Your type of hair, whether it is blond and curly or dark and straight, depends upon melanin and the hair follicle shape. Melanin is a substance that gives pigment to the hair--the more melanin you have, the darker your hair is. Curly or straight hair is structured by the shape of the hair follicle. Although genetics determine what type of hair you are born with, there are several treatments that can alter hair into a more preferred style or color.
Relaxers
Relaxers are designed to straighten curly or wavy hair. According to the TeensHealth website, relaxers work by chemically breaking the bond in curly hair and allowing it to lie flat. Certain types of strengtheners, such as those containing lye, can cause hair breakage and irritation of the skin.
Therefore, it is best to have your hair straightened by a professional. She can determine which types of chemicals are safest for your hair. Chemical strengtheners can cause hair to break over time--even if used correctly. To minimize these effects, do not comb or brush your hair right before application and wait six weeks before another relaxer treatment.
Perm
The TLC website explains that permanents do the opposite of relaxers--they add curl or wave to straight hair. They work by altering the hair's hydrogen bonds to mold the keratin chains into the desired style. This is done by rolling small amounts of hair onto rods and adding chemical solutions such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium bromate.
The oxidization that occurs produces curls. Although this process is called "permanent," curl will eventually go away as the hair grows. When used properly, permanents should not weaken or damage hair or cause scalp damage.
Color Treatment
There are two types of hair dye: permanent and semi-permanent. Permanent is color that will remain on your hair until it grows out, while semi-permanent color will wash out after several shampoos. When picking a color, the Marie Claire website suggests using your current hair color as a guide. Choose a shade that is just one or two shades lighter or darker.
If you are doing the treatment yourself, make sure that you have enough hair dye. Kits are designed for people with shoulder-length hair, so if yours is longer or thicker, consider purchasing two kits. Because some of the chemicals in hair dye can cause an allergic reaction--such as burning, hair loss and scalp irritation--it is best to test a small area before applying all over the whole head.
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