Are you on the team natural or team straight fence, ever thought you could be both? Shevelle Rhule investigates the rise of the semi – permanent smoothing treatments.
With women increasingly turning their backs on permanently straightening procedures and opting to go natural, more and more brands have taken the initiative to bridge the blurred gap between relaxers and going natural. Hair is all about choice, some want it straight, some want it curly, while others just want help to slowly transition because going for the BC isn’t a option to them. This is where semi-permanent smoothing/straightening treatment comes in handy. Upon research we found loads, some call themselves keratin treatments, others Brazilian blowdrys or smoothing treatments. Brand new to the market is Avlon (makers of Keracare) version, called Texture Release, a salon only heat activated conditioning smoothing system, which goes deep into the hair fibres., allowing women to have the option to texturally change their hair without compromising on condition, versatility or chemical, change for12 weeks. I spoke to Jacqui McIntosh, Head Educator for Avlon Europe Ltd, to help me understand why this semi-permanent smoothing treatment was developed. “You will always have clients that prefer to wear their hair completely natural, some who want extensions and you definitely will have individuals that wish to wear their hair relaxed. Increasingly we have clientele that wish to have the freedom to do them all without commitment and to some degree Texture Release will give the client these options.”
I’ve always been skeptical of treatments that sounds too good to be true, particularly after a bad experience with a certain brand of Brazilian blow dry that promised my curls would come back after 12 weeks – trust me they didn’t. I had to grow out the blow dry over a year and half period cutting my precious hair bit by bit just like I did with my relaxer three years before hand. “Most Brazilian blow-dries are associated with the use of formaldehyde this is not the case with Texture Release. Texture Release is a Nano Technology Amino Acid based treatment.” So in essence if you wish to elongate your natural curl pattern, transition from a chemical service, prolong your relaxer or wear your natural curl straight without the risk of shrinkage and fizziness all these option are available to you. Most importantly does this all happen without a permanent change to the hair structure? “Texture Release will not change the hair structure permanently as it doesn’t break and reform any bonds in the hair but act as a filler to the hair structure that is activated by heat,” adds Jacqui.
As well as helping to make hair less frizzy and manageable, these treatments are amazing at conditioning tresses and helping dry damaged hair shine with health and vitality. These treatments can do everything from repairing cuticles, adding moisture to promoting growth (by limiting breakage). Matt Green, Technical Director for Nanokeratin System UK, a professional keratin smoothing treatment that is infused with keratin, essential oils, proteins and plant extracts that makes the hair smooth for 12 week explains, “The nano particles penetrate into the cuticle to creates a protective shield against external aggressions to help prevent humidity frizz and additional damage from blow drying, heat appliances, brushing etc.”
So whether you’re looking for a treatment that will limit hair shrinkage on natural hair, or you want an ultra conditioning solution to improve dry brittle hair the new and improved smoothing treatments on the market may just be good enough to be true!
For more information on finding Texture Release and Nanokeratin System salons near you visit avlon.com and nanokeratinsystem.co.uk
Home Benefits
While salon treatments will give you the benefits of professional advice and help, there are more options to allow you to get similar results at home.
nuNaat Ultra Keratin Touch Kit from £11.35
This 30-day smoothing system makes hair remain silkier and more manageable for up to a month. A key ingredient is green keratin; derived from soy bean, corn and wheat proteins, which helps to reduce humidity, providing incredible smoothness whilst strengthening and nourishing the hair when using heat. The kit includes shampoo, conditioner, smoothing gloss, disposable gloves and step-by-step instructions.
Motions Natural Textures Straight Finish from £4.99
Motions Natural Textures has introduced a new 3-Step Heat Styled System especially for natural hair wearers who want healthy temporary straight solutions. The bounce- back formula preps, protects and seals your hair. So, unlike with permanent straightening systems, your hair will return to its natural curly texture after one wash. The system includes cleanser, leave in conditioner and sealer (sold individually).
ORS HAIRepair Straightening and Strengthening Treatment £11.99
The salon inspired formula allows 360 degree style versatility without compromising the integrity of natural curls. Formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut and wheat protein, the treatment helps the hair become nourished, shiny and luxuriously soft. The treatment includes clarifying shamp
oo, foam activator, and leave in conditioner.
