Just another smoothing treatment?
Certainly not! b-Straighten is a new, innovative, and patented system that utilizes organic amino acids in conjunction with heat to effectively smooth and straighten unruly hair, without the use of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide, or their derivatives. Unlike traditional relaxants that break the disulfide bridges to alter the hair fiber, b-Straighten modifies the hair’s fiber memory by forming new semi-permanent bonds. This reshapes the hair without compromising its internal structure, leaving it nourished, repaired, and stronger from the inside out!
Okay... but how is it different from any other smoothing system?
To fully understand the unique action mechanism of b-Straighten, we first need to examine the internal structure of the hair fiber and how it can be manipulated for achieving the desired result!
Hair can vary in shape, including straight, wavy, or curly forms. These variations are linked to the cross-section and internal bending angle of the hair fiber, which are genetically determined by the hair follicle. These characteristics differ among various ethnic groups and can be categorized into three major groups: Eastern, Caucasian, and African. Regardless of its shape, the hair fiber consists of approximately 80% proteins, along with other elements such as lipids, water, and pigments. It is made up of three parts: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla.
The cuticle is the outermost layer of the fiber and serves as the primary barrier against the penetration of chemical agents into the inner part of the fiber. It is also responsible for the hair’s surface properties, such as shine. The medulla is located at the center of the fiber and contains cells that can create air-filled spaces, affecting the hair’s shine. The cortex is the intermediate layer where chemical transformations that result in straightening and curling occur. It constitutes the largest part of the hair fiber and is responsible for flexibility, elasticity, and physical strength. The cortex is formed by alpha-keratin macrofibrils aligned in the direction of the hair strand and microfibrils, which are composed of intermediate filaments derived from the interaction of alpha-keratin polypeptide chains, as shown in Figure 1.
Alpha-keratin is rich in disulfide bridges (S-S), formed from cysteine amino acids, which are crucial for maintaining the strength and shape of the hair shaft. Besides disulfide bridges, other intramolecular interactions also contribute to the structural stability and mechanical strength of hair fibers. These include hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and ionic or saline bonds, as illustrated in Figure 2.
To make hair more aligned and reduce its volume, it is necessary to increase the internal radius of curvature of the hair shaft. This can be achieved by temporarily changing the conformation of the keratin structure from an α-helix (Alpha Keratin) to a β-sheet type, without breaking the disulfide bonds. This process is known as temporary realignment.
Can this be done without the use of chemicals?
It most certainly can! After years of extensive research, Botaniste successfully developed a formula composed of natural ingredients, including alpha-hydroxy acids (derived from citrus fruits), ethyl esters (Omega-3), disaccharides (extracted from pomegranate and rice starch), triglycerides (sourced from coconut), and organic amino acids.
The alpha-hydroxy acids present in the composition of b-Straighten, in combination with thermal energy, moisture, and the physical action of brushing with a dryer and/or flat iron, facilitate the breaking of weaker chemical interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic bonds. This temporary disruption leads to capillary relaxation, while the infused amino acids reinforce the disulfide bonds during the transformation from the α-helix structure into a β-pleated sheet. This transformation increases the internal bending angle of the hair fiber by repositioning new hydrogen bonds, associated with alpha-hydroxy acids, between the polypeptide chains. These changes can be reversed by simply washing your hair with water, where your hair will return back to its natural state, as illustrated in Figure 3.
The takeaway
Every now and then, you hear about new revolutionary smoothing systems promising groundbreaking results, but b-Straighten stands apart from the usual. This new patented system is meticulously crafted to serve as a versatile solution for both smoothing and anti-frizz needs, catering to various hair types and desired outcomes. Specifically engineered to deeply rehydrate frizzy hair, b-Straighten nourishes, conditions, and enhances the hair fiber’s texture.
Unlike traditional smoothing and straightening treatments that break the disulfide bonds to achieve the desired result, b-Straighten’s innovative plant-based formula utilizes heat to reinforce disulfide bonds and form new bonds, achieving the re-alignment of the hair fiber. This eliminates the need for formaldehydes or their substitutes, ensuring a safer experience for both the consumer and the professional.
