We all knew chemical relaxers. The only problem — and it’s a big one — is that we also know their heavy toll on our poor hair, which after barely two sessions is crying out for mercy!

So when we heard about a smoothing treatment that actually lasts, we pricked up our ears. Permanent hair straightening, also known as Yuko System, has made its way into UK salons after causing a stir in Japan and the US: a straightening treatment that, joy of joys, lasts and lasts!

How does it work?

The principle is simple: a treatment of about 5 hours — available in salon or as a mobile appointment, depending on the stylist — works on the hair’s original structure to smooth the cuticle and leave you, in the end, with ultra-sleek, silky hair.

Goodbye, then, to blow-dries and straighteners! We no longer fear getting wet, because our hair is straight — or nearly; the trick is to say it with conviction.

Close-up of a section of Asian hair being straightened with an iron by a hairdresser in a salon

This is where you object: 'And how long before nature comes galloping back?' And this is where it gets even better: hair straightened this way stays straight until regrowth appears. The ideal is to go back to the salon now and then to touch up the roots — and you’re done!

Young woman with mixed heritage, seen from behind, with straight hair air-drying in a bathroom

Before we celebrate, a note of caution

First: the cost of this smoothing treatment isn’t cheap, since you should expect several hundred pounds, depending on the salon. Some stylists offer it as a mobile service and charge slightly less.

Second: many stylists refuse to apply permanent straightening to highlighted hair, and with good reason — the result is far from as perfect as on hair that is only coloured or natural. Some will still do it, but be aware that you risk slightly frizzy sections, or at least hair that isn’t completely straight.

Finally, know that the result also depends on the quality of your hair. On damaged hair, straightening will be less successful than on healthy hair.

Sleek hair is a dream for many, but when nature has other ideas, it’s a recipe for frayed nerves, ceramic straighteners and blow-drying. Fed up with getting up at dawn to painfully straighten hair that you know full well will frizz up the moment you step outside, the traitors?! Well, here’s good news from the East — more precisely, Japan: permanent hair straightening!

Permanent straightening is still a potent chemical treatment: always do a strand test first, and speak to a stylist who is experienced in the technique before going ahead. If your hair is already sensitised by repeated colouring, it’s better to wait, or ask a healthcare professional before trying the process.

Solid shampoo, hair mask in a refillable glass jar and a wooden comb on a bathroom shelf

Budget

Budget-wise, the bill mainly depends on hair length, the salon and the city. Most often, expect between £150 and £500 for permanent straightening in a salon, with prices rising for very long or very thick hair. Some stylists offer a mobile service, with a slightly lighter bill; either way, ask for a detailed quote beforehand and confirm what’s included — shampoo, cut and styling.

And if you want straighter hair without going down the chemical route, a gentle routine — nourishing mask, wooden comb, sulphate-free solid shampoo — can help tame lengths without stressing them. No miracle, just less tired-looking hair.