Table of Contents
Introduction
I recently posted about the Best Clip-In Extensions for Relaxed Hair for perfectly seamless length and volume. Even though I mentioned relaxed hair in the post, I actually no longer get my hair relaxed. I use Japanese Thermal Reconditioning! After years of relaxing my hair, I finally decided to quit the chemical burns and stringy hair of relaxers (yikes!). After going natural for a while, I found that I enjoy the manageability and ease of straight hair.
I researched different methods of chemical straightening, I discovered Japanese Thermal Reconditioning. I made the switch 2 years ago and I will never look back! If you’re also interested in straightening your hair with relaxers or Japanese Thermal Reconditioning, keep reading! In this blog post, we will discuss relaxers, Japanese Thermal Reconditioning, the pros and cons of both treatments, and, ultimately, why I made the switch.
What are Relaxers?
Hair relaxers are chemical products that are used to straighten naturally curly or coily hair. They work by breaking down the protein bonds in the hair, which allows the hair to be reshaped. The main ingredient is usually sodium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide, which are strong alkaline chemicals that can be harsh on the hair and scalp.
Hair relaxers are typically applied to the hair using a brush or applicator and then left on for a specific amount of time. The hair is then rinsed thoroughly and neutralized with a special shampoo to stop the chemical process.
Hair relaxers can be a popular choice for those who prefer straight hair, as they can provide long-lasting results. However, they can be damaging to the hair and scalp if used improperly or too frequently. It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and consult a professional stylist if you’re unsure about the process. Additionally, it’s important to care for your hair after using a relaxer with gentle hair products and avoiding excessive heat or chemical treatments.
When I used to relax my hair, I preferred Creme of Nature’s No-Lye Relaxer below. Check out the link below for more information on this and other relaxer products.
What is Japanese Thermal Reconditioning?
Japanese thermal reconditioning, also known as thermal straightening, thermal reconditioning or Japanese perms, is a hair straightening method that originated in Japan. It is a permanent hair straightening process that can transform curly or wavy hair into straight, sleek locks.
The process involves applying a special solution to the hair, which contains a high concentration of a chemical called sodium hydroxide or thioglycolic acid. The hairstylist then rinses out the solution and blow-dries the hair straight before being flat ironed at a very high temperature. This process helps to permanently break the natural bonds in the hair, allowing it to be reshaped into a straighter style.
The entire process can take several hours, depending on the length and thickness of the hair, and the results can last for up to six months. However, it’s important to note that this process can be very damaging to the hair if not performed by a trained professional or if the hair is over-processed.
Japanese thermal reconditioning can be a great option for those who want permanently straight hair without having to use daily heat styling tools. However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential risks and consult with a professional stylist before undergoing the process.
I currently use Milbon’s Liscio Straightening and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in thermal reconditioning. Check out the link below for more information on Milbon’s product line.
Why I Switched From Relaxers to Japanese Thermal Reconditioning
I weighed the pros and cons of relaxers and Japanese thermal reconditioning before making the switch. However, there are some additional important points to consider now that I’ve been doing this for about a year now. So, here is everything you should know about relaxers and Japanese Thermal Reconditioning:
Pros of Relaxers
- More affordable than Thermal Reconditioning (average cost is $80 per touch-up)
- Almost all hair stylists know how to relax hair
- The process of relaxing your hair is faster than Thermal Reconditioning (2-3 hours)
- It’s easier to relax your hair on your own
Cons of Relaxers
- They are more destructive to your scalp and hair
- They cause hair thinning/extreme shedding
- They cause scalp burns
- Can leave hair stringy and dry
My Experience with Relaxers
I had terrible scalp burns from even the mildest relaxers and my scalp and hair were always dry and damaged. Here is a picture of me as a child with relaxed hair. My hair was stringy, dry, and always look unmaintained even though I was never really one to neglect my hair.
During my childhood, I didn’t get scalp burns from my touch-ups but the years of exposure to the harsh products sensitized my scalp. I needed a new solution which began my research into Japanese Thermal Reconditioning. After 3 years of this treatment, here are my conclusions on the pros and cons of Japanese Thermal Reconditioning versus relaxers.
Pros of Thermal Reconditioning
- More gentle on hair and scalp
- Does not cause scalp burns or hair loss
- Leaves hair healthier and less dry than relaxers
- Can wait longer between treatments
Cons of Thermal Reconditioning
- More expensive than relaxers (average cost is $500 per touch-up)
- Takes longer than relaxing your hair (4-5 hours)
- Most stylists do not know how to perform this treatment
- Not as easy to perform on your own compared to relaxers
My Experience with Japanese Thermal Reconditioning
The process is looonnnggg and expensive but the overall result and condition of my hair were so impressive that I don’t think I’ll ever go back to relaxers. Here is my before and after with Japanese thermal reconditioning.
Conclusion
Ultimately, despite the greater expense and the lack of accessibility to hair stylists who can perform Japanese Thermal Reconditioning near me, the health of my hair and the gentler chemical products were what convinced me to switch from relaxers. No matter how mild the relaxer was, I still ended up with dry, stringy hair and chemical burns on my scalp that lasted days. I’ve never had any issues with Japanese Thermal Reconditioning and my scalp and hair are still healthy, long, and manageable.
Now that you know the pros and cons of relaxers and Japanese Thermal Reconditioning, you are on the way to succeeding in your hair journey! If your hair is fine like mine, check out my post on how to add volume and length to your straight hair with clip-in extensions. Also, keep an eye out for my next post about how I retain length and health in my hair in between treatments.
