How Does Chemical Hair Straightening Work?

With chemical hair straightening, the actual chemical structure of your hair is changed. The most commonly used chemicals are sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, and guanidine hydroxide. Because the use of chemicals can permanently damage your hair (and can be dangerous as well), it is important to rely on a professional for this type of work.

Before chemically straightening your hair, a professional stylist will first conduct a "strand test". The goal is to ensure your hair will stand up to the chemicals, and to further determine which type of chemicals are right for your hair.

The stylist will then apply a protective cream over your scalp to shield damaged hair, and then rinse the straightening chemicals through your hair. Finally, a special conditioner is applied to relax the scalp.

The end result is a permanent, chemical change to the structure of your hair.

How Does the Sedu Hair Straightener Work?

The Sedu Hair Straightener, on the other hand, uses patented ceramic plates, heated to high heat, to temporarily alter the structure of your hair through infra-red technology and negative ionic treatment.

The Sedu Flat Iron requires that you clean and dry your hair prior to use, and it is necessary to use the Sedu Hair Straightener every day to achieve that stylish, straight hair look.

If you aren't certain you want permanently altered hair, but want the same, gorgeous straight hair look, then a flat iron -- particularly the Sedu Hair Straightener -- is the right choice for you.

Lola Fontaine provides beauty tips and advice on a range of topics, including the wildly successful Sedu Hair Straightener. More information can be found at GetStraightHair.com.