Removing a Chemical Straightner

No, you cannot remove a chemical straightener from your hair. The hair is softened by a chemical reaction that breaks the disulfide bonds. This is called the reforming step. The protein chains which were previously connected are now released from each other and move to take on the straight shape. Once the hair bonds are chemically reformed they become permanent.

For your reference, chemical hair straighteners that contain sodium hydroxide (lye) or guanidine (no lye), lithium, potassium are irreversible. Chemical hair straighteners that contain thioglycolate or cysteamine hydrochloride are reversible. However, be very careful. If by mistake you mix one on top of the other you’ll get a chemical hair cut!

If your hair is fried there is not much you can do. It is really best to visit a hair straightening technologist who is versed with all permanent hair straightening procedure and not just any stylist.

Sorry, I know I haven’t been of much help, nonetheless, I wish you the best.

Steve Tcherkezian
www.verticalsinhair.com