Setting Expectations
Having a read through the below can help you decide what treatment is most suitable for you and also provide a greater understanding of what to expect before, during and after your treatment.
We hear all the time how life changing the treatments are. We agree! It’s the reason The Straightening Salon exists because more women need to experience the magic of manageable hair.
Whether it’s to help tame the frizz, straighten unwanted curl, or simply have a little boost in self-confidence, we’re here for you.
But let’s get a few things straight... We want to set the right expectations. You may not experience ANY of the below or you may experience ALL of the below. Please have a read and let us know if you have any questions via our ‘Contact Us’ link below.
Brunette - This is your ultimate wash and go option, for naturally looking straight hair.
Blonde – For a healthy blonde, results will be a wash and go option for naturally looking straight hair. Damaged blonde or ultra fine bleached blonde may experience some residual wave and require some heat activation to smooth out any damaged areas. Our aim will always be to provide you the best outcome possible whilst improving the health of your hair. If your hair is extremely damaged we would recommend starting with a semi to improve the health of your hair first.
*Excessive silicone and product build up may interfere with the result so it is important to follow hair preparation details.
A Semi-Permanent is not a guaranteed wash and go option. If the hair is in a healthy condition, you may find air dried results sit perfectly, however, we would always suggest that heat activation will provide the best results. Damaged hair can be more resistant to texture change and whilst results will be a noticeable improvement, they would likely still require heat styling. Best results for damaged hair is usually experienced after 2 or more treatments.
The main purpose of a semi-permanent is to improve the health and quality of the hair, dramatically reduce styling time and have longer lasting wear out of your style. If your treatments are consistent and/or overlapped, you will achieve straighter and healthier hair each time, sometimes even achieve permanently straight results.
Preparation –
We strongly recommend following our hair preparation instructions which are sent to you via text message upon booking. It is easy, affordable and will give you the best outcome possible.
This is because our products do not contain any harsh chemicals, therefore it can be difficult for the treatment to penetrate the hair strand if it is coated in heavy silicones and butters/oils.
Using our recommended shampoo will begin the process of breaking down build-up such as silicone so that we can achieve the best result for your hair type.
Aftercare –
No swimming for 10 days and no bleach for 2 weeks. You can tie your hair up, however, we suggest loosely with a scrunchy or spiral hair tie. We also advise against tying the hair up when wet for the first 2-3 washes.
We strongly recommend the use of our Aftercare products to maintain your treatment, the health of your hair and scalp, as well as the ongoing shine.
Avoid sulfate-based shampoos, and conditioners that contain heavy silicone as sulfate will quickly strip the treatment out of your hair. Silicones such as Dimethicone, Amodimethicone leave a heavy coating over the hair making it difficult for the treatments to work their best.
Please note – It is really important to us that you experience the best results possible. We love what we do and want you to love your outcome! However, we will not take responsibility for the outcome of your treatment if the hair preparation and advised aftercare are not followed.
We carry multiple products in salon, tailored to suit the hair type and the goal of our client. It is important to remember that every head of hair is different and you cannot expect the exact same result as your friend, or even a family member. Some hair takes very well, whilst others can be extremely resistant.
Virgin Blonde / Virgin Brunette Hair - The treatment can temporarily discolour the hair to add what we call a ‘golden glow’. Your natural colour will remain, however when the sun hits the hair it shines with a sort of golden shine which will begin to fade after the first wash, usually returning to normal colour by the 2nd or 3rd wash.
Coloured Brunette Hair – Depending on the type of dye in your hair it is possible this will lift. We find the darker the hair, the greater the lift, particularly with box dye and permanent colours. The underlying tones of the dye will come through, as a result, some colour will barely change, some will lift to a beautiful chocolate brown and others will lift enough for a red/orange base to come through (this is generally for box dyes). If you are due for a colour, we recommend doing so after your treatment. The colour will not affect the treatment, however it is important to note that any chemical service such as colouring will gradually add porosity to the hair, irrespective of a treatment or not.
Bleached Blonde Hair – We understand how much effort blondes go to get their colour right. We put a lot of effort into ensuring the colour of the hair remains in-tact, however there should to be an understanding that if the primary goal is to achieve as straight as possible, there may be a slight change in colour. This would usually be a creamier blonde. Our clients don’t experience anything brassy.
If you are unsure, please see our Instagram photos of blondes. Bleaching will gradually affect the treatment and add porosity to the hair. With the right aftercare you can manage porosity and maintain sleekness for as long as possible.
For best colour results, we suggest at least two shampoos before your colour is applied. This will help remove any residual oils and amino acids from interfering with your colour process. For block colours and toners (not bleach), you are able to colour the very next day after your treatment, however preference is to wait 5-7 days. If you choose to colour immediately we suggest waiting the 5-7 day period before washing your hair again to reduce any dry scalp that may occur.
You may experience a slight odour upon washing your hair which usually lasts around 3 washes. Feedback on the smell ranges from clients enjoying it to other clients finding it unpleasant. It is only temporary and it is only when the hair is wet. Upon drying the smell is gone.
Some clients may experience some dry scalp, usually through the part line. This is completely normal and is as a result of shampooing, the treatment itself will be on an acidic base (the best environment for the hair) and heat iron next to the scalp. It is therefore completely normal if you experience some dry scalp
Naturally, the scalp will begin producing oil to compensate for any dryness. We suggest waiting as long as possible after the treatment before washing so that those oils can hydrate the scalp and also to avoid creating a habit of needing to wash the hair more frequently. The hair strands will be retexturized, hydrated and smooth, allowing oil to travel down the hair strand faster. Therefore, for the first couple of washes you may experience ‘oilier’ hair. If you do notice a difference, you can simply use a light spray of dry-shampoo while allowing oils to regulate.
For hair that is 80-100% natural grey or a mix of bleach over 80-100% grey then we would advise not to proceed with a treatment due to colour change. If the grey is tinted with a level 7 or below then we can treat the hair, however there will be colour change and likely a fresh colour required. If you are unsure about your grey, please get in touch and we will advise you on the best treatment option for your hair.