre will have already been modified.