The permanent blow-wave

By Milly Nolan

MiNDFOOD beauty editor Milly Nolan puts a permanent blow-wave to the test.

Exasperated by the perils of living with fine hair that has a life of its own (think frizz and fluff), I jumped at the chance to trial the Permanent Blow Wave treatment at Bettjeman hair salon in Auckland.

This revolutionary hair treatment also goes by the name of Kerastraight and has recently arrived in New Zealand after phenomenal success overseas. The treatment is suitable for all hair types but has mainly been designed for women who are fed-up with frizzy, curly and unmanageable hair and who instead wish for gloriously straight and glossy locks.

To begin with, my hair was washed with the magic solution of keratin (a natural protein compound found in hair), and a dose of 22 carat gold and white clay was applied to every inch of my hair before being straightened over and over with extremely hot irons (10 degrees hotter than ghd’s).

Three hours later I walked out of the salon with unrecognisable hair – it was poker straight and incredibly shiny.

The next two days that followed however were not so enjoyable as I was not allowed to wash my hair, tie it up or even tuck it behind my ears until I could wash it on day three. Because of the leave-in treatment by the final day my hair had become so greasy that it looked as if I worked in a fish and chip shop. I was tempted to hide behind a hat but unfortunately that was on the ‘not allowed’ list also. However, all was soon forgotten once I washed it as the soft, smooth and straight locks that I was left with far outweighed the two days of not looking my best.

For three months now, all I’ve had to do is blow-dry my hair, run a brush through it and step out the door – as opposed to using numerous styling products and straightening irons to keep the frizz and fluff at bay. For some this may not seem a big deal, but for me it is pure luxury to have such manageable hair that looks more groomed and in better condition than ever before.

The great thing about the Permanent Blow Wave is that contrary to common thought, it doesn’t mean your hair is left dead straight or without any movement. Because my hair is naturally quite curly if I leave it to dry without blow-drying I get lovely waves, as opposed to frizzy curls.

At $400-$600 (depending on the length and condition of your hair) a treatment and only lasting between 3-4 months, the Permanent Blow Wave is not exactly cheap but for those with unruly locks it is certainly something worth saving for.

bettjemans.co.nz

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