Lifesaver for curly hair: How long does hair straightening last for curly hair?

2024-09-23｜ Lena

The humid weather in Taiwan is a big hassle for many girls with naturally curly hair. They spend a lot of time styling their hair straight before leaving the house, but once they step outside into the humid air, their efforts are undone, and their hair returns to its natural state. How can you fight the frizz? You can opt for a hair straightening perm to make your mornings easier. In this article, NINI, a stylist from the well-known Taipei salon KOMM, introduces the benefits of hair straightening.

Catalogue

I. What is a hair straightening perm?

II. Who is suitable for a hair straightening perm?

1. Fine and soft hair

2. Flat head shape

3. Blunt short hair or short hair that sticks out

III. Bleached hair is not suitable for hair straightening perm

IV. How long does a hair straightening perm last?

V. How to care for hair after a hair straightening perm?

KOMM Salon stylist Nini

What is a hair straightening perm?

The term "縮毛" originates from Japanese, meaning naturally curly hair, which refers to the correction of natural curls. Many people mistake hair straightening for a "hair treatment," but it is actually a type of perm, similar to ionic perms or weightless perms, with only the chemicals and techniques differing. NINI explains that hair straightening looks more natural than an ionic perm because of the way the chemicals are applied. It is highly customizable, allowing stylists to adjust based on hair type, texture, and head shape, preserving volume for a less flat appearance.

Naturally curly hair is prone to frizz - Provide by Nini

Who is suitable for a hair straightening perm?

Hair straightening perms are suitable for everyone, whether you have fine, soft hair or thick, coarse natural curls. Even people with bleached hair can undergo this hair perm, as long as their hair passes the strand test. Let's take a look at how different hair types and textures can benefit from a hair straightening perm.

NINI's Work: Hair Flow Was Messy and Uneven Before Hair Straightening

Nini's work: Before and after hair straightening comparison

Fine and soft hair

If you have fine, soft hair, you might worry that after a hair straightening perm, your hair will look too flat. Based on her experience, Nini suggests that if frizz is only an issue at the crown, you can apply the solution just at the top and avoid the rest. If the frizz is only on the hair's surface, you can treat the surface while preserving volume in the inner layers to prevent flatness after the perm.

Flat head shape

Some people may feel dissatisfied with the shape of the back of their head, worried that a hair straightening perm will make it look flat due to a lack of roundness. Nini suggests that these clients can opt for a root perm at the crown area and then apply the hair straightening solution to the lower sections to maintain volume and avoid a flat appearance.

Blunt short hair or short hair that sticks out

Recently, the Taiwanese short-hair community has been swept by the trend of blunt short hair, inspired by Seol In-ah, one of the main characters in the popular K-drama Business Proposal, who appeared with a glossy, sleek short hairstyle. Nini mentions that this look must be paired with hair straightening for the perfect result, and the length should be chosen based on overall body proportions to avoid awkwardness. For short hair affected by hair flow causing flipped-out ends, a hair straightening perm can bring them back in place.

Nini's work: Shoulder-length blunt short hair with hair straightening

Bleached hair is not suitable for hair straightening perm

For women with bleached hair, it’s essential to assess the hair’s condition before deciding whether to proceed with a hair straightening perm. Bleached hair has reduced strength and elasticity, making it less able to withstand the perm chemicals, and in the worst case, it could cause breakage.

Nini advises against hair straightening for those with lightened hair from double bleaching or those whose hair has become finer after bleaching. However, for severely curly hair that has been bleached, Nini can perform an in-person evaluation at KOMM to test if the hair can handle the treatment. A strand test will determine if the hair retains enough elasticity to undergo hair straightening.

The only exception to performing a strand test before straightening is when the bleaching is localized, such as ear loop highlights or bangs. In these cases, as long as the bleached areas aren’t treated, the overall result won’t be affected, allowing safe straightening.

Further Reading:【Hair Knowledge】Can you perm your hair after bleaching?

How long does a hair straightening perm last?

Many people worry that if they don't blow-dry their hair properly, the effects of hair straightening won't last long. As a result, clients often ask hairstylists, "How long will the straightening perm last?" According to professional stylist Nini, for blunt short hair, the straightening can last until the hair grows long enough to cut off the permed section, typically needing trims every 2–3 months. Blow-drying or frequent washing won't make the treated hair frizzy again.

How to care for hair after a hair straightening perm?

Many people mistakenly believe that hair straightening is a form of "hair treatment" because it gives the hair a shiny appearance, overlooking the fact that it is still a type of perm. This often leads to the misconception that "the longer you perm, the drier your hair becomes."

Nini recommends that anyone who has undergone a perm should always use a hair mask after washing and apply hair oil as a heat protectant before blow-drying. This helps prevent split ends and keeps hair looking smooth.

Further Reading:
Renowned hairstylist Miyake recommends new hair care products: Introducing the latest Japanese-imported MEM Empower Hair Mask and Hair Oil.

Severely damaged hair is prone to breakage, and the small fine hairs on the top of your head are actually broken strands.

Recommended hair straightening perm
KOMM SALON – Nini

Nini's Instagram: @l.y.nini_komm
Line Consultation & Appointments: @l.y.nini
Address: No. 8, Lane 158, Section 4, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei 105

Further Reading: Introduction to partner salons across Taiwan

Recommended hair straightening perm

Feeling excited after learning about hair straightening? Before proceeding, be sure to prepare a salon-grade hair mask specifically designed for permed hair.

MEM Empower Hair Mask
Utilizes platinum nano composite capsules to deliver four nutrients directly to the hair core, with added antioxidants, making it ideal for severely damaged bleached hair.

Magic Jungle Hair Mask
Contains hydrolyzed keratin, essential for hair health. Use a small amount as a leave-in treatment before blow-drying, or apply generously for deep conditioning. Suitable for non-bleached, damaged hair.