Hair Straightening Methods

When it comes to having perfectly straight hair, most women I know will stop at nothing to make their dream of sleek, shiny locks a reality. The question is which hair straightening method is best, in terms of both effectiveness and the long-term repercussions for your hair. You can basically choose one of two methods: Heat styling tools (I swear by my Farouk flat iron!) or chemical straighteners.

Flat irons are a good choice because they’re convenient, easy to use – especially once you get the hang of the technique – and totally non-permanent, so you can revert back to your hair’s natural texture without encountering any problems. If you choose a high quality heat styling tool, like a Chi flat iron, you can rest assured that your hair won’t be singed or cooked by the heat. The only real drawback is that you have to devote yourself to straightening each and every time; there is really no significant lasting power. Plus,  you should take a break from the heat at least once a week to give your hair time to recover its natural moisture.

Chemical straighteners offer long-term straightening, but they can be extremely damaging. Some people swear by keratin treatments, which is a more “natural” way of straightening the hair by coating it in liquid proteins rather than using chemicals to penetrate the hair shaft, but even keratin has its drawbacks. Some people have complained of hair loss, and the formaldehyde used in most treatments can even cause cancer! No thanks – I think I’ll stick with my trusty flat iron.