Progressive Hair Straightening: Before and After Care, Types and How to do

Progressive straightening is a technique used to soften the hair that also helps to treat and reduce the volume of the mane. It is called “progressive” because of the gradual effect it has on the hair with each application: it makes it progressively smoother.

As it contains keratin , the hair is hydrated during straightening and the straightener used in the procedure helps to fix the keratin in the hair, making it much more beautiful and soft

If you want to know the importance of keratin for hair, do not miss our article about it.

The main component of this type of straightening is formaldehyde , which softens the hair and, in addition, emollient creams with keratin are used in the process. The product wears out of the hair over time, so the procedure should be done every two months or so.

The formaldehyde is prohibited to be a carcinogen and highly toxic to the body but is still used in the hair.

Care before progressive straightening

• Formaldehyde contains toxic substances that can cause skin irritation when used in excess. Therefore, before starting progressive straightening, find a trusted professional.
• If it is the first time you do it, it is advisable to carry out a sensitivity test with the chemical product, to rule out allergies.
• If you use dyes, you must wait at least five days before applying the treatment.
• Washing before progressive straightening should be done thoroughly, using an anti-residue shampoo .
• It is important not to use conditioners or creams after shampooing.
• After washing, remove excess water with a towel and a comb. You can then start the product application.

Care after progressive straightening

• Wait at least two days to wash your hair after applying the treatment , to ensure that the product penetrates the hair better.
• Use a neutral pH shampoo, without salt and without dyes , so that the hair cuticle does not open. If the progressive straightening used has little formaldehyde, you can opt for children’s shampoo.
• Protect the hair before using the dryer with a thermal protector , this will prevent the cuticle from opening and losing the straightening product
• Do not use anti-residue shampoo because it speeds up the removal of the product and this makes it last less than expected.
• You can wash your hair every day without compromising the result. Keratin is expelled from the hair over time, but this has nothing to do with washing. In the last few weeks, the hair will naturally return to normal.
• Try to use specific products for chemically treated hair.
• One week after doing the progressive straightening, apply a cauterization or keratin hydration. This helps to maintain the straightening for longer, if you need to know what capillary cauterization is, better read this article.

Types of progressive straightening without formaldehyde

Japanese progressive straightening Q8 Nutri Straight: smoothes curls and tames volume

The main component of this product is ammonia , which softens the hair and leaves it ready to adopt a new shape, in this case straightening. The neutralizing liquid, essential as the base of any chemical product, has richly formulated proteins that nourish the hair and ensure that it is soft, shiny and with a natural balance.

It is suitable for all types of hair, except African.

HOW TO USE

After washing with a deep cleaning shampoo and removing excess moisture with the dryer, we apply the product all over the hair and let it act for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the wave and volume of our hair. Rinse to apply the neutralizer, which will rebalance the hair structure, leaving it to act for 20 minutes. Rinse again and finally iron the hair.

This treatment does not alter the structure of the hair. If the problem is only excessive volume, one application will suffice. But if the intention is to completely get rid of the curls, at least one more application will be needed. It lasts about 3 months.

We have only been able to find it in this online store: https://www.alisado.com/comprar-producto-alisado-japones/alisado-japones/27-alisado-damage-q8-nutri-straight-400-ml .html

Progressive X-Tense straightening

Product based on ammonium thioglycollate (an active principle that serves to soften the hair fiber , leaving it ready to be molded), developed with the so-called “cationic self-control technology”. In simple terms, this means that it is able to preserve the keratin structures, maintaining the health of the hair.

You can easily find it on amazon at an incredible price.

Tresemmé smart smoothing

With a more effective formula, Tresemmé provides the same smart straightening as a professional, but with a faster and more practical procedure. This moisturizing treatment is indicated for normal, dry and chemically damaged hair , restoring shine, softness and vitality to the hair.

If you cannot find the kit you can buy them separately, it contains:

• Anti-residue Shampoo (Step 1)
• Anti-frizz (Step 2)
• Conditioner (Step 3)

HOW TO USE:

Apply the anti-residue shampoo on damp hair, preferably using hot water, a maximum of three times. Take special care in the regions behind the ears and neck. Dry the hair with the help of a hot air dryer. In this step, a smoothing process is not necessary. Only the hair should be detangled.

Put enough Anti-Frizz in a plastic spray . Apply approximately 1 cm from the root. The hair should not be soaked, but should be left damp. With a cotton swab, clean the neck area. Let stand 20 minutes.

Separate the hair into strands and pass a ceramic straightener through each one about four times. Apply the Tresemmé Anti-Frizz again 5 cm from the root, and repeat the process with the iron 10 to 20 times on each strand, until you notice the complete absorption of the product.

Continue the ironing, spraying and ironing process throughout the hair. Take a 10 minute break and rinse well, preferably with cold water. There should be no traces of the product on the hair (do not apply any type of shampoo, only water). If you want to see how to properly wash your hair with the co-washing technique in this article.

Finally we must apply the conditioning mask and massage the hair for a complete absorption of the product. Comb and rinse.

Argan Oil and Keratin Straightening

The argan oil and keratin have a high content of vitamin C. extracts The name given to the product that ensures deep hydration and can be used on all hair types, including those that have gone through other chemical processes. In particular, they are ideal for hair with light waves and do not leave it looking heavy. To get the product at the best price, look at the stores in your neighborhood and compare the price with the one that appears on Amazon.

Check out our article on argan oil to better understand how it benefits your hair and skin.

HOW TO USE:

Wash hair with an anti-residue shampoo, which helps prepare hair for straightening and keratin reconditioning. Next, the fruit straightening is applied strand by strand. After application, the hair cuticles will be closed to keep the product at the roots. You must go three days without washing it to maintain the result.

Chocolate straightening

It is suitable for porous hair. It is made from proteins and lipids. Hydrates, revitalizes and softens hair, while controlling its volume. The success is its formula based on keratin, ammonium thioglycolate, silk protein and natural substances such as cocoa extract and caffeine, rich in fatty acids. But the result will depend on the type of hair, since in frizzy afros softer frizz is achieved.

If you have very curly hair, also check out our special tips for frizzy and curly hair.

Before performing any type of progressive straightening, always seek the opinion of a professional expert you trust.