Which straightening treatment should you choose for your hair type? Complete guide
Author: Paris Liss Expert
Choosing a straightening treatment does not depend solely on the result you want. Your hair type, its condition and porosity, and any previous treatments all play an essential role in choosing a suitable protocol.
Fine or sensitised hair
With fine, fragile or sensitised hair, the aim is to avoid overloading the hair fibre. Gentler protocols are generally preferred, with a controlled straightening temperature and a suitable processing time.
- Avoid excessive passes with the straightener.
- Adjust the temperature to the hair’s resilience.
- Carry out a preliminary diagnosis.
Thick, curly or very voluminous hair
Thick or very curly hair often requires a more structured protocol. The choice of product mainly depends on the desired level of relaxation: reducing volume, loosening the curl or achieving a very straight effect.
Afro-textured or very tightly curled hair
With Afro-textured hair, it is important to consider the density and resilience of the fibre as well as any previous treatments. A powerful straightening treatment is not automatically the best choice: a good diagnosis and careful heat control are decisive.
Coloured or bleached hair
Coloured or bleached hair requires greater caution. Before any straightening treatment, it is useful to assess the hair fibre’s elasticity, porosity and resilience. A strand test can help make the protocol safer.
Straightening or a smoothing treatment?
If the main aim is to reduce frizz, make styling easier or add shine, a smoothing treatment or a BTX-type treatment may sometimes be more suitable than a highly transformative straightening treatment.
How do you make the right choice?
The best product is the one suited to the hair type, its history and the desired result. Before any application, always read the manufacturer’s protocol and adapt the technical settings to the diagnosis carried out.
FAQ
Can the same straightening treatment be used on all hair types?
No. The temperature, number of passes, processing time and sometimes even the type of product must be adapted.
Does thick hair always require a stronger straightening treatment?
Not necessarily. The condition of the hair fibre matters just as much as its thickness.