Does Japanese hair straightening work and is it safe for my hair?

Scootergirl, I can honestly say that Japanese hair straightening has changed my hair's life.

It's also called thermal reconditioning, and in the hands of a well-trained stylist, it actually will leave your hair in better condition than you started. And what I have found is that because my hair is straight, I'm blow-drying it less and messing with it less than ever before, which keeps it in better condition as well.

It's expensive -- plan on between $350 and $500 depending on the length of your hair. And the process is long -- between 4 and 5 hours, depending on how long your hair is. But unlike other relaxers or straighteners, the straightened hair never goes back to being curly. You will have to have the process done to your new growth, but depending on how fast your hair grows, that may just be twice a year. My hair grows slowly and I can get by with once every 6 or 8 months.

I no longer fret humidity, which still amazes me (and I've had this process done for about five years now) because my natural hair is frizzy. (If my hair was just curly or wavy, I don't think I'd bother. But it can be a fuzzy mess when left to its own devices, and I was just plain tired of messing with it.)

If you are looking for someone who does thermal reconditioning, ask how long they've been doing it. I think it makes a difference in their ability to decide how long to leave the solution on your hair.

I normally wouldn't reference web sites that sell products, but this one tells how the process works by a person who does it:

http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip1104.htm

And another practitioner, writing from Asia:

http://www.lamasbeauty.com/beauty/july02/Thermal_Reconditioning.htm

Here's a place to get started in checking out salons who do this procedure:

http://www.thermalreconditioning.net/portal/findasalon/findasalon.asp

If you decide to do it, come back and let us know!

I am not sure...but here is some information I found. A consumer warning: this information is from the very site that sells this product (I was unable to locate an unbiased source of information)...

According to their website:

"Ammonium thioglycolate is the main solution used in Japanese Hair Straightening or Thermal Reconditioning. This solution has a lower pH balance than the caustic sodium hydroxide or ammonium thioglycolate found in regular hair straightening products. Calcium hydroxide is also another ingredient used in regular hair straightening. It is not used professionally and is found in home care hair straightening products. Calcium hydroxide leaves the hair cuticle open and the hair feeling dry.

The pH or potential hydrogen, is the measurement for the acid content in a solution. It is usually measured on a scale of 0.0 to 14.0; 0.0 being mild (acid) and 14.0 being corrosive (alkali). 7.0 is the neutral point as in the pH balance of distilled water. The ammonium thioglycolate used in Japanese Hair Straightening or Thermal Reconditioning has a pH balance of below 10.0; the exact figure varies, depending on the quality of the products. Better quality products have a lower percentage of active ingredient and lower pH balance of ammonium thioglycolate. This factor contributes a lot to the pricing of a Japanese Hair Straightening or Thermal Reconditioning service. Other factors considered in a good Japanese Hair Straightening or Thermal Reconditioning treatment include the application of expensive hair oils and proper equipment such as the use of correct thermal irons that can reach temperatures of up to 356 degrees Fahrenheit."