Guanidine: take your doubts for a healthy straightening

Guanidine is a smoothing or relaxing alternative that causes many doubts in women. Although it is an old acquaintance in the chemical world, it may not be compatible with some substances and because of that it is not used as much anymore. Therefore, it is wise to stay informed so as not to harm the health of your hair.

That’s why we invited hairdresser Goreth Barbisan to explain about the substance and help you know if it’s good for your hair or not. Next, you will understand exactly how the chemistry works and discover the differences between it and other straightening or relaxing products.

What is guanidine and how does it work?

Not sure if you can use guanidine and if it’s right for you? Then check out the full explanations of this chemistry below:

• What it is: Defined as a substance used primarily for straightening curly hair, it is a type of straightening not compatible with most chemicals, according to professional Goreth Barbisan. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional before using it.
• How it works: it acts on the hair by reorganizing its chemical components. Thus, it disrupts the internal chains of the wires and brings a smoother texture.
• Who it is for: suitable for curly or mixed hair. But be careful: according to the hairdresser, if you already have chemicals in your hair, such as those with ammonia and calcium hydroxide, consult a professional before applying guanidine. Otherwise, it can even cause scalp burns.
• Guanidine and formaldehyde: for Goreth, the great success of formaldehyde comes from its versatility – it is possible to use it in hair with any type of chemical, including guanidine.
• Does Guanidine damage the hair? It depends! The professional explains that a chemical only damages the thread in two cases: first, when the hair has not been well diagnosed and second, when the product break time is not respected. Guanidine requires more time to act, but it is still essential that the professional monitor the process.

The substance, in addition to working on straightening, can also be used to relax. However, remember: the support of a hairdresser or cosmetologist is essential to maintain the health of your strands and not cause damage to them.

Guanidine x progressive brush

According to the hairdresser, hair straightened with guanidine undergoes a chemical process that definitively smoothes the strands. The progressive brush, in turn, is a straightening that, for her, is applied to the hair in a somewhat forced way, because of the flat iron, and has a shorter duration than guanidine. The two substances are compatible, except the progressive brushes based on ammonium thioglycolate: they break the wire as soon as they combine.

Guanidine x thioglycolate

Attention: the two substances are not compatible! Thioglycolate is more expensive and has a different process than guanidine. It is indicated for wavy, armed, voluminous hair or with light curls, while guanidine is for curly hair. In addition, the professional warns: “Although ammonium thioglycolate is one of the most used chemicals and has a result as good as guanidine, it should not be used on hair where guanidine has already been applied”.

where to buy guanidine

Ready! Now you know if using the substance on your hair is healthy or not. Below are some suggestions for excellent brands that offer guanidine-based products. We also suggest some kits so that, after applying the chemistry, it is possible to continue treating your hair well:

1. Guanidine Vita A Kit, in Lojas Americanas
2. Alfaparf Guanidina Straightening Kit, at Lojas Americanas
3. Innovator Guanidine Kit New Relaxing Base Activator, in Lojas Americanas
4. Guanidine Coconut Oil and Keratin Salon Line, on Amazon
5. Yellow Form Guanidine Ultra Moist Relaxation Kit, at the Beleza de Mulher store
6. Guanidine Salon Line Kit, on Amazon
7. Mairibel Guanidine Kit for strong relaxation, at Lojas Americanas

Liked? Although you can easily buy and find guanidine-based products, remember that consultation and diagnosis with a hair and chemical professional is essential. Take care of your wires!