After-Straightening Styling

Brunette with long straightened hair
Photo: Rudo film/Shutterstock
Q: I recently had my curly and wavy hair blow-dried and straightened with a flat iron. I loved the look so much that I've decided to get my hair chemically straightened! When I have the chemical treatment done, will I still need to blow-dry and flat iron my hair every time I wash it? I'm hoping to achieve that same smooth, shiny look the stylist created, but ideally I'd love to just wash and go. Is this realistic?
 
A: The amount of styling you'll need after chemical straightening depends entirely on which type of treatment you choose, and understanding your options can help you get the results you're looking for.
 
Traditional chemical straightening methods like thio-based relaxers and straighteners will significantly reduce your natural curl pattern, but they typically don't eliminate waves completely. Most people who go this route find they still need to blow-dry their hair smooth and follow up with a flat iron to achieve that sleek, polished finish you're after. The upside is that these treatments are relatively quick to apply, usually taking around two to three hours at the salon, and they're generally priced similarly to other chemical services like perms, typically ranging from $80 to $200 depending on your hair length and the salon.
 
If you're really committed to that wash-and-go lifestyle with poker-straight results, you might want to consider the more intensive straightening treatments. Processes like thermal restructuring, Japanese straightening, or Brazilian keratin treatments can deliver dramatically smoother, straighter hair that requires minimal styling after washing. These treatments work by actually restructuring the bonds in your hair shaft, creating lasting straightness that can last anywhere from three to six months.
 
However, these premium treatments come with trade-offs. They're significantly more time-consuming, often requiring four to six hours in the salon chair, and the price reflects that investment, typically ranging from $300 to $800 or more depending on your hair length, the specific technique used, and your location. The results can be stunning though, often giving you the ability to simply wash, apply a smoothing serum, and air-dry for sleek results.
 
Keep in mind that any chemical straightening process will require some maintenance and careful aftercare. You'll need to use sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioning treatments, and heat protectants to keep your hair healthy. It's also worth having a consultation with a stylist who specializes in chemical straightening to assess your hair's condition and help you choose the best option.
 
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See also:
 
Hair straightening
 
Permanent hair straightening