frequently asked questions
What is Japanese hair straightening Thermal Reconditioning (JTR)?
Japanese hair straightening (also known as thermal reconditioning/JTR) is permanent hair straightening that will leave your hair silky and shiny. For women with naturally curly or wavy hair, this process will lead them to the straight hair they desire. The treatment will take their curly hair to straight hair with immediate, permanent results. That means once you straighten your hair, it will be straight until it grows out, at which time you will have to touch up just the roots. There is no need for hair dryers or flat irons for hair treated with Japanese Thermal Reconditioning Women with naturally curly hair know the struggle of trying product after product to achieve perfectly straight hair, often with less-than-ideal results, after putting in many hours of time and effort. With your JTR treatment, you will save the time and money you have previously spent on damaging hot tools and styling products, which is a huge help when you are getting ready for work or a time-sensitive appointment.
How does Japanese hair straightening Thermal Reconditioning (JTR) Work?
Our team of JTR experts work their magic by using LISCIO products and a flatiron … that’s it! Japanese straightening (JTR) is a smoothing and conditioning treatment that promotes a permanently altered structure of hair, so once your stylist seals in the treatment with a flatiron, the results are permanent until hair regrowth occurs. This process is also known as Thermal Straightening. The process, which can take up to 5 hours, loosens the hair's cysteine protein bonds and restructures them by straightening the hair using a heated flatiron and LISCIO products. The hair is then sealed and permanently straightened with the use of a neutralizing agent, which lowers the pH balance and closes off the cuticle. Once the process is complete, each strand of hair has a smooth surface, allowing for maintenance-free straight hair. No curls, no frizz, just a smooth, silky, and shiny head of hair! We will take your curly hair to straight hair with permanent, immediate results.
What is the name of the product used by Junko Hair Studios for Japanese Thermal Reconditioning (JTR)?
Our team of stylists use the LISCIO line of JTR products, made by Milbon USA
How long will the Japanese Thermal Reconditioning (JTR) last?
Once the hair has been thermally reconditioned by JTR, it will be permanently smooth and straight until it grows out. A root touch up is generally needed about 10 to 12 months after the Japanese Thermal Reconditioning treatment, although that time may be shorter or longer due to differences in individual hair growth. When you are ready to schedule a Japanese Thermal Reconditioning touch up, our stylists will give your roots a JTR touch up, and will also provide a complete conditioning treatment for the rest of your hair as well, to ensure it stays healthy, smooth, and shiny. The entire JTR touch up process will take 3 to 4 hours, and with regular touch ups, you will be able to ensure the best results to maintain perfectly straight and fully conditioned hair.
How much does Japanese Thermal Reconditioning cost?
For shoulder length hair, JTR starts from $450 and up, but the price will vary depending on hair density, texture, and length. As part of your initial consultation, your stylist will fully assess the current condition of your hair and will confirm the pricing details.
After JTR, can I curl my hair?
Japanese straightening (JTR) makes your hair permanently straight, and this will not change even if you do various types of hairstyles. After the recommended waiting period, you can use a curling iron or other curling tools as desired.
How should I care for my hair immediately following my Japanese Thermal Reconditioning Treatment?
During the first 72 hours after receiving a Japanese hair straightening treatment, it is critically important to follow the instructions given to you by your stylist. The waiting period gives your hair the time needed to finish the neutralizing process. During this time, the hair should NOT be allowed to get wet in any way, whether it be due to shampooing, rain, swimming, or sweat. Avoid all exercise for this 72-hour period, especially in hot outdoor weather, as even a minimal amount of sweat can bring moisture to your roots, affecting the quality of your results. In addition, as your hair is settling into its new position, do NOT use headbands, elastics, hair accessories, or curling tools. As hard as it may be, these 72 hours are essential in creating your desired result. Rain, humidity, or even a steamy shower are your enemies! Perspiration from working out is also a big NO. Moisture can adversely affect your hair, preventing completion of the full neutralizing process. You just spent time, effort, and money on this procedure, and we want to make sure you get optimal results. If your hair does happen to accidentally get wet during this time, blow-dry with the dryer pointed down towards the ends of your hair. Keep it constantly moving so that all the heat isn’t concentrated on one spot, then gently flatiron the wet area at a low temperature. After the full 3 days, we suggest that you wash your hair at least once before putting it up in a ponytail, or any other style.
During the initial 72-hour waiting period, how should I sleep with my newly straightened hair?
Your stylist will give you detailed instructions, including instructions for sleeping. Above all, remember to avoid sleeping with your hair in a ponytail, bun, or similar style. Sleeping with your hair up in a messy bun or high ponytail may seem harmless, but the tension from having your hair up for 6-8 hours can put a strain on your scalp and lead to eventual hair damage. Hair should be left down, with no hair accessories, even while sleeping.
Can I color my hair after the Japanese Thermal Reconditioning treatment?
After the JTR treatment, avoid coloring or highlighting your hair for at least four weeks, as this can increase the tension on your already-stressed hair. Before you begin the JTR process, check with your stylist about your intention of coloring and your desired coloring result. Your hair strands are delicate and need enough time to recover before they are altered again, so it is essential to follow your stylist’s recommendation on post-JTR coloring procedures. If you do decide to color your JTR-treated hair, consider using the stylist who performed your Japanese Thermal Reconditioning treatment. Your JTR stylist has more experience with this kind of situation, and will be able to tailor the process to ensure the best possible results.
Can I color my hair after the Japanese Thermal Reconditioning treatment?
After the JTR treatment, avoid coloring or highlighting your hair for at least four weeks, as this can increase the tension on your already-stressed hair. Before you begin the JTR process, check with your stylist about your intention of coloring and your desired coloring result. Your hair strands are delicate and need enough time to recover before they are altered again, so it is essential to follow your stylist’s recommendation on post-JTR coloring procedures. If you do decide to color your JTR-treated hair, consider using the stylist who performed your Japanese Thermal Reconditioning treatment. Your JTR stylist has more experience with this kind of situation, and will be able to tailor the process to ensure the best possible results.
How often will I need Japanese Thermal Reconditioning (JTR) touch ups?
Although thermal reconditioning is a permanent hair straightening technique, your hair will grow out over time. The average time between initial treatment and a necessary touch up is usually 10 to 12 months, although this time is highly variable between individuals. Ultimately, you may need a touch up to straighten the new curl growth sooner than 10 months, depending on how quicky your hair grows and the strength of your curl.
Do the products used in Japanese Thermal Reconditioning contain formaldehyde?
No, they do not. JTR is not the same as the process involved in a Brazilian Blowout, which typically does expose the user to varying amounts of formaldehyde
Are there risks of damage with Japanese Thermal Reconditioning?
If the process is done by an inexperienced stylist, there may be risks of damage to the hair, especially if it is color-treated. However, our team of stylists is knowledgeable in every aspect of JTR, and knows how to assess each client’s hair to ensure minimal risk of hair damage.
Do I need to use special haircare products after my JTR treatment?
No, you may continue to use your desired shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. Our team of stylists can also provide recommendations for hair products that will provide your newly straightened hair with extra conditioning and healthy shine
Is an initial consultation needed?
You will need to book a consultation with one of our JTR-certified stylists before making the decision to proceed with Japanese Thermal Reconditioning (JTR). Our stylists understand that JTR is not for everyone, and they can accurately assess and evaluate your hair during the initial consultation.