Japanese Straightening is a hair straightening process invented in Japan that has swept America, and made countless women forever grateful to it's hair-transforming powers. It takes 4 to 6 hours to complete the process, but the stick-straight effects last for 6 to 10 months. The minimum hair length for this procedure is approximately four inches.

What are the benefits of Japanese Straightening? Well first, the hair will be permanently pin-straight, frizz free, silky soft and with unbelievable shine. It will be in better condition after the treatment than before. This treatment minimizes static and fly-away, and eliminates bad hair days. The permanently straightened hair will dramatically reduce at home maintenance time.

How Long Do the Results Last? The results are permanent on hair that has been treatment. However you may want to have a new treatment on the regrowth every 6-10 months or longer depending on the rate of hair growth and hair type. Many customers have a new treatment every 12 months.

Will Japanese Hair Straightening Damage My Hair? Like with any treatments involving chemicals your hair must be in reasonably good condition. As a comparison Japanese hair straightening is less damaging than bleaching. If the right products and procedures are used by an experienced professional, it shouldn't be harmful at all. Besides, a good job will certainly add shine and gloss to your hair.

Our stylists always have a consultation with the client to determine the condition of the hair and whether the treatment can be performed safely. If in any doubt a strand test will be performed.

Does it work on coloured or bleached hair? Japanese hair straightening can be done on coloured hair (permanent or semi-permanent) but it must have been at least two weeks before you can have your hair straightened and you should wait at least two weeks after the straightening treatment before you can have your hair coloured. For highlighted or bleached hair it depends on how much of the hair is bleached, how often you have it bleached and when was the last time you had it done. If you have full head bleach you should not have this treatment. If you have a little bleach applied or if most of your previous bleached hair has grown out it is often possible to have this treatment with great results.

The Process The whole straightening process can take between 3-5 hours depending on hair length and type. Essentially it can be broken down into the following steps:

• Hair type and condition is assessed.
• Hair is then shampooed and towel dried.
• Hair is divided into sections and conditioning formula and protector are applied. Wait 15-20 mins depending on hair texture. A professional flat iron is used to straighten hair in several stages.
• Hair is divided into sections and neutraliser is applied. This reset the bonds and stabilise the hair. Wait 10-20 mins depending on hair texture. The result is shiny smooth straight and more manageable hair.

Post Treatment Care You should not swim or wash your hair for 48 hours. Also avoid tucking your hair behind the ears or tying it during that time. You should not colour or apply treatments to your hair for two weeks after the treatment.

Specialist hairdressing we only specialize in hair straightening and hair extensions

• Japanese straightening from £150
• Brasillian blow wave from £75
• Hair extensions from £45
• Spray tans from £10