Straight hair has always been a popular hairstyle choice for many people, and the best hair straightener treatment can help achieve this look.
Straight hair can give a sleek and polished appearance that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
However, maintaining straight hair can be challenging, as it requires consistent effort to keep it healthy and shiny.
In this blog post, I will discuss different straight hair treatments and product recommendations that can help you achieve and maintain healthy straight hair.
READ ALSO: The Best Protein Treatment for Relaxed Hair & More
Table of Contents
Best Hair Straightening Treatment #1. Keratin Treatment
Keratin treatment is a popular straight hair treatment that involves coating the hair with a protein called keratin. The keratin fills in any gaps in the hair cuticle, leaving hair smoother, straighter, and shinier. The treatment typically takes about two to three hours to complete, and it can last up to six months.
One of the best products to use for keratin treatment is the Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution. This product is formaldehyde-free and enriched with amino acids and keratin to help nourish and strengthen hair while creating a straight and smooth look.
Best Hair Straightener Treatment #2: Hair Straightening Irons
Hair straightening irons are another popular way to straighten hair.
They are available in different sizes and shapes, and they can be used on different hair types.
Hair straightening irons work by applying heat to the hair, which helps to break down the hydrogen bonds that hold the hair’s natural curl pattern, resulting in straight hair.
The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium-Plated Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron is an excellent product for hair straightening.
It has a temperature range of up to 450°F, and it features ultra-smooth titanium plates that glide effortlessly through the hair.
It also has a slim design that makes it easy to handle and use, making it a perfect choice for people with long or thick hair.
Best Hair Straightening Treatments #3: Chemical Hair Relaxers
Chemical hair relaxers are treatments that use chemicals to break down the hair’s natural curl pattern.
They work by breaking down the protein bonds in the hair, which makes it easier to straighten.
Hair relaxers typically last between six to eight weeks.
Mizani Butter Blend Relaxer is an excellent product for chemically straightening hair.
It is enriched with shea butter, cocoa butter, and honey, which help to nourish and moisturize hair while the relaxer straightens it.
The Mizani Butter Blend Relaxer also has a low pH level, which helps to minimize damage to the hair and scalp.
Which Treatment Is Best for Hair Straightening? #4: Japanese Hair Straightening
Japanese hair straightening is a permanent straightening treatment that originated in Japan.
It uses heat and chemicals to break down the hair’s natural curl pattern and then locks it into a straight pattern.
The treatment typically takes between three to six hours to complete, and it can last up to six months.
One of the best products to use for Japanese hair straightening is the Liscio Crystal Hair Treatment.
It is a mild alkaline treatment that is gentle on hair and scalp, and it features a unique smoothing technology that creates a smooth and shiny finish.
Treatment for Straight Hair #5: Ionic Hair Straightening
Ionic hair straightening is a popular straightening treatment that uses negative ions to break down the hydrogen bonds in the hair, resulting in straight hair.
It helps to reduce frizz and static, leaving hair smooth and shiny.
Natural Hair Straightening Treatment
1. Heat‑free & natural methods
These techniques rely on time and tension—not chemicals or high heat:
- Bantu knots, braids, banding, African threading, hair wrapping
These styles stretch curls overnight or over hours, gradually loosening the natural pattern. - Natural masks & oils
Recipes include coconut‑milk, olive-oil + aloe vera, castor oil, honey/banana/yogurt masks, rice‑water rinses, plus Ayurvedic blends like amla, shikakai, bhringraj. They nourish, reduce frizz, and soften curls over time—not permanent straightening.
Pros: gentle, chemical-free, nurturing
Cons: time-consuming; results are subtle and temporary
2. Heat‑based natural methods (semi-temporary)
These methods use heat tools carefully:
- Silk‑press (blow‑dry + flat iron)
Cleanse, deep-condition, apply heat protectant, then blow-dry (often with a comb attachment) and flat-iron in sections. Creates sleek, shiny hair lasting ~1–2 weeks. - Blow‑drying with paddle brush, pressing combs
Less damaging than flat irons alone—but still requires heat protection.
Tips for care:
- Use heat protectants
- Keep temperature moderate (e.g. 275–390 °F depending on hair type)
- Wrap or use satin/silk bonnet overnight
- Deep condition regularly
3. Salon chemical or formal treatments
More permanent, but not “natural”:
- Chemical relaxers (lye/no‑lye)
Break disulfide bonds to permanently straighten. Strongly effective but can cause scalp burns, dryness, breakage, and may be linked to uterine and breast cancer with frequent use. - Keratin/smoothing treatments (Brazilian, etc.)
Use formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasers (e.g., methylene glycol). Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and fumes can cause eye, throat, lung irritation; stylists and clients have reported burning eyes, headaches, and other symptoms.
Regulatory bodies like the FDA and OSHA are scrutinizing or moving to ban these chemicals.
Warning: Even “formaldehyde‑free” or “natural” labels can be misleading—chemical reactions may still release harmful compounds during heat treatments .
What’s safest for natural hair?
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Heat-free (knots etc.) | Nurturing, chemical-free | Time-consuming; modest results |
| Silk‑press/heat styling | Sleek, noticeable, flexible | Moderate heat risk; temporary |
| Salon chemical relaxers | Permanent straightening | High damage risk; health concerns |
| Keratin/smoothing | Sleek & frizz-free for months | Chemical exposure; health risks |
My Performance Tip
If your goal is STRAIGHT hair without chemicals—but you’re okay with periodic heat—
a silk-press is a strong choice. When executed with a skilled stylist, lower heat, great product prep, and moisturising aftercare, it leaves hair sleek yet healthy.
For a completely chemical-free route, try heat-free methods like braiding or Bantu knots—effective but less dramatic.
Safety reminders
- Always use heat protectants when using styling tools
- Keep temperature moderate and limit frequency
- Deep condition weekly and trim split ends
- If visiting salons: check for ventilation, ask about chemicals, clarify if fumes will be released
- Pregnant individuals or those trying to conceive should avoid chemical treatments.
Photo Credits: Short Hills Dermatology Consultants