by Julie Zbeetnoff

Created on: May 08, 2009

Let start with the fundamentals of hair. Why do some of us have naturally straight hair and others have naturally curly hair? Before I get into the pros and cons of hair straightening techniques, I will first give you a little science lesson to determine what it is that makes your hair the way it is in the first place. This will help you to better understand the concept of altering your natural state of hair.

If you were to put your hair under a microscope you would see the core of your hair shaft technically known as the cortex. Within this cortex exists what are called hydrogen bonds. These hydrogen bonds are what causes the hair to bend and thus become curly.

When we straighten our hair we are essentially breaking down these hydrogen bonds so that our hair no longer retains it's naturally curly structure. The hydrogen bonds then reform when our hair is exposed to moisture, which is also why humidity and straight hair do not work together for those with naturally curly hair.

If breaking down hydrogen bonds sounds like an invasive procedure that is because it is! The most effective way to break down these bonds is by applying heat while at the same time pulling our hair taut or by tightly pressing our hair between heated plates and pulling. The more direct and higher in temperature the more effective the results and the more potential damage could be caused to your hair especially when repeating this process daily to achieve the same desired results. Frequent straightening can lead to dry hair, splitting of the hair shaft, brittleness, frizziness and dull looking hair.

However today's fashion trends are all about having smooth flat straight shiny bouncy locks and most of us want to look our best especially for special occasions and having great hair is the icing on the cake.

Depending on the hair styling appliance you use and how curly you hair is to begin with hair straightening can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. That is a long time to be pulling and tugging and heating your hair, so be sure to use the specially designed heat protection sprays, shampoos and creams that are out on the market today.

My advice is not to straighten your hair everyday but reserve it for girls night out, photo shoots, hot dates or any special event when you want to look and feel fabulous. Remember to always use hair product that protects your hair from the heat. Choose a styling instrument that does not get overly hot but still works fast and efficiently and finally keep straightening limited to no more than a couple times per week.

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