As a gal born with naturally straight hair I’m often plagued by the torturous limp hair look.

But for whatever reason, many a lady with fantastically curly, lively, full and robust hair have often said- “I would KILL to have straight hair like yours.” Well fortunately for them, there is another method by which they can obtain the straight look without bringing a felony to their resumes.  It’s called the straight perm.  Cue spot light and angelic chorus singing…ahhhhhh!

Ladies your prayers have been answered.

Hailing from this small nation called Japan, a method so profound that it not only strips your hair of any frizz, wave, body, or curl, it leaves it smooth and renewed. Hair so straight and shiny, it has Panteen Pro-V commercial written all over it.  It’s called Thermo-reconditioning.

This magical treatment, unfortunately takes longer than a twirl of a wand.  In fact, it’s quite labor intensive.  It starts with a pre-treatment consultation. This process is not appropriate for all types of hair (short hair, color treated hair – it might not be in the cards for you).  There can be up to 20 steps in this process. We’re talking numerous trips to and from the shampoo bowl, at least 3 blow-outs, and two sessions of meticulous flat ironing with special irons set at 356 degrees!!!! With that much heat – it is important you know in advance if your hair can take it – unless you want a straightening perm and a buzz cut.

So how does such a chemically-heavy, heat intensive process NOT ruin your hair? And better, how are some walking away with sleeker, softer, shinier locks?

For starters, the process definitely goes against conventional wisdom that says heat = damage. In fact, heat seems to be the saving grace in this show.

The process starts off by applying a chemical solution to break down your hair’s cystine protein bond (the little guys responsible for curls and wave). Then a stylist reshapes those bonds with a flat iron so they’re stick straight. Then a neutralizer is applied to lock it all into place.

Ms. Yuko (of Yuko systems) designed the process to use heat not only to reshape your hair’s protein’s bonds, but to seal in moisture and other proteins as well.

Of course, if you are considering taking the challenge of taming those locks, be prepared to battle it out anywhere from 3-6 hours. But don’t fret…depending on your hair it can last up to 6 months! That is what it means to get your hair DID.

And how much does this DAY of beauty cost you?  Here, in Japan it’s around $200. Yikes, right? No…In the states there are only a couple dozen places that even offer this advanced straightening/reconditioning treatment. If you want to have it did in the U.S of A it starts at $500!  There are other methods of hair straightening available that use harsher chemicals and leave you with your daily routine of blow drying and flat ironing…but isn’t that the point of getting a straight perm?  To stop all the daily fuss?

Though Japan has cornered the market with this impressive and effective method to satisfy the masses of curly/frizzy haired women out there….it just goes to show, we may come from different countries but all people alike long for that perfect head of hair.  Let’s just get that straight!

Hearts and Stars,

Kawaii Kid

P.S. To find if there’s a salon in your area that offers Thermal Reconditioning, check the Yuko Salon Locator or email info@ineedprettythings.com. (A couple of our gals have tried it and can recommend specific stylists in certain cities.)