What Exactly is Japanese Shiseido Hair Straightening?

straight hair

You’ve probably just the read the title and have no idea what shiseido hair straightening actually is. Naturally, most people in Australia wouldn’t have heard this term or phrase. Having said this, shiseido hair straightening methods are growing in popularity across the world because of the ease of application and the amazing benefits! So, if you’re someone with frizzy or curly locks, you’ll know the frustration of trying to tidy it all up without it going frizzy again. Sometimes, it’s basically impossible.

 

How did it all start?

Also known as Liscio and Yuko, shiseido hair straightening began in Japan in the mid-1990s. The process was created and refined by Yuko Yamashita, a well-known Japanese salon owner. She created the technique on the basis of providing more effective and tailored salon services, particularly for those wanting to have more long-lasting straighter curls. To this day, it is the only service that can provide permanent results for customers.

 

So, how does it actually work?

More than 70 000 salons across the globe utilise this technique, a great testament to its success in the modern salon environment. Indeed, shiseido hair straightening utilises two primary technologies: re-bonding solutions and lots of heat. While you’ll probably have to settle in for a multiple-hour stay at the salon, the results will make it all worth it.

Step 1: Consultation

Before anything is applied, a stylist will evaluate your locks to determine whether the technique will actually work with your style. Any underlying conditions, damage or the use of prior treatments may influence how effective the process will be.

Step 2: Shampooing

If the stylist approves, your locks will need to be gently washed and shampooed before the treatment can begin. Your scalp will also be massaged during this stage and rinsed with warm water.

Step 3: Water and gel

A heat resistant gel will be applied to your scalp, along with water containing a lot of minerals. This is to prevent any chemical burning during the procedure.

Step 4: Now it begins

In this step, it all starts. The activator solution is applied to your curls, quickly and evenly. Essentially, this solution breaks down the protein bonds in your hair, so it is easier to mould. A plastic wrap is placed around the roots so they can be separated. Depending on the nature of your curls, the solution will need to sit form anywhere between 10 minutes up to an hour.

Step 5: Rinse and iron

Once the solution has worked its magic, your stylist will rinse it out and begin the shiseido hair straightening component of the process. Your locks will be dried with a towel gently to prevent any breakage.

After the rinse, your hair is then blown with a dryer; however, it shouldn’t be completely dried. Some moisture needs to remain for the ironing process, which will generally take over an hour.

Step 6: Neutraliser

Following this, a neutraliser will be applied, which will balance out your pH levels. It only needs to sit for about five minutes.

Step 7: Finishing touches

Once the neutraliser is rinsed out, a conditioner will be applied. Then, your stylist will add mineral water and a controller cream, before another round of blow drying. After this, a final round of ironing commences before you are finally done.

 

What are the benefits?

While the process is quite complicated and intricate, there are many great benefits of using shiseido hair straightening techniques. Firstly, while the initial process and consultation is expensive, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on maintaining your curls, because they will remain permanently straight for an extended period of time. At the same time, you won’t have to worry about the rain or weather affecting your curls, as they will now be weather-proof!