Hair care

Hair straightening and hair damage: what to know

Published: May 17, 2024Reading time: 4 minFiro Esmer
Dr Mohammed Abas

Medically reviewed by Dr Mohammed Abas

Medically responsible physician

How a shaving permanent works and affects our hair

A shaving cream is a chemical process that can give you straight hair, but it's important to understand how it works and the impact it can have on hair health.

Read more about damaged hair and hair loss, different conditions, and contact us if you would like an assessment.

What is a shaving cream?

A shaving permanent is a chemical treatment that:

  • Changes the structure of the hair - Permanently changes the shape of the hair shaft
  • Straight result - Hair becomes straight and keeps its shape even after washing
  • Chemical process - Uses chemicals to break down and reshape the hair

How Does a Straight Permanent Work?

Chemical Process

The process works by:

  1. Breaking down the sulfur bonds - The chemicals break down the sulfur bonds in the hair strand
  2. Shaping the hair - The hair is shaped into the desired shape (straight)
  3. Fix the shape - A fixing solution locks the hair in the new shape

Structural Changes

The hair shaft consists of:

  • Keratin - The main component of hair
  • Sulfur bonds - Give hair its structure and strength
  • Water bonds - Temporary bonds that can be changed with heat

Rakpermanent permanently breaks down the sulphur bonds, changing the basic structure of the hair.

Consequences for the hair

Drier hair

After a permanent shave, hair often becomes:

  • Drier - Loses natural moisture
  • Less elastic - Loses its natural elasticity
  • More prone to breakage - More brittle and vulnerable

Structural Damage

The process can cause:

  • Weakened hair structure - The hair becomes weaker
  • Loss of strength - The hair can withstand less stress
  • Long-term effects - The damage can be long-lasting

Minimize the damage

Intensive Moisturization

After a shave, it is important to:

  • Use moisturizing products - balms, masks and oils
  • Regular care - Continuous care to restore moisture
  • Avoid excessive heat - Reduce the use of hair dryers and straighteners

Protein supplements

Hair needs protein to recover:

  • Protein rich products - Use products with protein
  • In-depth treatments - Professional treatments to rebuild your hair
  • Diet - A diet rich in protein can also help

If Hair Has Been Extremely Damaged

If your hair has been extremely damaged by chemical treatments:

Let the hair rest

  • Avoid heat - Avoid blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons
  • No more chemicals - Avoid coloring, bleaching or other chemical treatments
  • Conscious care - Use only the mildest products

Strengthening Treatments

To rebuild the quality of your hair:

  • Professional treatments - In-depth treatments to restore hair structure
  • Protein treatments - To rebuild hair strength
  • Patience - It takes time to restore damaged hair

Preventive Measures

Before the Treatment

  • Consult an expert - Talk to an experienced hairdresser about the health of your hair
  • Assess the condition of your hair - Make sure your hair is healthy enough
  • Prepare your hair - Use strengthening products before the treatment

After the treatment

  • Follow aftercare instructions - Follow all instructions from the hairdresser
  • Regular care - Continuous care is essential
  • Monitor hair health - Pay attention to signs of damage

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Seek professional help if:

  • Hair comes off easily - If hair comes off with minimal impact
  • Extreme dryness - If your hair is extremely dry despite care
  • Bald patches - If you experience hair loss or bald patches
  • No improvement - If hair does not improve despite care

Read more about hair care and treatments at Akacia Medical.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a shaving permanent last?

A permanent shave usually lasts:

  • 3-6 months - Depending on hair type and care
  • Until the hair grows out - New hairs will have their natural structure
  • Needs to be redone - To maintain the result, the treatment needs to be repeated

Can a Shaving Permanent Cause Permanent Damage?

In severe cases, a shaving permanent can cause:

  • Long-term damage - Hair can be damaged for a long time
  • Hair loss - In extreme cases it can cause hair loss
  • Changed hair structure - The structure of the hair can be permanently changed

Conclusion

A shaving permanent can give straight hair, but it is important to understand the consequences and take proper care of the hair after treatment. Through intensive moisturizing, protein supplements and gentle care, you can minimize the damage and maintain healthy hair.

If your hair has been damaged by chemical treatments or if you have questions about hair care, contact us for a free consultation.

Related Posts

Tags

shaving permanenthair carechemical treatmenthair damagehair health

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Firo Esmer

Firo Esmer

Founder and Operations Manager at Akacia Medical

FounderOperations Manager

Firo Esmer is the founder of Akacia Medical and writes about hair transplantation, hair loss and treatment planning based on the clinic's experience and patient journey.

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