Keratin Straightening AKA Semi-Permanent Straightening:
Top 7 Need-To-Know Facts-
1. This service takes differently to everyone
2. No consultation needed since results can not be predicted in advance
3. Color should be done 1 week before straightening, ideaily. Or, if absolutely necessary, 2 weeks after
4. Recommended wait period is 48 hours before first shampoo
5. Hair should remain 100% free of product and moisture during the wait period
6. Sodium Chloride(AKA-Salt, Sea Salt, NaCl ) dissolves treatment off of hair. All products used on hair must be salt free
7. UnSprung does not book clients who are pregnant or nursing
Semi-permanent straightening refers to all non-bond breaking treatments. These treatments tend to wear completely off over time and go by many names: Brazilian Straightening, Keratin Treatments, BKT, KT, Smoothing Treatments, Non-keratin Smoothing, temporary straightening, Brazilian Blowouts, etc. This technology will be referred to as SP-S from now on. Permanent Straightening will be referred to as PS.
SP-S only overrides bonds, as opposed to permanently breaking them. All other forms of straightening prior to this technology, and outside this technology, intentionally break bonds and ALWAYS leave the hair less resistant to future damage. The process of SP-S involves the application of solution to the hair strand, which adheres by way of a "heat-set" using a flatiron or blowdryer. It is the same idea as permanent press on fabric. SP-S absolutely does not cause damage to the hair, other than potential flatiron damage if a stylist is not careful. While NOTHING is capable of restoring hair to an undamaged state, the SP-S treatment adheres to the cuticle’s surface and adds a little protection from regular abuse and preserves the hair like nothing else.
SP-S can be done on top of all bond-breaking services including PS services (hydroxide and ammonium thio based straighteners) and color services.
The average service takes about 2.5 hours, but can range between 1-7 hours. A 2 day wait period is recommended between SP-S and all products, sweat, water, or any other chemistry. Despite the fact that manufacturers recommend avoiding ponytails, clips, tucking of the hair, etc. before the first wash, there is no evidence to back this up, if the hair is kept 100% dry. Once the hair can be washed, only products that DO NOT contain sodium chloride should be used since sodium chloride dissolves the keratin. Other names for sodium chloride are: sea salt, salt, and NaCl. Salt can also be found in sweat, the ocean, water processed with a water softener, salt water pools and hot tubs.
SP-S can last anywhere from 6 weeks to permanently. The range is huge, and each client's hair takes it differently. Typically, it sticks better to hair that is more porous. But, hair that is severely damaged or split will not typically hold very well since it lacks a good cuticle layer. SP-S adheres to cuticle, and without a good cuticle, there is no stick. SP-S has an accumulative effect with multiple treatments usually resulting in longer lasting and increased smoothness. About 80% the time, one treatment is sufficient. The initial straightness and rate of reversion will be different on every head of hair. The first time a client books a S-PS, they should think of it as an experiment because results completely vary from person to person.
A very unique styling aspect of the SP-S is the fact that the treatment is “heat maximized”. If the hair is air-dried(no heat), there will likely be some wave. If the hair is blown dry(with heat), it will usually smooth out. Once again like permanent press on fabric; if permanently pressed pants are allowed to airdry crumpled up, they will be wrinkly. If they are dried in the drier, they stay much smoother. And if those pants were not permanently pressed, an iron would be needed to smooth out the fibers or create a crease. Multiple straightening treatments helps to increase straightness for both air-dried and blown dried hair.
Color Info
According to the manufacturers, color can be done on the same day, coloring first and followed by SP-S. The reason UnSprung recommends a week between the two is because it has been observed that SP-S can lighten artificial color a couple shades. However, color lightens less with a week waiting period. This gives the color time to oxidize, making it more stable and less affected by the S-PS process.
In general, consider SP-S a "top coat". You do not want to do anything over the top of it, or else it could be compromised. If color were to be done after the SP-S, it would likely remove some of the treatment. For root touch ups, no SP-S will be compromised if only the roots are colored, and there is no overlapping onto the SP-S'd hair. The S-PS does not affect natural hair color, however, it can impart a yellow tinge to light colored hair when processed at the prescribed temperature. This yellow fades, but can become slightly darker and longer lasting with repeated treatments. This can be avoided by lowering the processing temperature, but this also potentially shortens the longevity and smoothing.
Because of the overall simplicity of process, SP-S is offered in many salons. The benefit that UnSprung provides, above and beyond other salons, has always been the attention to personal safety, commitment to quality, setting correct expectations and the constant investigation of new technologies. SP-S has had it’s share of controversy, but keep in mind that all chemical services in the salon have their share of negative affects for the stylist, client and/or the environment. There is absolutely no such thing as a "chemical-free" or “all natural” chemical service. Even hair itself is the result of complicated body chemistry. And ultimately, the products used in salons are barely monitored, and advertisers are allowed to say almost anything. It’s up to every stylist as to how they handle their exposure so please consider choosing one who prioritizes health and safety. For more detailed info, visit the blog.