The Price Of Beauty: Hair Straightening Costs
With an onslaught of shampoo commercials on TV, featuring models
with long, smooth and super straight tresses, it is no wonder
that a big chunk of the women population want their hair to look
impeccibly perfect. As a result, hair salons offering
hair-straightening services continue to mushroom all over.
Do-it-yourself hair treatments, hair ironing kits, and other
various hair products are constantly being upgraded, with new
and improved.
To say that there's a great variety of hair-straightening
methods and products to choose from is an understatement. Women
find themselves in a dilemma on what would suit them, and bring
out the best results. Among their major concerns is cost. When
it comes to hair treatment, does price really matter? Will a
more expensive process generate better results, or do cheaper
ones suffice?
Factors to consider:
1. Hair Condition
Needless to say, more work translates to higher costs. The
curlier the hair, the more expensive the salon treatment or hair
product will be.
2. Treatment life span
One has to choose whether she wants her hair to be straight
permanently or for a certain period only. While some women
prefer to have hair a la Cher for their entire life, others love
experimenting with various hairstyles - frizzy one day, super
straight the next. A permanent treatment's rate will of course
be higher than a temporary one.
3. Maintenance
When one constantly takes good care of her hair, especially
after undergoing a hair-straightening treatment, there will be
less frequent salon visits necessary.
$$$$$: Chemically straightened treatment done by professionals
in a salon
While there are hair straightening formulas readily available in
the market, it is still recommended to leave the chemicals to
the experts. The reason is simple: dealing with strong chemicals
requires technical know-how of the entire hair straightening
process. Also, professionals will be able to evaluate one's hair
condition to find out how strong the chemicals will be used, to
avoid any damage.
$$$$: Hair ironing kit
While this hair tool is, of course, cheaper than a salon visit,
it does not guarantee lasting results. Hair irons come in
various types. Those using metal plates are usually the
cheapest, but it is not recommended for regular use because its
surface will cause hair damage in the long run. The ceramide
hair iron is considered gentler and effective, but it comes with
a higher price tag. Using ceramic plates, this kind of iron is
smoother, which will result in better flattening of hair. It
also has a better control in temperature, that will prevent
burning and permanent hair damage. In buying a hair iron, make
sure to test it before buying. Thoroughly read and follow the
instructions included in the kit. When you regularly iron your
hair, avoid using other chemical treatments, such as coloring
dyes, because it might result in hair damage. It is also
recommended to have a regular trim to prevent split ends from
occurring.
$$$: Hair dryer
Amazingly, despite the emergence of newer hair straightening
products, the good old hair dryer is still surviving, and in
fact, still widely used. Perhaps among the cheapest of hair
straightening products, the hair dryer still remains to be
reliable in temporarily managing frizzy hair. Like the hair iron
its results last only until the next wash. Before starting, make
sure the hair is free of tangles by using a wide toothed comb.
It should also be slightly moist. Use a large and round brush
for better results. Setting lotion, gel or leave-on conditioner
may also be applied after blowing the hair to eliminate frizz
and achieve a smoother, silkier appearance.