Permanent Blow-dry

By Hari's

Price: From £250

Stockist: Hari's

The claim: "Great for blow-dry addicts, this takes out frizz, relaxes unruly curls and puts volume and gloss back into colour damaged hair."

Pros: The Brazilian Blowdry treatment took less than an hour and simply involved a wash and rough dry followed by application of the chemical free solution which was sealed into my hair using straightening irons.  The treatment made my hair smell absolutely lovely - of cocoa and shea butter, leaving my hair shiny and smooth immediately!  When I next styled my hair I was able to dry it in a fraction of the normal time and with minimal styling effort, leaving me with smoother and shinier hair than before the treatment – I’m loving it! 

Cons: So that the ingredients have time to penetrate your hair, you have to wait for three days after the treatment before you can wash your hair.  Also, you can’t grip or tie your hair back during this time, including tucking it behind your ears as it will stay in that shape and ruin the end result – it took a real conscious effort not to do this, but I did persevere!

The blow-dry works best on hair that has been permanently coloured as the hair is more porous, so it won’t really be suitable for anyone with “virgin” hair.  The cost is £200 with hairstylist Jesus, which could be an expensive add on to your normal cut and colouring routine.

Verdict: The team at Hari’s made me feel really welcome and explained the treatment every step of the way.  The effects are meant to last up to 4 months – so should be perfect for those summer months when the humid commute can leave my hair six times its usual size before I even get to work!  Whilst still early days – I’m impressed so far and would definitely consider having this treatment again.

By Taylor taylor, London

Price: from £240

Stockist: Taylor Taylor

The Claim: "Invented in Asia, the IHR system (Ionic Hair Retexturing) has a long-lasting advanced formula that is able to retain the water content of your hair, thus eliminating any damage. The unique Matrix Opti Smooth utilises two ionic technologies, the thermal process to straighten hair permanently and the cold smoothing process to control curls and ease frizz. Each phase is specially designed to keep hair in tip top condition. "

Pros: This product really has revolutionised my morning routine. I used to have tight spirals of curly hair that often went frizzy if not groomed and preened every morning straight after the shower. It saves me so much time - I simply wake up, wash my hair and brush it; it dries naturally into straight beautiful salon done hair, every day.
 
Cons: The application takes about four hours; my hair was washed and then treated with the product to break down the bonds. The hair is then ironed straight and a setting solution applied. Next step the shampooing, conditioning and drying. The only other downside is that I couldn’t wash my hair for 48 hours or tie it up for two weeks.

Verdict: Amazing, I love it! My hair is so easy to manage and looks glossy and salon perfect every morning. The roots will start to grow again eventually and come out naturally curly, but I don’t need to think about the next re-growth treatment for about 6 months.

 

By Neville Hair and Beauty

Price: From £200

Stockist: Neville Hair and Beauty

The claim: "The original lasting blow-dry from Brazil and Gisele’s must-have hair treatment, the Botox for Locks treatment created by Rosa Burch is the answer to every frizz-prone mane's prayers. Perfect for damaged, unruly hair, this sweet vanilla-chocolate scented treatment re constructs the hair fibre, leaving hair smooth and manageable. Lasting for 3-4 months, this treatment will prevent any frizz". My hairstylist Rosa applied the treatment after my hair was washed, blow-dried it then straightened my hair with irons, the whole process took a lengthy two and a half hours but the results are worth every minute.

Pros: Blow drying time is reduced massively; it would normally take me an hour to blow-dry and straighten my hair, now I only need 25 minutes to blow-dry. I don't even need to use straighteners
My hair feels sleek, smooth and looks shiny. I still have the option to style my hair curly or straight, but all the downsides to thick curly hair - long styling times and weather-induced frizz are gone. 
Cons: My natural curls have loosened into a wave and I still have some kinks in my hair. I was warned about this before undergoing the treatment as I had very tight curls and this does mean I still need to blow-dry my hair if I want it to lie super sleek. I have also lost volume and thickness, so this treatment should only be tried by people with really thick, course hair. I couldn't wash or tie-back my hair for two days after the treatment too.

Verdict: Although the Brazilian treatment duration was lengthy, the process was pain free and the final results were well worth the salon time. The results will last up to four months and I would recommend this to others with thick curly hair who prefer to wear their hair straight.