How to soften hair
Hair care and styling have become a hot topic in recent years, and hair softening technology in particular has received a lot of attention. Many people want to improve the texture of their hair by softening it, making it smoother and more manageable. So, what is the principle behind hair softening? This article will analyze this process from a scientific perspective and provide you with a comprehensive answer based on hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Basic principles of hair softening

Hair softening involves chemically or physically changing the internal structure of hair to make it smoother and easier to style. The stiffness of hair is mainly determined by the arrangement of keratin proteins and the strength of disulfide bonds. At its core, the softening process breaks or restructures these chemical bonds, thereby making the hair less rigid.
| Softening method | Principle of action | Effect duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical softening (perm) | Destroy disulfide bonds and restructure protein structure | 3-6 months |
| Physical softening (hot tools) | Temporarily changing hair shape through high heat | 1-2 days |
| Conditioner/essential oil | Fill the gaps between hair scales and reduce friction | 1-3 days |
2. Analysis of hot topics on the entire network in the past 10 days
Through searching the hot content on the entire Internet in the past 10 days, we found that topics related to hair softening mainly focus on the following aspects:
| hot topics | Discussion popularity | main focus |
|---|---|---|
| “DIY hair softening at home” | high | Safety, operating procedures |
| “The difference between softening vs straightening” | Middle to high | Effect comparison, applicable hair type |
| "Post-Softening Hair Care" | high | Repair methods, product recommendations |
| "Star's Same Softening Technology" | in | Celebrity styling, salon prices |
3. Detailed process of chemical softening
Chemical softening, by far the most permanent method, works by breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair with a reducing agent (such as thioglycolic acid) to loosen the keratin structure. Subsequently, new disulfide bonds are re-established using an oxidizing agent (such as hydrogen peroxide), fixing the hair's new shape. This process is divided into three stages:
1.Softening stage: Reducing agent opens disulfide bonds to make hair soft and pliable.
2.Styling stage: Create desired shape with physical means such as curling irons or splints.
3.fixed stage: The oxidizing agent reorganizes the disulfide bonds and locks the new shape.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Physical Softening
Physical softening is mainly achieved through high-temperature tools (such as hair straighteners and hair dryers). Its advantages are simple operation and no chemical damage, but the effect is short-lived and may cause thermal damage to the hair. Here is a comparison of common tools for physical softening:
| Tools | temperature range | Suitable for hair type |
|---|---|---|
| hair straightener | 120-230°C | thick hair |
| hair dryer | 60-90°C | Thin and soft hair |
| curling iron | 160-200°C | medium hair |
5. Precautions for softening hair
1.Hair quality test: Hair quality test is required before softening to avoid excessive damage.
2.Product selection: Choose a mild softener according to your hair type and avoid products containing ammonia or formaldehyde.
3.Nursing follow-up: After softening, use repair conditioner to replenish protein and moisture.
4.frequency control: Chemical softening should be done at least 3 months apart, and physical softening should be done no more than 2 times a week.
6. Summary
Hair softening is a technique that achieves a softening effect by changing the chemical bonds or physical structure within the hair. Chemical softening has a long-lasting effect but carries higher risks, while physical softening is simple to operate but requires frequent maintenance. Judging from the hot spots across the Internet, consumers are more concerned about safety and care methods. No matter which method you choose, scientific care and moderate frequency are key.
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