Okay, let’s talk straight. For decades, women of African descent the world over have relied on various tried-and-tested methods to “relax” their hair. Then, about a decade ago, the Yuko system made a big stink among people of all colors when it came over from Japan, followed by Opti-Smooth. Now a third contender is fighting to become top dog in the hair straightening stakes: the Brazilian.
Not what the name may imply, the Brazilian is a relatively new hair straightening system that has nothing to do with waxing away pubic hair. It is a semi-permanent way to straighten the hair on your head, which uses keratin - and sometimes formaldehyde - to tame even the curliest locks. But while it may be taking the world of hair by storm, even it has its drawbacks…
If you are considering straightening your hair for more than just an occasional night out, you may be thinking of a permanent hair straightening system. Here is the best - and the worst - of the most popular systems currently on offer. Remember, success will depend not only on your type of hair and how rigorously you adhere to its upkeep, but also on the skill of your stylist - as well as the products he or she chooses to use.
Brazilian Hair Straightening (aka Brazilian Blow-Out or Brazilian Keratin Treatment). The stylist applies active keratin, a protein found in the top layer of our skin which makes it both waterproof and tough, although sometimes this is used in conjunction with formaldehyde, which can be dangerous (see below). The formula is then sealed into the hair using a hot iron, taking away frizz, curls and unruly waves. Takes about two hours, more for longer or more unruly hair.
PROS: Will fade away gradually, meaning that it will eventually grow out and leave you with natural waves once more. Takes less salon time and generally costs less than the Yuko or Opti-Smooth system. Leaves the hair with more body than the Yuko System and can be used on dyed hair as well as virgin hair.
CONS: The effect doesn’t last as long as Yuko or Opti-Smooth – about three to four months. And if the product contains actual formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, – you will need to check with the salon first – this could reportedly be a health hazard, for both you and your stylist as well. Note that the FDA does not regulate the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics.
The Yuko System. Created in the 1990s, this can make any type of curly hair straight in about five hours – for about six months or so, depending on hair. After a consultation with your stylist, your hair will be washed and divided into segments, then the application will be put on for roughly 20 minutes, depending on hair length etc. It will then be flat-ironed and a neutralizer will be put on to reset the bonds of the hair. It will then be rinsed, followed by a blow-dry, style and perhaps a cut. The whole process takes roughly five hours in total.
PROS: Last forever. That means that you won’t see any curly hair until new hair grows in.
CONS: Last forever. That means that when new curly hair grows in, you will have a ring of frizz on the top followed by dead straight hair. The only way to look “normal” - with hair either entirely straight or entirely curly - is to have your hair redone, in about six months’ time, or to straighten the top bits with straightening irons. Also, repeated application of the Yuko system can cause extensive damage to hair – and not just the ends. Not recommended for use on color-treated hair as it will damage it too much.
Opti-Smooth. Similar to the Yuko System, but you will have a choice of results: cold-smoothing is for less frizz, progressive smoothing will leave you hair looking as if it’s just been freshly blow-dried, and heat-straightening will make it look iron-rod straight (that’s just so passe, darling!).
PROS: Lasts forever (see Yuko, above). If your hair is shorter or you choose cold-smoothing, the salon time will be considerably lessened.
CONS: Lasts forever (see Yuko, above). Unlike the Yuko system, however, Opti-Smooth claims to be kinder to hair long-term, with less damage and breakage. Not for dyed hair.
Other Ways To Straighten Hair
- Blow-Drying. Many people seek to blow-dry their hair to make it straight and sleek, although often only a salon blow-dry can have truly effective results. Can damage hair long-term.
- Hair Straighteners. A variety of flat irons or hair straighteners are on the market today – those with ceramic plates are usually considered the best as they work by gliding through the hair without it catching on the edges and splitting. It’s advised to use them sparingly with special products/gels that minimize heat damage to the hair.
- Home Relaxing Kits. Much like a do-it-yourself salon-style routine. Apply straightening cream, leave on, rinse away, straighten with straightening iron, neutralize, wash and blow dry. Takes about two hours in total, more for longer hair. Good luck!
- Ironing. Time was when many young girls had their hair ironed - with a clothes iron - to have straighter tresses. The process could take up to an hour and was often saved for special occasions. Required two people: one to lay her head on the ironing board while the other wielded the iron. Had to be a trusted friend - with excellent eyesight!
Hair straightening is just another way that us mortals deal with “the grass is greener” syndrome. In the 1970s and 1980s everyone was rushing to have a perm and make their straight hair curly, now the reverse is the talk of the town.
If you decide to go the permanently straight route, it’s important to find a salon you trust. Take heed if your hair is dyed, colored or even just highlighted, as this may affect the outcome of the straightening process – even if your stylist assures you this isn’t the case!
Remember, also, that all chemically straightened hair will require a good hair-care routine to keep it looking good. This means using a protein-rich shampoo, conditioner and other anti-frizz products, as locking in all the moisture possible will be crucial in maintaining that salon style.
Hi everybody, I posted a while ago asking if anybody ever tried Opti smooth hair straightening (the thermal smoothing)… And I went through with it about a month ago now…and I couldn't be happier!!! I had wavy hair with tons of frizz, now I can leave the house without any product or styling and look half way decent!
IT's not perfect (the ends still have some body- but I didn't want stick straight hair and that's why I didn't do japanese straightening).
My hair was "virgin" - no other chemical processes or coloring in years, so it took to the process very well. The only thing is you cant shower for three days (so do it on a thursday night that way you can shower before you go to work monday morning).
I've gotten tons of compliments and I truly couldn't be happier!!!
It's expensive ($400 at Gio Salon in NYC) but worth every penny! I'm very cheap cheap cheap, but again I'd do this again in a heartbeat. I can't believe how soft and manageable my hair is now.
If you're considering and have any questions, let me know. I did so much research before hand because I was SOOOO nervous (I've never done any straightening or chemical processes before) but I know I chose the right process. For me, japanese straightening makes your hair look damaged and too stick straight, BKT brazilian straightening uses either formaldehyde or ether, or I don't want to breath in either! So opti.smooth was the right pick for me, but everyone's hair is different!!
Just PLEASE MAKE SURE you have an experienced hair dresser that has been doing the process for years and has regular clients that get it done (you can even ask for a client reference if you want). I went in for a complimentary consultation before hand and my stylist answered all of my questions and made me feel more at ease.
Bottom line, get an experienced stylist and be UPFRONT about anything that could affect the process (any meds that you take, any highlighting, henna, coloring, if you swim a lot, if you're in the sun everyday, etc).;
Thanks! )
curlbegone – May 20, 2009 , 8:19 PM
I live in Lebanon,and we do it here for 80$..i did it..and it's great..but reading that u payed 400$ ,wowww!!!that's 2 much!!
Glow – May 22, 2009 , 10:07 AM
In many countries the Brazilian hair treatment is even more expensive - and even in the States prices can differ greatly from one salon to another. My advice: Shop around! Thanks for reading, Sarah
Sarah Matthews – June 10, 2009 , 1:42 PM
Or, leave your hair the hell alone.
eliza jane – June 20, 2009 , 2:29 AM
After wearing out countless blow dryers smoothing my hair, i am finally
coming around to the reality of hair straightening. i don't know if this new
brazilian technique is for me though! sounds like the others are better.
ordelia chambers – June 22, 2009 , 3:41 PM
What is your salon called. I'd love to check it out. my e-mail kinzies@netzero.com.
sue – July 10, 2009 , 11:54 PM
heybglow can you plz send me the adrress of your saloon where you did optismooth for 80 $ my email ls dr_noufmm@hotmail. thanks
nouf – July 11, 2009 , 10:10 PM
I just did my hair in June and I absolutely love it. I went from spending 1 1/2 hours to fix my hair to 15 minutes. If anyone is in the NC area you can get it done for $300 my email is jreyes528@yahoo.com
Janet – August 13, 2009 , 6:11 PM
I-just-did-the-Opti-Smooyj-&-I-love-it-expensive-though-but-okay!
Michelle – September 13, 2009 , 6:52 AM
I live near Charlotte, NC. Do you know of a salon near there?
Natalie
Natalie – September 26, 2009 , 4:54 PM
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy is gentle enough to use on ALL hair types: Color treated, chemically processed, bleached, highlighted or even chemically straightened! The hair is transformed into glossy, shiny hair, so soft that you will be shocked! It is the infusing of pure keratin into each hair strand that is the secret. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy encases the hair follicle with a keratinous bond to:
· Promote Healing
· Block the effects of humidity
· Prevent environmental toxins from entering the hair
It penetrates the hair, repairing internal damage and coats the hair preventing further damage. The results are smooth, silky, shiny, straight hair lasting from 3 -6 months with proper care. Using the appropriate Keratin shampoo will maximize the longevity of this treatment. The result is that the hair is stronger, more manageable and easier to maintain, reducing daily styling time.
Unlike other salon services, the more you treat your hair, the healthier it becomes. With each treatment, the build-up of Keratin makes the hair:
· Smoother and Silkier
· Straighter and Shinier
· Easier and Faster to blow-dry
· Closer to being “maintenance-free”
Please keep in mind that this is NOT a straightening system, rather a SMOOTHING TREATMENT. It takes about 2-3 hours to do. A consultation is necessary so that you fully understand in detail the process and the results to be expected.
For more beauty tips please visit our site at http://www.MarBellaHair.com
For more information on any other beauty concern or to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call me at (512) 653-3773.
Monica Manzanilla – November 11, 2009 , 11:30 PM
GUYS, IF YOU WANT YOUR HAIR STRAIGHTENED GO HERE IN ASIA SPECIFICALLY PHILIPPINES. OPTI-STRAIGHT HERE IS ONLY 2495 PESOS OR 50-60 USD. TRUST ME ITS WORTH IT!
CARLO CARNAJE – November 21, 2009 , 7:23 AM
just thought i would give my 2cents. i have had my hair japanese straightened for almost 6 years now. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! Only problems are 1 yes it is costly but worth every penny and 2 you HAVE to find a good place to do it. That is the hard part for me. I first had it done in Okinawa Japan for the first 3 years, fantastic! But sadly I had to return to the states, the first place I want to in Cali cost more then i was use to but said they had many return customers. I went with them for my touch up (which I do apx every 5-7 months). He FRIED my hair, actually melted it. That took about 8 months and many deep conditionings before anyone could work with it again. I then found a Japanese community in San Diego and a salon called Moga's which was heaven sent!!! SO I still love my hair but now live in eastern NC and have to find me another heaven sent salon that I can trust with my hair. I could always let my curls come back in but I love the freedom I have with my straight hair. I wash and go and I still can bump the end with curls when I want to dress up or change it for the day. I save a lot of time and I don't use any hair products. Plus I'm Puerto Rican and frizzy hair, well I just don't miss.
So if you do it be sure you can trust them with your hair, and be sure to deep conditions at least every 2 months.
Good luck and best wishes.
Oh and if you know of a place I can go to with in an 1 1/2 hr drive from Jacksonville NC PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!
Lissette – November 23, 2009 , 1:18 PM
Redcast Salon in Jacksonville does The Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Treatment. If your interested in the BKT route.
redcastsalon – December 10, 2009 , 6:33 PM
Redcast Salon in Jacksonville does The Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Treatment. If your interested in the BKT route.
http://www.redcastsalon.com
redcastsalon – December 10, 2009 , 11:33 PM
Does anyone know a salon in Richmond that does a good smoothing treatment? pLEASE email me at n_mccaughrin@yahoo.com
Nadiahoney – February 4, 2010 , 6:39 AM
I really need help for bad hair days! Can someone suggest a salon in Richmond Virginia that does the Brazilian or any similar treatments for my damaged hairr?
Nadiahoney – February 4, 2010 , 6:40 AM
Salon Capelli in Ashland virginia does the Keratin Treatment By Coppola http://www.saloncapelliva.net
aowens – February 11, 2010 , 2:06 PM
I had Opti Smooth done today… it took 3 hours and I have fine hair!! So far its looking pretty straight and it's really soft. It was only $108 dollars for the whole service… including styling and a cut. I also bought the Matrix smoothing shampoo and conditioner and Redken glass which vamped up the total a bit. So far I really like it… when I wash it we'll see what happens.
Darian – February 17, 2010 , 10:50 PM
ya
kellywheeler – February 20, 2010 , 4:55 PM
Thanks for the info. I'd like to know how curly your hair is naturally and how have you liked the straightner since you've done it? (now that it's months later)
EG – March 1, 2010 , 5:18 AM
hi
i actually live in Fontana, california and looked up that salon u mentioned in San Diego. My family lives there and i'm interested in getting my hair straight. I'm also Puerto Rican and want something that will work. Do u have the name of the person that used to do ur hair? I want to make sure I go to someone that knows what they r doing.
glorycella – March 13, 2010 , 6:57 AM
I live in Folsom, California. Are there any salons near there that do it? thanks(:
Ally – April 12, 2010 , 2:20 AM
I've done the Yuko 4 times now over the last 7 years and I will continue to do it. I have long, thick, curly hair and this thing is divine! I only need to get it done about every 18 months or so because my long hair “pulls” new growth and it is easily styled with a blow dryer. Hair condition is great and it is true my hair is stick straight for about 3-5 weeks but after that there is body. I can also curl it anytime with an iron:) Highly recommend it, well worth the price but make sure your stylist is experienced and he/she is using the real yuko products and not cheaper imitations.
calioc – April 16, 2010 , 4:34 AM
I’m considering this and need to know if anyone with highlighted hair has a success story. I have a full head of very thick, long, wavy hair. I get the crown highlighted every few months. Will any of these professional straightening methods NOT fry my hair? Thanks!
Melinda – May 4, 2010 , 8:49 AM
I live in Cape Town and I am interested and also considering having my hair treated, but I want to find out it we have a salon that offers any of these treatments and what the cost would be. Thank you.
Linda – May 12, 2010 , 6:04 AM
Thank you for such a well written & informative article! Also, thank you for the comments. They were very helpful. Can anyone recommend a salon in the NY/NJ/Penn tri-state area that does the Keratin process? Willing to travel to have the process done well. Thank you so much!
Donna – May 20, 2010 , 4:28 PM
I just had the Brazilisn Keratin Treatment done, the brand name is Global. I live in BocaRaton, FL., and go to the Sky Salon who did a beautiful job…The girl who does it there, named Rikki(she actually is Brazilian)has been doing it for 6 years when it was first introduced here. I have heavily highlighted blonde hair and wear it in an “inverted bob” style, which takes a LOT of ironing to get the inherent sleek look. I just had the treatment 2 days ago, so I have 2 more days before I can wash it and do it myself. Right now, frankly, I am worried that it will be TOO stick straight to achieve the curve under…but Rikki warned me that at first it will appear overly straight until I wash it myself and blow-dry it and use the flat iron to give it that curve. Still I am a little worried that it is “severe” in appearance right now with no apparent body…maybe this is better for girls with longer hair than mine which is chin length and with it stick straight as it looks now, looks…well, severely straight. I hope the body comes back or I’ll cry! But I have to say, she is very experienced (and very nice) and it has made my hair very smooth, soft, and straight.
Janet – June 6, 2010 , 1:17 PM
I live in So Cal and got the Yuko 3 times at G&A Hair Culture in West Covina (Anderson is awesome) I HIGHLY recommend them. I have super long stubbornly wavy thick hair and it was a dream. I only need it every 2 yrs or so as my hair pulls on the new growth and it blends right in. I got the Yuko done for less expensive at a salon in Redlands and although it looked good that first 3 days, it TOTALLY washed out. I don’t know what they used but it obviously wasn’t done right. The RIGHT salon is very very important. If you’re anywhere within 2 hours of G&A, its worth it. 626-338-5678.
robin – June 26, 2010 , 6:58 PM
Does anyone know of a good salon in the Cleveland/Akron Ohio area for the best hair straightening treatment? I have gnarly Brazilian hair — some pretty tightly coiled, some like lightning rods, tends to be very dry. Longer than shoulder length — HELP!
julie – July 22, 2010 , 10:57 AM
If you are in New York, Brazilian can be really expensive. I’ve been doing it at a place in Westchester called Backstage Salon. (914-862-4642). Right off the Croton-Harmon MetroNorth line. They do an amazing job, (either pin straight, or maintain frizz free waves)
it’s a really nice place and they are significantly less that the other places I scouted out. Under $300 the last time that I went. It’s important to be somewhere pleasant if you are going to spend 3+ hours hanging out. Good luck!
junibear – July 27, 2010 , 10:37 AM
For the Keratin Smoothing Treatment, visit Mirage Salon of Harrisburg, NC. The ladies are great and know what they are doing. Give them a call, 704-455-6000.
Bobby – September 3, 2010 , 2:08 PM
I use the Opti smooth method. I have been straightening hair using this product for 6 years. I live in the Orlando Fl area. Prices start at $150 for shoulder length hair. The process will take 4 hours. I can do the service at your home. If you have questions or would like to schedule service please email me at carnalite@yahoo.com
gigi – September 16, 2010 , 8:07 AM
I did the Opti-Smooth today. I have very, very thick curly, frizzy hair. I have highlighted my hair for the last 15 years off and on, mostly on. It is highlighted right now. My stylist did my hair today and it is awesome. You can defintely do color treated hair with Opti-Smooth. My hair doesn’t look fried it looks good. Now I have to wait until Monday to wash it but I’m not worried.
Of course I always use good product on my hair and it is in good / great condition for highlighting so long. Love your hair and it will love you back.
TJ
TJ – October 21, 2010 , 3:58 PM
Is there anyone knows where i can get permanent hair straightening in cleveland ohio?please let me know asap.thanks
adz – November 18, 2010 , 6:01 PM
Yeah it may be cheaper to get the straightening in the Philippines. IF you don’t consider the cost to travel and stay there. RT fare is from $1200 - 2k. Not a good idea Carlo who offered that advise.
Cristina – December 4, 2010 , 2:19 PM
I am lucky, my little sister is a licensed hair dresser and does this for me for the cost she pays for the stuff, which is only $25 + tax. That is the opti-smooth. I have really curly and frizzy hair. I have now been getting this done for about 2 years now. The first time it didn’t take so well, but I was pregnant and your hair reacts differently to perms and straightening treatments when you are pregnant. It worked, just not as well. I then had it about 4 months after my daughter was born and WOW! the results are awesome. For a new working mom I cannot complain at all. I get up in the morning and brush my hair and go, so awesome. I NEVER could have done that before. I had to use tons of styling products to keep my head from looking like I stuck my fingers in a light socket. It has now almost been a year since my last treatment and other then what is growing in, my hair is still straight. What I love is it isn’t totally pin straight, with a good cut it has body and movement with it too, like a naturally straight hair would be like. Now I am getting the frizzies around my hair line and ears again so it is time for a touch-up application and to get it re-cut since it has grown out, but I am hooked. After spending 30 years with gooping my hair up I can finally throw that stuff all out! I will never go back to the kinky again
.
Definitely find someone who knows how to do it, but I wouldn’t spend more then $150, especially when the kit is only about $30 from the beauty supply stores.
Stephanie – January 16, 2011 , 4:46 PM
If anyone knows any place near Dayton, Ohio where the permanent straightening is done (looking for Yuko or Opti smooth), please let me know and I would also like to know the cost of it if possible. I am only looking at doing it for the front hair and the hair on the crown as I love the curls in the back..I have already done this once outside States and I just loved it that way!
Shimmy – January 26, 2011 , 4:02 PM
If anyone knows of a salon in Grand Prairie or Arlington, TX that does the Matrix Opti-Smooth (cold process) please let me know. Also, the cost if possible. Thanks!
I had it done in FL. and loved it!
Texas – February 28, 2011 , 4:03 PM
My 18-yr old son has been having his hair chemically straightened for several years. The first time was at Dillards in Daytona Beach and although it was a straight, it was almost too straight and the hair didn’t have any movement but was shiny. Since then he has the Matrix Opti-Smooth and the first time it turned out great. After that, it never came out the same again. It looks great when he leaves the salon but after shampooing it looks thick and somewhat coarse - nothing like the look he got the first time. Last week the hairdresser used the Chi chemical straightening product and unfortunately, the same result. Does anyone know of someone in Daytona Beach, Florida or anywhere within reasonable driving distance from here that really knows how to do this procedure?
Thanks!
frank@compsolutions.us
Frank – March 26, 2011 , 2:33 PM
Does anyone know of a good salon in Utah that does this?
Thanks.
Llama – May 10, 2011 , 2:24 AM
I am going to New York on holiday the begining of June. Looking to get the Yuko or Opti smooth when im there. Can anyone recommend a good salan at a reasonable price.
Thanks Lou, UK
louise – May 14, 2011 , 1:03 PM
Should have said salon !
louise – May 14, 2011 , 1:05 PM
Alan Lee @Classique Beaute located in temple city California, 91780 specialize in Yuko system over 16 years ! Stylist you can trust!
Felicia – July 18, 2011 , 1:50 AM
Hi, Im seriously considering having my hair Japenese Straightened, Im so over the long nights of blowdrying and flat ironing. Can someone please let me know of a reputible place in Cape Town South Africa…
Tarin – July 26, 2011 , 10:25 AM
Hey
Does anyone know what’s the different between the Brazilian Keratine Thearapy & the Brazilian Organic Blow-out?
Mara3y – July 31, 2011 , 5:24 AM