Brazilian straightening is the least damaging hair straightening method thanks to the use of keratin and gentle formulas that respect the natural structure of the hair. By offering long-lasting results and improving the overall health of the hair, Brazilian straightening stands out from other straightening techniques.
Opt for a ceramic or tourmaline flat iron with adjustable heat settings, keep it below 350°F, and always use a heat protectant spray. Remember, moderation is key -- one-time hair straightening won't lead to a strand rebellion. Pamper those precious tresses post-straightening with a hydrating mask.
Keratin treatments might be your best bet, adding smoothness and manageability without excessive damage. Thick or curly hair, on the other hand, might handle stronger treatments like Japanese straightening better, which permanently straightens hair, giving you that sleek look for longer.
Ceramic: “Ceramic is the best option overall for a safe and less damaging hot tool because of the infrared technology, which works to straighten the hair from the inside out,” says stylist Bri Anderson. Ceramic also heats evenly and is gentler on strands, making it optimal for thin, color-treated or damaged hair.
Opt for a ceramic or tourmaline flat iron with adjustable heat settings, keep it below 350°F, and always use a heat protectant spray. Remember, moderation is key -- one-time hair straightening won't lead to a strand rebellion. Pamper those precious tresses post-straightening with a hydrating mask.
“The safest way to straighten hair is through Japanese thermal. It is also called an acid perm and can last up to six months. People prefer this instead of keratin straightening, which only lasts for three months.”
Brazilian straightening uses keratin, a natural protein found in hair, to smooth and strengthen it. Unlike other methods, Brazilian straightening is designed to nourish the hair, it is a smoothing treatment that does not damage the hair and is suitable for all hair types .
Ceramic will take more time to heat up and will require more passes to straighten the hair, but it will be less damaging than a titanium one. So a ceramic flat iron takes longer to heat up, but in the long run, that may not be such a bad thing, as it's less likely to cause damage.
Alkaline hair straighteners—which include lye relaxers (active ingredient: sodium hydroxide), nolye relaxers (active ingredients: potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide, or ammonium thioglycolate), and the Japanese hair straightening process (active ingredient: ammonium ...
BLOW-DRY WITH COOL AIR
If so, you can achieve straight hair by using the cold air setting on your blow dryer. This simple trick is a great way to eliminate the risk of heat damage and will go a long way in the overall health of your hair.
With non-toxic Cezanne keratin treatments, you can have gorgeous frizz-free hair without the worry. What is Cezanne? Cezanne is a keratin treatment that smoothes and strengthens your hair. Keratin is a naturally occurring protein in the outer layer of your hair.
Though uncommon, keratin hair treatments can sometimes cause hair damage and loss. Many keratin hair treatments contain formaldehyde, which is a chemical used as a germicide, fungicide and disinfectant. Funeral homes and medical laboratories also use formaldehyde in dead bodies so they don't break down as quickly.
XOGEN: Best hair treatment without side effects Unlike traditional treatments, Dr Batra's® Homeopathy offers XOGEN treatment, which is effective, easy to administer, extremely safe, with no pain, discomfort, or side effects.
Argan oil has been the go-to natural heat protectant for years. This lightweight oil can protect hair against high heat. Plus, it leaves you with a smooth style and shiny finish.
The extent to which hair can endure heat styling without sustaining damage depends on various factors, including hair type, its current condition, and the applied technique. Generally, it's advisable to limit hair straightening to a maximum of two or three times per week, although this guideline is not set in stone.
For those with fine, normal, moderately coarse, or color-treated hair, Rehkopf says ceramic is the healthiest option. "Ceramic is smooth and glides through hair without snagging, reducing breakage and damage," she says. "It emits negative ions, reducing frizz, enhancing shine, and creating smoother styles."
Best for Fine Hair: Dyson Airstrait
Instead of pressing your hair between hot plates, it dries strands with hot air (using the same technology as our favorite Dyson Airwrap)—which is way less damaging than your standard straightening iron.
What type of flat iron is the least damaging? According to Taylor, ceramic plates are superior because they distribute heat evenly and use far-infrared heat to heat the hair from the inside out, meaning that "you're reducing the amount of time you need to expose your hair to heat," she says.
Amino-Acid Treatments: Amino-acid treatments contain organic compounds to straighten and smooth your hair. These treatments last 6-8 weeks and help overall hair growth. This is a much healthier treatment option and does not cause harmful damage like other methods.
Chemical Perms
They work by breaking the bonds of the hair shaft in order to reform it, leaving your hair vulnerable and susceptible to damage. Still craving curls? We vote “go professional” and have an expert apply a perm for you—that way you can avoid over damaging your hair.