The results from chemically straightening curly hair are permanent for the treated hair. However, new hair growth will still have its natural curl, requiring touch-ups.
Understanding Hair Straightening Permanence
While chemically straightened hair remains permanently straight, the overall effect isn't truly permanent due to new hair growth. Here's a breakdown:
- What is Permanent?
- The hair that has undergone chemical treatment to straighten it will remain straight. The chemical process alters the hair's structure at a molecular level, which is irreversible.
- What is Not Permanent?
- As your hair grows, the new hair will retain its natural curly texture. This means that over time, you will see a contrast between the straightened hair and the new curly hair growth.
Maintaining Straightened Hair
To maintain a consistent straight look, regular touch-ups are necessary. Here's what that typically involves:
- Touch-up Frequency: According to the provided reference, touch-ups are needed every six to twelve weeks to treat the new hair growth.
- Touch-up Process: A touch-up involves applying the straightening chemicals to the new hair growth at the roots, matching the existing straightened hair.
- Full Straightening vs Touch-Up: The reference emphasizes that the initial straightening process is permanent, indicating that touch-ups are about managing new growth and not re-straightening previously treated hair.
Key Points
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Straightening | Permanently alters the structure of the hair shaft that was treated. |
| New Hair Growth | Retains the hair's natural curl, necessitating touch-ups to match straightened sections. |
| Touch-up Timeline | Typically every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on hair growth and preference. |
| Permanent Result | The hair treated by chemicals is straight, but the result is not "permanent" in the sense that no maintenance is required over time. |
Conclusion
While the chemically straightened portion of your hair will remain straight, it is essential to understand that the result is not permanent in the way that you would never need to treat your hair again. Touch-ups are necessary to manage new, curly growth.
