Clarifying the Fuzzy and Tangled Information in the Search for Smooth Shiny Locks & Carefree Hair

about Michelle Moore & this Blog

Expert Japanese Permanent Hair Straightening Specialist

My introduction to Japanese Permanent Hair Straightening was in 2004 when my niece asked me to perform the service for her two friends.  I did the service at my home for the 12- and 13-year-old girls, Taylor and Morgan.  The results were not only life transforming for the girls, but addictive to me!  Although the new service was very intensive and required meticulous and precise steps, it kept my mind busy and me on my toes. This is not a service for the lax or faint of heart.  

History of Thermal Reconditioning procedure is relatively simple.  Although the active ingredient, Ammonium Thioglycolate, had been used in the cosmetic industry to add or soften texture since the late 19th to mid 20th centuries, respectfully, it was, then, newly being used in a potentially disastrous, but highly effective technique developed in Japan by Liscio in 1996.  Later, the "Yuko System" was invented by Ms. Yuko Yamashita with a subsequent U.S. Patent in the year 2000 being issued.  These ingredients have been used well over a century in the salon industry .  It is only the technique and reformulation of the strength of the product that is new.  

For me, filling my appointment book with typical cut and color clients was a bit of a drag.  I don't have the hip and entertaining personality that most hairstylists in Dallas do.   I am more of a dry, nuts-and-bolts type that gets business done.  I was lacking the flash-n-dash of the styling industry with larger-than-life egos and fancy, but fun fashion sense.  No trendy tattoos, or cool hair do's for me.   I really preferred to be in the background working and thinking hard.

I am a sculptor and artist, first and foremost.  I love sculpting realistic, but expressive human form that speak for me.  Foundation, structure, texture, and shape are my stomping grounds.  The smallest detail can make or break the image.   Being an artist, I am hypersensitive to criticism which, in the salon, becomes imperative to my professional performance that I convey product knowledge and earn the confidence of my client.  Trust is critical to me being able to focus and deliver.  I take my results, reputation, profession, and license very seriously.   An ecstatic client is the le point d'equilibre ideal of my work.

I have heard many stylists either pull false information right out of thin air or they simply have no idea what they are talking about, not even taking the time to educate themselves.  (So many are afraid to just say they don't know the answer.  There is nothing wrong with being unsure, but fibbing, confabulation, and random regurgitation of internet information risks losing client confidence and disastrous hair.)  Likewise, the amount of misinformation published on the internet by writers, companies, and more is very disturbing to me.  I will link to and point out some of these through my blog to illustrate the gross confusion.  It is time that the public is pointed in the right direction with valid & dependable information.

 My reason for this blog is that as of 2021, I have seen an overwhelming influx of client confusion and misinformation from stylists, websites, writers, and even manufacturers.  I invite you to follow me as I take the uncomfortable position to point out and prove these facts and fallacies.  At least, I hope the big brands correct their misinformation for the sake of their reputations, salon industry, and the profession, itself.  How can any company or stylist ask for your hard-earned money if they aren't even committed to doing their own due diligence for their own futures?   I feel that a client puts a lot on the line, being their hair, their image, their money, and their time in the chair.  We owe it to ourselves and our clients to be educated, experienced, committed to excellence, and thorough in our trade.

I will tackle brands such as  OLAPLEX, online magazines such as myhairdoctor.com, and much more.  Get ready as I dissect and destroy.  Yes, I said that!  You, my dear pretty, will no longer be at the mercy of the "hair misinformation mafia.   It is no wonder that clients are confused.  

In well trained hands, Japanese Permanent Hair Straightening, also known as ReBonding in Europe and Asia or Thermal Reconditioning in America is safe and transformative.  It is known by many trade names, brand names, and colloquialisms.  Separately, and wholly different, are Smoothing Treatments which are Temporary.  Performed properly they are safe and have valuable applications for suitable clients.

Either Smoothing Treatments or Japanese Permanent Hair Straightening services by inexperienced stylists can be damaging and devastating.  The results can take years to grow out and have measureless impact for such an unfortunate client.

Relaxers and Permanent Relaxing are whole other creatures.   Relaxers use lye. a.k.a. Sodium Hydroxide (think Liquid Drano).   Permanent Relaxers are much gentler ammonium hydroxide (muriatic acid - cleans concrete driveways) without the ironing or straightening step.  You can see there is a lot to know before choosing your stylist and service.  hint: avoid any service with the word, "Relax" unless you know exactly what you are getting into.

I love informed clients, but too many are at a complete loss to make informed decisions, which is apparent from the conflicting questions they often ask me during consultations.  Questions such as asking me if I use the "ammonia free"  (impossible as all ammonium thioglycolate has ammonia) or "formaldehyde free"  (no permanent straighteners have formaldehyde) brands for permanent hair straightening comes straight from online "professionals" that have no clue nor have done any research into Japanese Permanent Hair Straightening.  These topics will be explained in depth later in my blog.  I hope to end a lot of confusion and misinformation as we move forward.

My next entry will clarify and simplify all the confusing terms, brands, systems, facts, and lingo into very easy to remember information.  I have specialized in Permanent Japanese Hair Straightening for 19 years now and want to clear and counter the clutter of confusion between you and the service you are looking for.  Until my next entry, take care of that hair!