hair retexturizing
Japanese Straightening
Permanent straightening for sleek, manageable hair
Request This ServiceAbout this service
Japanese straightening — also called thermal reconditioning — permanently restructures the hair to be straight. Unlike a keratin treatment, which smooths the surface and washes out over months, this changes the hair's internal bonds, so the straightened hair stays straight until it grows out.
It's the most involved service in this category: a long appointment, a permanent result, and a process that demands healthy hair. Your stylist will assess your hair thoroughly and will tell you if it isn't suitable.
What's included
- Detailed consultation covering your hair's full chemical history and condition
- A strand test where needed to confirm your hair can take the process
- Solution applied to break the hair's bonds, monitored closely
- Precision flat-ironing section by section — the stage that sets the straightness
- Neutralising to rebuild the bonds in their new straight form
- Conditioning treatment, finish and detailed aftercare instructions
What to expect at your appointment
Allow around five hours. This is a long appointment and it can't be rushed — the ironing stage in particular is done in very fine sections.
Your stylist starts with a thorough assessment and may test a small strand. The solution is applied and monitored, your hair is rinsed and dried, then flat-ironed section by section before the neutraliser is applied to lock in the new structure.
Afterwards your hair is treated and finished, and you'll be given firm instructions for the first few days.
Who it's best for
Anyone with strong, healthy curly or coarse hair who wants it permanently straight and is prepared for the maintenance of regrowth. It is not suitable for heavily lightened, previously relaxed or fragile hair, and your stylist will say so rather than risk your hair.
Caring for it at home
Follow your stylist's instructions precisely for the first few days — typically no washing, tying, clipping or tucking your hair behind your ears, as a bend set now can stay.
Long term, use sulphate-free moisturising products, deep condition regularly, and be careful with heat. As your hair grows you'll have a line where your natural texture starts; a root touch-up is usually done every six months or so, and only ever on the new growth.
Tips from our stylists
- Be completely honest about your hair's chemical history — this process is unforgiving of surprises
- Clear your day; five hours is realistic and rushing compromises the result
- Don't tuck your hair behind your ears or tie it for the first few days
- Never have this done over relaxed or heavily lightened hair
- Expect a visible line at the regrowth as your hair grows, and plan for touch-ups
- Ask your stylist about strand testing if you've had any colour done
Common questions
- How is this different from a keratin treatment?
- A keratin treatment smooths the surface and gradually washes out. Japanese straightening permanently changes the hair's internal structure, so the treated hair stays straight until it grows out.
- Is it permanent?
- Yes, on the hair that's treated. New growth comes through with your natural texture, so you'll see a line over time.
- Can I have it on coloured or lightened hair?
- Often not — heavily lightened or previously relaxed hair is usually unsuitable. Your stylist will assess your hair and may strand test before agreeing.
- How often do I need a touch-up?
- Usually around every six months, and only on the new growth.
- How long does it take?
- Around five hours. Please allow the full time.
Further reading
- Keratin vs. Japanese Straightening: Which Should You Choose?
One focuses on smoothness and frizz control; the other restructures curls for straighter hair. Understand the difference—and the safety questions to ask.