Japanese hair straightening (also called a straight perm or TR Process) gives you hair that stays straight through washing, humidity and rain. The work doesn’t stop when you leave the salon, though. What you do over the next few days helps lock in the result, and a little routine care keeps it looking smooth until your next visit.
Here’s what we tell clients at our Woodside salon after every Japanese hair straightening appointment.
The first 48 hours: don’t wash
Wait two full days before you wash your hair. The new straight shape is still settling, and water too soon can undo some of the work.
During those two days:
Keep your hair dry. If it rains (and in Queens it will), bring an umbrella or a hood.
Avoid heavy sweating. Skip the hard workout or the hot yoga class until after your first wash.
Let it hang loose and straight. This is the time to leave your hair alone.
The first week: no marks, no kinks
For about a week, your hair can still pick up marks and bends from anything that holds it in one position. Avoid:
Tight ponytails, buns and braids
Clips, claw clips and hair ties
Headbands
Tucking your hair behind your ears
That last one surprises people. Tucking hair behind the ears for hours can leave a bend right where the hair folds. If your hair falls in your face at work, let it, just for a week.
What about sleeping?
Sleep with your hair down and loose, not tied up. Don’t twist it into a bun or a braid at night during the first week. Keep the hair straight and free.
Washing and products after the first two days
Once the two days are up, you can wash as usual. A few habits help the result stay smooth and healthy:
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
Harsh shampoos can leave chemically treated hair feeling dry. A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner is kinder to it.
Expect less styling, not more
One reason clients love this service is how little styling it needs. It holds without daily heat styling, so there’s no flat iron in the morning. If you used to flat-iron every day, you can put the iron away.
Be honest with your stylist about new chemical services
Thinking about color, highlights or a perm later? Tell your stylist that your hair has been Japanese straightened. Treated hair needs extra care with any other chemical service, and your stylist will check its condition before recommending what’s safe.
How long does Japanese straightening last?
The treated hair stays straight until it’s cut off. It won’t go back to its old curl or wave.
What changes is your new growth. Hair grows out from the root with your natural texture, so after a while you’ll see a band of wave or curl near the scalp, with straight hair below it.
When to book a root touch-up
A root touch-up treats only the new growth, so the straight hair you already have isn’t processed again. You can usually book one about six months after your treatment. How often you’ll need one depends on your natural texture:
Very curly hair: about every six months, because the contrast between curly roots and straight lengths shows sooner.
Less curly or wavy hair: about once a year is often enough.
If you can’t decide whether it’s time, come in and we’ll take a look. Walk-ins are welcome.
Signs your hair needs extra care
Straightened hair is still hair. It needs regular trims and gentle handling. Book a visit if you notice:
Dry or rough ends. A trim with a haircut keeps the ends neat and the line sleek.
Frizz at the roots that won’t lie flat. That’s usually a sign your touch-up is due.
Japanese straightening or keratin for next time?
If you’re still deciding between treatments, or you’re curious whether a keratin treatment would suit your hair better next time, read our comparison: Japanese Straightening vs. Keratin: Which Is Right for You?. And if you’re weighing keratin options, see Keratin Treatment vs. Brazilian Blowout.
FAQ
How long should I wait to wash my hair after Japanese straightening?
Two days. Keep your hair dry until then, and avoid heavy sweating.
Can I put my hair in a ponytail after Japanese straightening?
Not for about a week. Tight ponytails, clips, headbands and tucking your hair behind your ears can leave marks while the hair is settling.
Will my hair go back to curly?
No. The treated hair stays straight until it’s cut. Only the new growth comes in with your natural texture.
How often do I need a touch-up?
From about six months after your treatment. Very curly hair usually needs one every six months, and less curly hair about once a year.
How long does the appointment take?
About 3 to 5 hours, depending on your hair’s length and thickness. Pricing is based on hair length.
Ready for smooth, straight hair?
Japanese straightening is our signature service at Hair Pro Charming, a mother-daughter salon at 63-30 Roosevelt Ave in Woodside, near the 61 St–Woodside 7 train stop and easy to reach from Sunnyside, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. We speak English, Korean and Spanish.
Call or text us at (917) 373-1417 or walk in. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM. You can also send us a booking request.