Chemical Straightening

Permed shoulder length hair
Photo: Maryna Pleshkun/Shutterstock
Q: I have shoulder length hair, and I want extensions but I have my hair permed. It used to be naturally straight and was soft and thin.
 
I've only had my perm in for two months and I'm beginning to dislike it, so I was thinking if I got my hair chemically straightened would it lift my perm and go back to how my hair used to be. Also do you know how much it would cost to chemically straighten hair?
 
A: The cost depends largely on what type of straightening procedure you choose. There are thio-straighteners that are formulated the same way perms are formulated and simply function to break the chemical side bonds of the hair and reform them into the straight pattern you desire.
 
These processes, however, are like perms in that they cause some swelling in the hair shaft and while the hair may be straightened, it will be "thicker" than before it was initially permed. The cost of a thio-straightener is comparable to the cost of a permanent wave. Generally, the cost is anywhere from $35 to $80 U.S. and up.
 
Now, the Thermal Reconditioning (Japanese Straightening) service will generally give you perfectly straight, smooth and beautifully conditioned hair, and will likely return your hair to the soft, thin texture it had before it was permed.
 
However, the process is expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500 and up depending on the length of your hair and the area in which you live. Areas where there are fewer salons and stylists who offer the service generally charge a higher price because of lack of competition.
 
You will need to consult with whichever stylist you choose (for whichever service) to have them evaluate your hair's condition. If your hair has been badly damaged by the perm you received, you may not be suited to either process and may have to wait to repair the damage to the hair before getting the hair straightened.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Permanent hair straightening
 
How can I straighten my permed hair?
 
Is it possible to straighten a perm with a flat iron?
 
Is it safe to use a home straightening kit to straighten permed hair?