Before smoothing treatments? There was Japanese Thermal Reconditioning

Does anyone know what we did before flat irons? Before smoothing treatments? Before heat protection sprays? Hair technology has come a long way in the past ten years. But before all the new treatments, there was Japanese Straightening, also called Japanese Thermal Reconditioning.

And it was kind of revolutionary. News flash: it’s still around, but it’s not for everyone. “People who have very curly, frizzy & unmanageable hair should consider this treatment if they want to take out their curl completely,” says Ming Matthews, a stylist and educator at the BSS Post Riverside location.

“Japanese thermal reconditioning relies on Chi thio chemicals to straighten the hair by breaking down and reforming the hair completely. The Japanese Thermal Reconditioning process breaks down the hair bonds, then a flat iron is used to reset the hair bonds, which ultimately make the hair pin-straight with absolutely no curl,” she says. This process is fundamentally damaging to hair if not done properly.

Ming exclusively performs this treatment at the Post Riverside location of BSS. The treatment normally takes several hours to perform, but is really dependent on the length & thickness of the client’s hair.  Again this treatment is ideal for coarse, frizzy, very curly or ethnic hair, and is not something that Ming recommends for Caucasian hair unless it is incredibly coarse, thick & unruly.  She cautions that clients do not immediately color their hair. She advises to wait at least two weeks to lightly highlight or color hair, but discourages clients who already have severely damaged hair from bleaching or very heavy highlighting to get this treatment.

Additionally, like other smoothing & straightening treatments on the market, Ming recommends clients wait 72 hours to let the treatment set & continue neutralizing in the hair. She cautions that clients do not wash their hair, put their hair up, exercise, sweat or do anything to alter the shape of the hair. Ming suggests always using a sulfate free shampoo for one’s particular hair type. “If your hair is damaged, pick a repairing shampoo & conditioner,” she says. “If it’s dry, use moisturizing products.” But with that being said, Ming likes Pureology Hydrate Shampoo or Kerastase  Chrinologiste Shampoo; she also suggests Kerastase  Elixir Beautify Oil and Kerastase  Nectar Thermique for styling.

Kerastase products are available at all Bob Steele Salon locations.

Typically, Japanese Thermal Reconditioning lasts up to six months, but again it is dependent on how fast a clients’ hair grows, says Ming.   “Some may need to get it more often than others,” she states. But this treatment is a great thing for the right kind of hair. Call Bob Steele Salon to schedule a consult with Ming.