Japanese TIO Permanent Hair Straightening

Ever since I was 14, my hair - and its tendency to curl about - always drove me nuts. I constantly wore it in a ponytail (or a half ponytail), to avoid its wavy powers. By the time I was 16, I was so fed up that I decided to cut it short. This lowered my annoyance with the stubborn locks, but the curly tendencies of my front bangs was a kind reminder that my hair was the boss.

5 years later, I decided to have a rematch with the undisputed champion. With my favourite hairstylist in hand, I was ready to achieve the straight hair of my dreams.

Prep Work

Just as an artist starts on a clean canvas, it is imperative that your hairstylist wash and dries your hair prior to the treatment.

To clarify:

1. Shampoo twice and rinse
   
2. Condition and rinse with cold water
   
3. Lightly towel dry (use pats and avoid rubs)
   
4. Blow dry with a round metallic brush

Process

1. As you sit in reverie from having your hair pampered, your hairstylist applies a chemical mixture with a soft bristled brush. A wide toothed comb is used to ensure an even treatment. If your stylist is not carefully coating layer-by-layer, I would get a new stylist.
   
   
2. Leave the mixture in for 1 hour then thoroughly wash it off. This time, blow dry hair with the dryer facing downwards (make it as straight as possible; avoid 45 degree angles). Your hairstylist should now proceed to using a flat iron to straighten every strand.
   
   
3. Repeat steps 2 and 3 but this time applying a silk serum prior to drying the hair.
   

Approximately 3.5 hours from the time i set foot into the salon, i finally won the war between me and my hair. There are just a few things I have to do.

Maintenance

1. Avoid all contact with water for the next 72 hours. if the hair should get wet, use a flatiron immediately.
   
   
2. Stay away from bands and clips. The key here is to keep the hair as straight as possible. Any bents or dents left by hair ties and bands will stay there for the next 6-8 months.
   
   
3. Apply silk serum after every wash. Chemicals are terrible for your hair. So keeping it hydrated is a great idea - even if you didn't do the treatment and have dry or damaged hair.
   
   
4. Blow dry it downwards. Don't towel dry your hair! If you are against blow driers, brush straight and air dry.

Though my hair is now slick and straight, a flatiron can be used to achieve a higher level of shine.

Overall, I'm happy with the results, I just need to get used to the way my hair frames my face. Thanks to my hairstylist and Japan for coming up with a miracle worker.

(before and after)