Can Men Relax or Straighten Their Hair?
Curly, tightly curled or coily hair: men can also benefit from relaxing and smoothing treatments. A relaxer gives a long-lasting result; temporary smoothing gives a short-term effect. Here are the options, depending on your hair type.
Relaxers, or permanent smoothing
A relaxer changes the structure of the hair by breaking the disulfide bonds that create curl. It gives a long-lasting result.
Two conditions apply:
- your scalp must be in perfect health before application;
- if you start with one technique, you must wait until the product has completely grown out before trying the other.
Mild (thio) relaxer
Ideal for wavy or curly hair. The product works on the surface, for results that last 3 to 6 months.
Alkaline relaxer
Designed for coily hair. The product works in depth and requires more expertise. Results last up to 2 months.
Smoothing treatments for men
Japanese straightening
Japanese straightening is known for the pin-straight result it gives. For curly, wavy or coily hair, it offers long-lasting results of 4 to 6 months. It works on colored hair, but not on highlighted hair.
Tannin smoothing
Tannin smoothing is a semi-permanent, natural treatment. It comes in several strengths depending on your hair type. Once done, only the regrowth needs to be touched up.
Plant-based collagen smoothing
This long-lasting treatment repairs hair in depth with collagen. It suits all hair types, including colored or balayaged hair.
Temporary smoothing
Done with a flat iron and no product, temporary smoothing doesn't change the structure of the hair, so it needs to be repeated.
It works best on curly or wavy hair. Tightly curled hair is better suited to permanent smoothing.
Advice from a stylist
To keep hair healthy, these techniques require precision. Your Au 2e stylist will advise you based on your hair and the result you want, as well as on the aftercare to follow.
