Japanese Hair Straightening, also known as Yuko, Magic Straight, Bio Ionic, Ionic Hair Retexturizing (IHR) and other names, is a process which thermally reconditions hair giving permanent results. It has been used in Japan and South Korea for nearly 20 years and gives clients with thick, curly or frizzy hair the sleek, silky straight hair they have always wanted, day after day.
The process works exactly the same way as a heat perm such as digital perming, except we are reshaping the hair to be straight rather than curly.
All our perming services include a haircut, finish and pre-treatment
Prices
Men: from £170
Women: from £220
The Process
Sessions will typically take 3-5 hours. The first step is to wash the hair and apply a protein conditioner to help provide tensile strength if needed. Then a cream containing a chemical compound called ammonium thioglycolate is applied which makes physical changes to the hair’s cysteine linkage, softening the protein bonds and leaving the hair ready to be reshaped, whether straightened or curled. The stylist will determine when the bonds are sufficiently softened, taking care not to over process the hair, and the cream is then washed out. The hair is blow dried and a hot flat iron is used to thermally alter the structure and make it straight. The hair is then treated with a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide neutraliser which seals the bonds back together and locks them into their new straight shape.
Aftercare
- After you leave the salon you should not wash your hair or get it wet in any way during for the first 48-72 hours. Rain, perspiration and even steamy showers should all be avoided as any moisture can disturb the oxidisation process which is still occurring. The neutraliser is still at work and your hair needs access to oxygen.
- You must also avoid any kind of bending of the hair during this period, including wearing hats, clips or hairbands etc. as any undue pressure could result in permanent kinks.
- You should not colour your hair for at least two weeks. We recommend using a professional quality shampoo and conditioner for chemically treated hair.
FAQs
Is my hair suitable for Japanese hair straightening?
It will work well on most hair types. The best results will be on virgin, un-processed hair. It will not work on fully bleached hair or hair that is too damaged from other processes. If your hair is too fine it can be damaged by it. We recommend visiting us for a free consultation.
How long does Japanese hair straightening last?
It is a permanent process but new hair will be unaffected and you will need to have it touched up from between 6-9 months depending on your rate of growth and strength of curls.
Will Japanese hair straightening damage my hair?
All Japanese hair straghtening systems use the chemical ammonium thioglycolate to alter and then reform the structure of the hair, but it should also feel smoother aferwards. We use high quality creams which also contain ingredients to protect and strengthen your hair as well as performing a pre-straightening mask treatment. We can also recommend booking an Olaplex treatment service at the same time as your straightening appointment which can help both with repairing existing hair and preventing new damage. Good aftercare is also beneficial. Probably the most important factor for good results is choosing an experienced stylist/salon.
Do I need a consultation?
We recommend coming in for a free consultation if you are able to.
How do I make a booking?
Appointments may be made via the booking button at the top of our website or by calling, emailing or visiting us. If you have any questions about price or suitablity ideally please pop in and see us first or contact us. Please note that we will not be able to give an exact price until we have seen your hair in person.
We also require an £80 deposit for our Japanese Straightening service as it requires reserving several hours of our stylists' day. Payment can be made either in person at our salon or online here. This amount will be credited towards your appointment and can be refunded as long as at least 48 hours (2 days) notice is given before either rescheduling or a cancellation.
Testimonials
Had such an lovely experience with Japanese hair straightening. I’ve had it done at other salons 8 times previously but this was definitely the best. They were really knowledgable about the product and knew how to make it work on my hair. Very kind, professional, quick, affordable and one of the best salon experiences I’ve had. Thank you!
I had Japanese hair straightening. For the first time in my life I can say I love my hair. Jeju Hair is the place to have it done. Everyone is so nice, I felt at ease and I got all the information about the treatment.
Very, very happy with the result! Definitely going to make it my go to Salon.
Great hair straightening result as always.
I had the Japanese straightening with Olaplex here. My hair feels much healthier and looks shinier than when I normally have Japanese straightening.
Very good experience! I left there very happy.
I had a very good experience and Enju who did my straightening was really good. Even the atmosphere made me feel more comfortable and also put me at ease as she was experienced and my hair looks good :)
Very nice procedure. Not too long. Fantastic results.
Friendly staff, great service
I have been coming here for straightening for almost 2 years now and I'm very pleased with the result.
Excelent service! I love my japanese straightening :)
I booked Japanese straightening, an intensive hair job, with Ai. I didn't have to wait and was served right away. Ai and reception staff were friendly and helped me relax. Ai was superb at the job - so focused, thorough and quick! She gave me a great hair trim to liven up my boring style as well. Best place for Japanese straightening in London (I've tried a few) and for getting chic haircuts.
I can't believe that my hair are so straight and soft! My nature hair were wavy but after Japanese straightening my hair are so straight and soft, I don't even need to use a hair dryer to style my hair. So happy that finally I have the straight hair that so much I love ! Thank you all in Jeju hair salon!
Had my hair Japanese hair straightened just over 4 months ago and I cannot fault the result.
I have always suffered with frizzy, wavy/ curly hair, heard about japanese hair straightening, thought I would give it a try. Was worried at first as it is permanent but it has the best thing I have ever done for my hair. I just wake up in the morning, wash my hair, comb it, rough dry and leave the house. Eunju was welcoming and talked me through the process. Cant wait to head back there next year for the roots to be touched up. Thanks!
First went to get my hair cut by Ai; she did such a good job I decided to try her/jeju out with my Japanese straightening (I usually get Yuko done elsewhere). I have to say I'm really pleased with the results. Also had the Olaplex done which I recommend too.
I got magic straight perm and had my hair cut short.
Hair designer in this shop is extremely professional and very friendly as well. I was very impressed by her skills and manner. I’ll go there again.
very good, very happy with the outcome :) everyone was really nice and i definitely recommend :)
Overall my experience was wery good. I did the Japanese strengthening on the roots as my previous one was more than a year old. Eunju was really kind and did my hair although they were damaged from bleaching. When I washed my hair four days later (to be sure haha) I was really relieved that they got super straight! The feeling of effortless straight hair after washing them is amazing! Thank you!!
I returned to Jeju hair to get a Japanese straightening for the second time and was impressed once again! I have had Japanese straightenings at salons all over London and Jeju is easily the best for me!
The effect lasts for longer - over 5 months in my case vs. the usual 4 months at other places. Owner Inju is a very skilled stylist and her hair cuts are just fantastic. 5 stars without a doubt!!!
Just one word: AMAZING.
I went to Jeju Hair on Sunday for a Japanese Hair Straightening and had a wonderful time there. Eunju did a wonderful job as my hair now looks fantastic and was very lovely all along. We (curly haired girls) know that this treatment can be very long but really I didn't get bored a second at the salon. I was proposed tea and coffee which i think is quite cool and we had great discussions all along. The venue is beautiful and I even had the occasion to enjoy the backyard which was very enjoyable.
I strongly recommend Jeju Hair as you will be not only satisfied by your experience there and by the result on your hair.
Very lovely people.. thank you Eunju and Lan for making my 4 hours go just like a flash. Excellent service.
I can't believe that my hair are so straight and soft! My nature hair were wavy but after Japanese straightening my hair are so straight and soft, I don't even need to use a hair dryer to style my hair. So happy that finally I have the straight hair that so much I love ! Thank you all in Jeju hair salon!
I had the hair straightening treatment and Eunju was the model of efficiency. We had a great conversation so the time passed even more quickly. The results are wonderful and I will definitely be back.
Professional hair dresser and stylish place. Great haircut, Magic straighten and Colour. Absolutely satisfy. Highly recommend!!
So happy about my new hair style. Got the magic straightening, highlights and hair cut. Eunju, what a lovely lady! Top notch professional with great sense of styling. Cosy and lovely salon with gallery. Felt very welcomed from the moment I walked in. Will defo come back x
Absolutely thrilled with the result of my hair straightening at Jeju. I have very thick hair with tight curls and now have virtually straight hair! My hair does have a slight wave but I am happy with that as I still want some texture and volume. The condition of my hair is amazing too.
First went to get my hair cut by Ai; she did such a good job I decided to try her/jeju out with my Japanese straightening (I usually get Yuko done elsewhere). I have to say I'm really pleased with the results; it costs a bit more to get it done here but I think the results are also better, so I suppose you get what you pay for. Also had the Olaplex done which I recommend too.
I did the Japanese hair straightening treatment a couple of weeks ago and I am thrilled with it. My hair was frizzy and big. I'd previously tried brazilian keratin treatment at a different salon and it did not last. So far my hair is dead straight and soft. I was worried about breakage but I haven't noticed any. Jeju Hair is reasonably priced for this kind of thing, and the stylist/owner has been doing Japanese straightening for 15 years or something. She uses Sheiseido product for the straightening, and recommends the dark blue Redken for after care. It took almost 4 hours (long hair) but I brought a book and found it relaxing. Where with my Brazilian treatment at the other salon left a fume of formaldahyde around my face, I found this Japanese hair straightening quite mild. A couple of people at work are already going to get the treatment done too. They offer a discount for newcomers and they were lovely. It's run by the nicest couple, and the man gets coffees and also has lovely art in the lounge area. I highly recommend Jeju Hair, and Japanese hair straightening! It sounds cliche but it's changed my life. I shower, brush my hair, and leave the house with absolutely no other action required, and my hair air dries looking as it did if I'd previously spent 45 minutes blowing it out and straightening it. I'm tempted to give away my straightening iron. She recommends a weekly moisturizing mask to keep it going, but that's the only thing special. Also, I have lightened hair (not fully bleached) and she was able to do it anyway, just using a protective mask beforehand. Only the roots need done after 6 months to a year, depending on how kinky your hair grows out. Go for it!
The staff we extremely professional, very happy with the results at this stage.
Thank you so very much for looking after my daughter and doing a fabulous job on her hair.x
The Japanese Straightening is the only thing that has ever really worked on my very curly hair. Highly recommended
