Korean Magic Straight Perm is a hair treatment method that originated in Korea. It is a popular choice for those looking to achieve straight and sleek hair. This technique uses a combination of chemical relaxers and heat to straighten the hair follicles and create a long-lasting straightening effect. The process begins with the application of a relaxer solution to break down the protein structure in the hair, which allows it to be reshaped. The relaxer is applied to the hair strands, avoiding the roots to minimize damage to the natural texture of the hair. After that, the hair is wrapped around rods or rollers to set the shape.
Start with clean, washed hair. Clean hair helps the straightening solution stick to the strands. Line your hairline and scalp with a little vaseline, and avoid getting the straightening cream directly on the scalp. If you are only straightening the outgrowth/roots, treat the ends of your hair with a good leave-in conditioner to protect it from damage.
My inexpensive Andis flat iron set at maximum heat did the job fine but it took me a lot of time and effort to get to get my hair perfectly pin straight. After your Korean perm is done, your stylist will gently blow dry your hair with a twisting technique that locks the spring in those curls for polished bouncy curls and waves.
After that, the hair is wrapped around rods or rollers to set the shape. Next, heat is applied to the hair using a straightening iron or a thermal styling tool. The heat helps to lock in the straightened shape, ensuring that the hair remains sleek and straight.
10 Step Guide to Giving Yourself a Quarantine Magic Straight Perm
Remember the 80s when a great hair day meant bigger the better? My sister and I would get our long hair permed every few months to achieve amazing feats of teased and lacquered hair.
A couple decades later I found myself working at a law firm and needing a hairstyle that was professional, stylish, and above all, low maintenance.
I have been getting the “magic” straight perm or thermal reconditioning (TR) on my hair since 2001 every 8 months at $350-$400 a pop. It is the only way I know how to maintain long, straight healthy looking hair that requires zero maintenance.
The natural texture of my hair is otherwise slightly frizzy. Without TR, I would need to spend time on my hair to make it look somewhat professional and would need to maintain a shorter haircut. I just don’t have the time and patience for any kind of maintenance, so I’ve found that the magic straight perm works the best for me (even if it is boring that I have had the same hair for 20 years).
Six months into the Covid quarantine , my unruly roots had grown out over 5 inches and I was tempted to shave my head. I decided to attempt the magic straight perm process at home. I ordered the treatment from Amazon, which comes with a straightening solution and a neutralizer. There are several brands to choose from (e.g., Yuko, Shiseido, Rusk) but I am most familiar with Liscio by Milbon.
The formula comes in three different strength levels- Mild, Normal and Strong. Any of them would work fine for me but I got strong only because that’s what I found on Amazon.
LISCIO Crystal Cream Straighteners & Neutralizer
*Doing a straight perm or thermal reconditioning yourself at home is not for everyone. Please attempt at home only if you have gotten the treatment done before at a salon and know it works well for your hair type. Do not take the risk as it does not work well for all hair types
What you need for the Magic Straight Perm:
1. Plastic gloves
3. Ceramic Coated Straightener – this one ceramic coated straightener seems highly recommended, but I just used my $25 Andis iron which worked ok on maximum heat.
4. Thin Plastic Comb – to separate hair during treatment
5. Deep Conditioner – for after the treatment to keep hair healthy.
6. A Friend – If you have a lot of hair like me, ask a friend to help with the ironing – I did it all myself but my arms felt like they were going to fall off at the end. Next time I will ask my teenager to help.
Step 1: Prep hair and scalp
Start with clean, washed hair. Clean hair helps the straightening solution stick to the strands. Line your hairline and scalp with a little vaseline, and avoid getting the straightening cream directly on the scalp. If you are only straightening the outgrowth/roots, treat the ends of your hair with a good leave-in conditioner to protect it from damage.
Step 2: Apply the straightening solution/activator
This is the solution that actively breaks down the protein bonds in your hair and relaxes it. Use clips to hold your hair up. Put on your gloves. Start at the nape of your neck, and apply the solution from about ¼ inch from your scalp to past where the outgrowth starts.
You can use a makeup brush to apply but I just used my fingers with gloves on.
DO NOT get the cream on your scalp, because it will burn your skin. Try to move fairly quickly so you don’t end up over-processing.
Leave in your hair for 25-30 minutes. Processing time can take anywhere between 10 minutes and 45 minutes depending on your hair thickness and texture. Perform a loop test to see when it’s ready. (See video above). For me, 25 minutes was plenty.
Step 3: Rinse
The next step is to rinse out the activator solution gently and thoroughly (do not shampoo). After rinsing out the solution, gently dry the hair with a towel. Do not scrub or pull as hair will be prone to breakage.
Step 4: Blow dry
Blow it mostly dry, but leave some moisture in your hair to prepare for flat ironing.
Step 5: Flat iron
Set your straightener to 350 degrees, and work in small sections to straighten. Take your time. At the salon, they use a professional flat iron set to a temperature of 350 degrees. My inexpensive Andis flat iron set at maximum heat did the job fine but it took me a lot of time and effort to get to get my hair perfectly pin straight.
Step 6: Apply the neutralizer
The neutralizer works to balance the pH of your hair. Apply evenly all over hair, and let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out.
Step 7: Rinse again
Make sure you rinse for at least 10 minutes and get any remaining solution out of your hair. No shampoo. Apply some deep conditioner and rinse.
Step 8: Final blow dry & flat iron
Blow drying your hair in the direction of the cuticles, and get it about 90 percent dry. Finally, flat iron again where needed to so that hair is completely straight.
Step 9: Keep hair dry
Avoid getting your hair wet for the next 48 to 72 hours. This is a key part of the process!
Step 10: Enjoy your super straight low maintenance hair!
We hope you like our reviews and recommendations! All products featured on Best of Korea are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you would like to purchase a product, please use our links and we may receive an affiliate commission for your purchase. Best of Korea LLC, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
Author: Susan L. Shin
Susan L. Shin is a litigation partner at an international law firm. She resides in New York City with her husband Robert Shin and two children Ella and Owen. Read More From Susan L. Shin
Once the heat application is complete, a neutralizer or stabilizer solution is applied to re-bond the protein structure in the hair, locking in the straightened shape. Korean Magic Straight Perm typically results in long-lasting straightened hair that lasts for several months. It is ideal for those with natural curls or waves who desire a more manageable and straight look. However, it is important to note that this treatment is a chemical process that can cause damage to the hair if not properly maintained and cared for. After the treatment, it is important to follow a strict hair care routine to maintain the straightened effect and keep the hair healthy. This may include using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, avoiding excessive heat styling, and regularly nourishing the hair with deep conditioning treatments. Overall, Korean Magic Straight Perm is a popular choice for those looking to achieve sleek and straight hair. It is a chemical treatment that requires proper maintenance and care to keep the hair healthy and beautiful..
Reviews for "The evolution of Korean magic straight perm techniques"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the K0rean magic straight perm. I had heard so many good reviews about it, but it did nothing for my hair. It was supposed to give me straight and smooth hair, but it just left my hair looking frizzy and damaged. I followed all the instructions carefully, but it just didn't work for me. I ended up having to go to another salon to fix the mess it made. I would not recommend this perm to anyone.
2. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the K0rean magic straight perm, but it didn't live up to my expectations. While it did straighten my hair, it left it feeling very dry and brittle. I also experienced a lot of hair breakage after getting this perm. It was supposed to be a magic solution for straight hair, but it ended up causing more harm than good. I would advise anyone considering this perm to think twice and maybe explore other options.
3. Emily - 1 star - The K0rean magic straight perm was a complete waste of my time and money. My hair was already straight, but I wanted to try this perm for a sleeker and shinier look. Unfortunately, all it did was damage my hair and make it look dull. I regret getting this perm and wish I had just left my hair the way it was. I would not recommend this perm to anyone, especially if you already have straight hair.