What is permanent straightening?

I just have a few questions about this process of straightening hair.

1.How well does it work for african american hair?

2. What do you do when you get new growth?

3. How long does it last?

4. Where do you go to get it done? How do you find a place in your town who does it?

5. Are you able to curl your hair and style it different from the regular straight?

6. Will it get back straight after you wash it if you have naturally coarse thick hair?

7. What is the range in price for coarse thick hair?

8. what are the chemicals used in ths process? are any of them bad enough to strip your hair of it's natural nutrients like a perm or relaxer or coloring? (because that's what I am trying to avoid)

What is permanent straightening?

Permanent straightening IS a relaxer.

1. It works very well on African American hair. There are a few degrees of strength and your stylist will decide which one is best for your hair.

2. The new growth will not grow in straight, you will have to have it touched up.

3. Your hair will remain straight. The relaxer won't fade out.

4. The best way to find a salon that does it is to open the phone book and call around. If there is a JCPenney salon near you, I would suggest going there.

5. Yes, you can style your hair anyway you like.

6. It will remain straight after you wash it.

7. You can expect $50-150 depending on where you go.

8. I believe ammonium thioglycolate is the chemical used. No chemical is good for your hair but assuming that your hair is in good condition now you should be fine. However, you probably won't be able to bleach your hair afterwards. Color should be fine though.