Hair straightening facts for kids

A person using a hair iron to make their hair straight.

Hair straightening is a way to make hair look smooth and straight. People with curly, wavy, or even slightly wavy hair might want to try it. There are different ways to do it, some lasting a short time and others much longer.

There are two main types of hair straightening: temporary and permanent. Temporary straightening lasts until your hair gets wet again. Permanent straightening can last for several months, even after your hair gets wet.

How Hair Straightening Works

Hair is made of proteins that give it its shape, whether curly or straight. Hair straightening works by changing these protein bonds. Temporary methods use heat to reshape the hair. Permanent methods use chemicals to change the hair's structure more deeply.

Temporary Hair Straightening Methods

Temporary hair straightening makes your hair straight for a short time. It usually lasts until your hair gets wet or damp again, like after a shower or if it rains. This means it might only last a few days.

You can temporarily straighten your hair using:

• Hair irons: Hair irons, also called flat irons, use heat to press your hair flat. They have two hot plates that you slide down sections of your hair. The heat helps to smooth out curls and waves.
• Hot combs: Hot combs are like regular combs but they get hot. You use them to comb through your hair, and the heat helps to straighten it as you pull.
• Hairdryers: A hairdryer blows hot air onto your hair. When you use a brush while drying, you can pull your hair straight as it dries. This helps to smooth out waves and add shine.
• Hair cremes: Hair cremes are special lotions or creams. They help to hold your hair in place and make it smoother. They don't completely straighten very curly hair but can help with frizz and light waves.

Permanent Hair Straightening Methods

Permanent hair straightening changes the structure of your hair so it stays straight for a longer time. These methods use chemicals and can last for a few months. Even when your hair gets wet, it will stay straight. As new hair grows, it will have its natural texture.

Some permanent straightening methods include:

• Chemical relaxers: These treatments use strong chemicals to break down the natural bonds in curly hair. This makes the hair easier to straighten.
• Japanese hair straightening: This method uses both chemicals and heat. It makes hair very straight and smooth.
• Brazilian hair straightening: This treatment often uses a chemical called formaldehyde (or similar ingredients) to coat the hair. It makes hair smooth, shiny, and less frizzy.

Other Pages

• Hair iron
• GHD

Images for kids

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  Large rollers can be used to straighten curly hair

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  Madam C. J. Walker (1867–1919), who helped popularize the straightening comb