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The mane issue

Liza George finds that sleek straight hair is the in-thing in the city

HEAD TURNER Straight hair for that chic look

It's a daily beauty grind as it takes more than an hour to look your best; shower, scrub, moisturisers, toners, et al. Oh, and if the hair is unruly, wresting with your hair, trying to make it look presentable can be a hair raising experience. And yet, after all that, you're still plain, old you. So how do you get rid of that look?

As hair, is often considered a woman's crowning glory, heading to the nearest beauty parlour would be a choice. So, what seems to be the `in' thing this season? Well, women with curls, waves, frizzy and even naturally straight hair are making a beeline for the salons for the chic look.

"It's a growing fad especially among teens. Among women, it's mostly for a more manageable hair-do," says Monica Saravanan, beautician in charge, VLCC.

A manageable hair-do was what Zarina Biwi wanted. She often accompanies her husband, who is a businessman on his business trips and meetings. "I had really unruly hair. I felt a misfit amongst his well-groomed women colleagues. Now that I have straightened it, I find it more manageable," she says.

Managing frizzy hair is a problem too. No amount of gel or clips can hold your hair in place. It was this that made Anu Paul, a second-year student of medicine, to get her hair straightened.

"I used to iron my hair for functions, but the effect would last for just half an hour," she says. A neat look was what made Vineetha Thomas, a student, straighten hers. "My hair was really wavy and letting it loose was impossible as it would look messy. Now that I straightened mine, I can," she says.

Aparna S. Kumar, a final-year engineering student has had a fascination for straight hair. "I had lovely straight hair, when I was young, but it somehow grew curly as I grew older," she says. After a lot of persuasion, she convinced her mother to give her the green signal to straighten hers. "Besides most of my friends are doing it," she explains.

Anila Joseph, beautician, agrees that straight hair gives you the glam, sophisticated look. It also adds face value. A feeling echoed by actor Mamta. Mamta first straightened her hair when she was in college.

According to her, it is a requirement if you are a star as it refines your features.

However not everyone's hair can be straightened.

Analysis of hair

"We do a thorough analysis of the hair before straightening," says Karthika Ajith, of Lakme Beauty Parlour.

There are also different kinds of hair straightening treatment, the more popular being rebonding and straight therapy. The prices, starting generally at Rs.1,500 onwards, are based on the treatment chosen, the length and thickness of hair. The cost can go up to Rs. 7,000 and after that an amount has to be shelled out every month for shampoos and hair conditioners. After-care for the hair is also important.

"It again depends on your hair type; its texture," says Karthika. Lack of proper care will lead to hair fall.

However Anila adds a word of caution for those who plan to uncurl their tresses for that Kareena look: "If you are going to straighten your hair, do it at a well known parlour under a trained beautician."

Care for your hair

How do you look after your hair after straightening? Here are a few pointers:

Hold off on styling or shampooing for at least three days after straightening.

Use a mild shampoo and a good conditioner.

Avoid applying henna or oil.

Do a deep conditioning once a week, if possible.

Keep heat-styling tools on low.

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