| Japanese Hair Straightening - An Update! |
| Karen Marie Shelton |
| Date: 04/01/2006 |
Introduction
 |
|
Jessica
Simpson - People's Choice Awards - Waves & Curls
January 2006 |
|
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reserved. |
Japanese Hair Straightening is
also known as
Thermal Reconditioning (TR), The Yuko System (Yuko)
and
chemical hair straightening.
The name Japanese Hair
Straightening comes from the fact that the technique
originated in Japan.
Although some forms of the
treatment were better known then others, as the demand
for stick straight strands grew, many versions of the
process were introduced from a wide range of hair
manufacturers.
The technique which used a
combination of texture changing chemicals and extremely
hot straightening irons became the rage that lasted
non-stop (depending on who you talk to) until early
2005.
Although some naturally curly
people addicted to straight hair continue to have
various versions of the thermal reconditioning
treatments applied to their locks, in general the stick
straight hair movement has been replaced by a love of
natural texture.
This means that stick straight
strands that were dependent on an initial costly
chemical straightening treatment and regular touchups
has been replaced with a love of natural curls, waves
and overall soft movement.
Thermal Reconditioning is still
being performed in the US and is still popular with some
consumers. However, there is a definite trend away
from Thermal Reconditioning treatments in general.
A famous celebrity hairdresser
shared his agony over dealing with the heavily damaged
tresses of a major TV star from Thermal Reconditioning.
He confidentially explained that her hair had broken off
at the roots and he had to resort to a series of wigs
and spot extensions for her current acting commitments.
I also recently talked to a well
known curly hair expert who confirmed that naturally
curly people have been leaving the TR trend behind.
Japanese Hair Straightening or
TR has fallen out of popular favor not only because of
the hot new hair fashion love for texture but for other
reasons listed below:
1. Cost
Depending on where the Thermal Reconditioning was
performed, it can cost from $350 up to $1,000 or more.
The costs were based on the amount of time it would take
the hairdresser to apply the treatment along with other
factors that varied by salon.
2. Upkeep
Although the thermal reconditioning treatments rendered
naturally curly hair stick straight, once the roots
great back in, there was an obvious regrowth line.
This required regular TR touch-ups to the roots.
Although TR would remove most of
the natural curl and wave, in many cases, additional
home maintenance is required. This included the
used of straightening balms and hot irons.
3. Time Commitment
As people get even busier with jobs, families and other
activities, hair consumers are less willing to invest
the time it might take to have the TR treatment applied
to their strands. As a rule, consumers are
interested in quick, easy and simple styles that look
great. TR treated hair does require more time and
commitment to maintain than natural waves and curls
which can often be worn in a wash and wear style.
4. Strand Damage
The chemical straightening process, while changing the
textures from wavy and curly to straight, was generally
very drying to the strands. At home use of
straighteners and other styling products and tools
caused a high degree of hair damage to a high percentage
of TR treated hair.
5. Styling Limits
Although many people initially loved the new freedom of
TR induced stick straight tresses, some were surprised
to discovered that their straightened hair had minimal
texture. This meant that unless they were willing
to always have straight strands, their styling options
were limited.
6. Hair Trend Changes
With the new craze for waves, curls and other texture,
many people that originally were addicted to the TR
method, followed the latest craze for texture and packed
their straightening irons away.
7. Curl Pride
The movement to embrace and love naturally curly hair
has become stronger over the past few years.
Social pressures to confirm to straight tresses has
lessened. Natural curls are now considered sexy,
sassy, sultry and hot.
As celebrity hairdresser Ken Paves (Jessica & Ashlee
Simpson, Avril Lavigne) has pointed out, the trend is
for women to "do their own hair thing" meaning that
women are bucking trends. They are finding their
own beauty within their natural hair type and textures.
This means that the pressure to use expensive texture
changing techniques has fallen out of heavy favor.
8. Focus On Extensions,
Wigs & Related Hair Options
With the craze for add-on hair and wigs, there are no
options for people that want to temporarily change their
texture. While add-on hair and hair extensions may
not work for some, wigs are a hot new hair trend that
can work for anyone to instantly change out their
texture without excessive cost or potential damage to
their strands.
Summary
Like fashion, hair trends change on a regular basis.
Although Japanese Hair Straightening was very hot in
2001 - 2004, it has lost a lot of its popularity with
the new trend for natural textures. Curls, waves
and even natural kinks are the hottest hairstyles going. |