If you’re fed up of taming your curly hair with hair straighteners every day and want a more permanent option, there are a variety of chemical processes you could try out. But what’s the difference between the processes and what are the pros and cons of each?

Hair relaxers
Relaxers have been used for years to tame waves and curls. The general process is that an alkaline chemical solution is applied to the hair – this breaks down the disulfide bonds within the core of the hair that create the curls – and, once the hair has been straightened, a neutralising solution is applied to make the effect permanent, giving you lovely straightened locks.

What are the downsides? Well, as with every chemical process, you do risk damaging the condition of your hair. It’s true that even the best ceramic hair straightener won’t leave your hair unscathed with excessive use, but the chances of severe damage are much higher when you opt for permanent hair straightening using chemicals. Also be aware that relaxers will just relax the waves in your hair and don’t claim to leave it poker straight.

Japanese straightening systems
The newest permanent straightening systems on the block are Japanese systems like Yuko. Also labelled thermal reconditioning treatments, they claim to be gentle on hair and even to improve its condition. The general chemical process used is the same as with relaxers, although Japanese systems tend to use gentler alkaline chemical formulations. They also include an additional step which is to work special hair irons over the hair before the neutralising solution is applied, which leaves hair truly poker straight.

So – permanent, dead straight hair .. perfect! But what are the downsides? Well, it’s a lengthy process so be prepared to spend hours in the salon. It’s also not cheap. Although it claims to be gentle on hair and even improve its condition, I’d be wary of some of these claims. You still risk damage to your hair, as with any chemical process, so make sure you only have it done by a fully trained stylist. It’s also probably not for you if you have more delicate Afro or previously chemically treated hair.

Brazilian keratin treatment
Another treatment on the market is the Brazilian straightening keratin treatment. It doesn’t claim to give permanent results, but to give you long lasting, re-conditioned and straightened hair. The hair is coated with a keratin formula and then straightened using irons before the formula is washed off. The claims are that this process bonds the keratin to the hair, improving its texture and leaving it feeling soft and silky.

Although according to reviews many have been really pleased with the results, there are serious warnings about the potential presence of high levels of formaldehyde within the keratin formula – it’s often used as an active ingredient to help the bonding process, but has been found in dangerously high levels, over the 0.2% recommended safe level. Inhalation of formaldehyde can pose a real health risk, so be very careful before going ahead with this treatment and double check the ingredients list of the keratin formula.