Thermal Reconditioning Provides Long-Term Results for Hair Straightening

No doubt you're reading this because you are a woman with curly hair. I'm not talking the type of hair with a slight bend. I'm talking about tight ringlets of curls that become entangled in combs and hair accessories, and gets even curlier when wet. If that's you, then you will appreciate thermal reconditioning.

Thermal reconditioning, sometimes referred to as thermal restructuring, re-bonding, ionic re-texturizing or the Japanese straightening system, is sweeping the country. Used by top stars, like Jennifer Aniston and Julianne Moore, thermal reconditioning is designed to restructure the hair's protein bonds, thus de-curling the hair. According to Hairboutique.com, the system was designed to create a non-coating, straightening system that uses the heat oxidation process to seal in and rebuild hair from the inside out through a combination of patented chemicals and irons that reach 356 degrees to achieve sleek and silky straightness.

To be more exact, the hair is first washed; protein gel is then applied to the hair to break the curl pattern; the hair is washed/rinsed again; a subsequent protective protein solution is then sprayed onto the hair; hair is semi-blow-dried to eliminate excess moisture; a special thermal iron is then used on the hair; followed by a neutralizer solution; the hair is rinsed and conditioned a last time; then dried and ironed once more, if necessary. If this sounds like a lot of work, it is. The entire process can take up to six hours. However, hair is expected to stay straight (even daily through washing) for four to six months after treatment.

If considering thermal reconditioning, you should look for a cosmetologist that is licensed to perform the thermal reconditioning treatment (please see resources below). There are currently more than 100 salons offering the treatment in the United States, and most of their practitioners say its better than a perm. "Most relaxers contain corrosive ingredients such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide etc," said thermal reconditioning expert Michael Ricca in a report on Thermalreconditioning.com. "These ingredients corrode the hair to the point where it is able to be changed to a straight look [but] these products leave the hair feeling like straw and the curl comes back after a (often short) period of time."

However, the thermal reconditioning system is not for everyone. Because of the intense heat required to straighten the hair, African-American hair is too fragile for the treatment. Ricca also recommends that those with lightened or color-treated hair go only to a practitioner that is highly experienced with working on this type of hair.

There are currently three main leaders of the thermal reconditioning system: Yuko Systems, Liscio and the Milbon Company. Cost range is $400-$800.