TR / BKT

Thermal Reconditioning (AKA TR, AKA Japanese straightening):

Here is an article on NaturallyCurly.com - I would like to add my two cents. Thermal Reconditioning is a permanent straightening process that, depending on your hair type, can be less damaging than a traditional relaxer. However, if you have very curly hair, TR will not get your hair 100% straight, and multiple TR applications can be very damaging. It is a process that originated in Asia, as many Asian women have coarse (yet not curly) hair. The TR process made the naturally coarse hair much silkier, sleeker and more manageable. It was discovered that TR had a straightening effect on Caucasian hair, thus the fad was born. I TR'ed for 7 years. My 3c curls never got close to bone straight. They were slightly less curly. Here is a photo of post TR hair:

Straight? No. Less curly than before? Sure. More damaged? Yes.

I had it done when I was 18, and I did it myself after that, with much less damage than the hairdresser did. It cost about $350 the first time (I'm 30 now, so this was way back in the day), but I could buy the Bio-Ionic or Opti-Smooth stuff on Ebay and do it at home more safely and cheaply. 

BKT AKA Brazilian Keratin Treatment:

Here is an article from NaturallyCurly.com

According to Wikipedia, 

"Brazilian hair straightening treatments are a method of temporarily straightening hair by sealing a liquid keratin and a preservative solution into the hair with a hair iron in the United States. It has been banned in several countries including Canada and the European Union due to high concentrations of regulated chemicals in them."

Basically, if you dig Aphogee, you will love BKT. Keratin, or protein, is bonded with your hair by sealing it in with an aldehyde (formerly formaldehyde, although it's a bit taboo now). Protein, as we all know, can temporarily seal in gaps in damaged hair, making it appear to be in better shape than it is. BKT is basically a protein treatment on steroids - or not - really, the aldehyde is the key in the equation. Keratin, shmeratin. Formaldehyde is a preservative. A very powerful preservative that doesn't mess around. King Tut knows what I mean. As a hairdresser, it would be very unhealthy, and possibly fatal to perform BKTs on a regular basis. 

Here is a photo after my 3rd or fourth BKT:

(Here's my caveat - please read responsibly) As a consumer who had been doing TR for 7 years, BKT was life changing, and certainly not life threatening. I do BKT about every 3 or 4 months. I use an industrial grade fan (thanks, old artist roommates from the loft) in a well ventilated area, and I never get it on my scalp. Still, this is dangerous stuff. I have been cutting back a great deal, and henna-ing more (which has led to some color problems - check the henna tab!)

I think this may be to be continued.......