A lot begins to vary while you hit your 40s. However one factor I wasn’t ready for? My hair texture. I’ve all the time had a slight wave to my hair, however over the past two years it’s develop into extra coarse and frizzy. Now, let me preface this by saying I’m not actually against texture, curls, and even a bit frizz. In any case, that’s what provides our hair quantity, definition, and character! No, it was the wiry, tough feeling of my hair that I used to be scuffling with. It additionally felt actually dry regardless of making an attempt each hydrating hair masks together with upping my hair nutritional vitamins and omega-3 consumption. In the summertime, I additionally air dry my hair extra and observed it was a lot frizzier than ordinary, making it tougher to fashion. Most of the time, my hair would find yourself in a slicked-back ponytail or low bun. So, I did some analysis and located a hair smoothing therapy that may assist cut back and clean out the frizz and texture. Bonus: with out sacrificing my hair’s personal wave and motion.
Featured picture by Teal Thomsen.
Meet the Knowledgeable: Tania Whittier
It’s necessary to notice right here that I didn’t need dead-straight hair, simply an total softening and smoothing. I’ve heard from associates and colleagues how damaging different hair straightening remedies could be so I used to be searching for a non-toxic keratin therapy that might give me comparable outcomes. In accordance with analysis and numerous research, formaldehyde can enhance the danger of most cancers. Sadly, this can be a key ingredient in many of the common hair smoothing remedies. Discovering a formaldehyde free therapy was crucial.
That’s once I met Tania Whittier. With a roster of movie star purchasers, it’s secure to say that the acclaimed stylist has seen all of it. Nevertheless it wasn’t till a consumer requested her a few non-toxic hair smoothing therapy that she determined to significantly look into it. And she or he hasn’t regarded again.
I’ve had a number of pure hair smoothing remedies with Whittier now and I’m obsessed. Whereas security is all the time the highest precedence, efficacy is necessary, too. Nicely, let me let you know, this one works! Learn on to be taught extra about this pure keratin therapy, the way it works, how lengthy it lasts, who the best candidate is, and extra.
Hair Smoothing Therapy: The Earlier than and After
As you possibly can see in my earlier than picture, my hair was curly with numerous frizz. And whilst you can’t inform from the picture, it was additionally coarse to the touch. However after Whittier’s therapy, it’s clean, shiny, and hydrated. Maintain studying to be taught why.
Poisonous Vs. Non-Poisonous Hair Remedies
The primary distinction between non-toxic hair smoothing remedies and conventional keratin ones is formaldehyde. The second greatest distinction is the customization. This implies that you may select the extent of straightness you need to obtain. (Maintain the wave, lose the frizz.) In contrast to conventional remedies, non-toxic choices help you select how a lot motion you need to hold in your hair whereas lowering the frizz.
I opted to be a bit straighter than my ordinary hair this time as a result of I wished a sleeker look. However my pal and former colleague, Victoria Hoff who has thick, lengthy, naturally wavy 2B S-curls, was capable of cut back the frizz with out compromising texture. Whittier all the time assesses the pure texture of the hair first to see what it does naturally and the way she will be able to play to that. Then it’s as much as the formulation, processing, and irons to create a customized consequence.
There are a number of non-toxic hair smoothing merchandise obtainable now. Whittier rotates between Puraluxe, Cezanne, and Leaf & Flower relying on the consumer’s hair. (She used Puraluxe on my hair.) One of many large advantages is that you just don’t have to attend to scrub your hair. “As a result of the therapy has gone into the cortex and is definitely sealed in, you possibly can resume your regular life instantly post-treatment, which is a large bonus,” explains Whittier. Sure, which means you are able to do a exercise or class on the health club straight after, too.
How does it work?
Formaldehyde remedies work by pushing the keratin into the cuticle with warmth and the formaldehyde acts as its ending product. Whittier notes that this provides the phantasm of shine, however over time, the hair turns into dry as a result of it’s too harsh on the hair, particularly fragile hair.
Non-toxic remedies open the cuticle to permit the amino acids to enter the cortex of the hair versus the previous manner of excessive warmth blended with formaldehyde that created a poisonous carcinogen. “It really works higher as a result of now I’m capable of management processing instances and warmth ranges together with mixing totally different formulation,” she provides. “This permits me to customise a therapy for each consumer as a result of not everybody desires stick-straight hair.”
Advantages of Non-Poisonous Hair Smoothing Remedies
- Formaldehyde-free
- Non-drying
- Customizable relying on desired outcomes
- Can wash hair instantly post-treatment
- Pure components
The Step-by-Step Course of From Begin to End
Step 1: Shampoo to wash the hair however don’t use conditioner. Take a look at the feel of the hair and focus on desired outcomes.
Step 2: Combine, apply product, and permit it to course of. This permits the amino acids to enter the hair.
Step 3: Rinse out the hair 110% as a result of the water will neutralize all of the components and any amino acids that didn’t make it into the cortex of the hair. This is a vital step in making a non-toxic therapy.
Step 4: Blow dry the hair.
Step 5: Flatiron the hair. That is additionally an necessary step as a result of the hair will let you know what it could actually and might’t deal with with the warmth. It’s all the time necessary to know the hair and instruments you’re utilizing. A unique temperature and kind of iron could make a HUGE distinction!
Be aware: Remedies can take anyplace from 1-3 hours relying on what kind of therapy you need and the way lengthy you want it. Your hair size and texture additionally come into play. Relying on the therapy, Whittier expenses $125- $475.
How lengthy does hair smoothing therapy final?
Remedies can final anyplace from just a few weeks to as much as six months. “Everybody has totally different texture and everybody desires totally different outcomes so it varies,” Whittier explains. “However the extra contrasting the feel is out of your pure, the quicker it’s going to really feel prefer it’s rising out.”
Who’s the best candidate for a non-toxic keratin therapy?
Whittier says nearly everybody can profit from an amino acid smoothing therapy. “Even shampoos are beginning to boast about keratin and amino acids as a result of they assist to restore the hair,” she says. “It’s all about steadiness although, so undoubtedly speak to your stylist to verify your hair stays within the candy spot!”
Publish-Therapy Outcomes
Week 1
That is my hair washed and air-dried one week submit non-toxic keratin therapy. As you possibly can see, it’s nonetheless very shiny and clean. The curl on the entrance is from me tucking it behind my ears whereas it’s moist—I just like the s-bend form it creates round my face.
Week 6
That is my hair air-dried and washed six weeks submit pure hair smoothing therapy. Whereas some texture has returned, it’s nonetheless clean and it feels extremely tender. There’s a wave to it that provides my hair form and motion however it’s not frizzy. I find it irresistible a lot.
Tania’s High 4 Manufacturers for Publish-Therapy Care
Whittier all the time recommends sulfate-free skilled shampoo that doesn’t have keratin or proteins in it. “A smoothing therapy places all of the amino acids in so that you don’t need to attempt including extra; it will trigger your hair to really feel dry—it’s all concerning the steadiness,” she advises.
Each product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll all the time give an trustworthy opinion, whether or not gifted or bought ourselves. If you happen to purchase one thing by way of our hyperlinks, we could earn a small fee for free of charge to you.
Olaplex Every day Cleanse & Situation Duo
It’s sulfate free and helps to maintain your hair sturdy.
Oway Smoothing Package for Superb Hair
Nice clear skilled Italian model that smells wonderful!
O&M Hydrate & Conquer Conditioner
One other nice clear line from Australia.
Innersense Renew Texture Hair Ceremony for Thick, Coarse, Curly Hair
Clear, straightforward to make use of, and wonderful high quality.
This submit was initially revealed on August 31, 2021, and has since been up to date.