The Origins

This process has been popular in Japan since the mid-1990’s and emigrated to a handful of salons in Los Angeles and New York in 1999. It has since become a favorite of fashion editors and movie stars like Julianne Moore.

Before and After

Before

After

How Thermal Reconditioning Works

This glycolic acid-derivative, which is traditionally used to perm hair, is relatively mild compared with the chemicals in conventional straighteners, leaving the hair softened and ready to permanently straighten. It can also now be used on African American hair that is virgin hair and has no previous chemical treatment. Then, instead of a traditional blow dry, hair is clamped between small irons and heated as high as 356 degrees (or higher in some cases) Fahrenheit to realign the bonds in stick-straight formation. This is the thermal part of Thermal Reconditioning. Despite it’s strong chemicals, the process can be less damaging than regular, strenuous, blow-drying, according to experts.

What Is It?

Keratin is a type of protein high in the amino acid “Cystine.” This special amino acid is what makes hair super tough and extremely elastic. Scientists refer to Keratin as a “Biopolymer,” due to its unique structures and interesting properties. Biopolymers are found throughout nature and give form and structure to naturally occurring substances all around the world; everything from leaves to trees, and turtle shells to goose down. Keratin is a classic example of a Biopolymer and it is the main structure building protein in our hair and nails. Some of the kinds or brands that are used are Brazilian Blowout, BB Zero, Mareia Tiexiera, Global Keratin, Beox and Copolla.