Alex Baraz

Alex Baraz is a salon in Philadelphia's Endicott area that specializes in Japanese hair straightening. Its straightening menu has three levels: Japanese Hair Straightening, which the salon describes as permanent and makes hair 95-100% straight with a smooth cuticle; the Japanese relaxer, which makes curls 40-60% straighter and reduces frizz by about 50%; and Japanese smoothing, which makes hair about 30% straighter and reduces frizz by about 20%. The straightness of roots and ends can be adjusted, so fuller roots or semi-straight ends are an option.

Before any treatment, hair is examined under a digital microscope and lab tool, and custom formulas are mixed for each section. Each section is processed on its own timer using several different solutions rather than one blend. The salon says it is certified in Liscio, Yuko and other leading processes, and that it is the only spa on the East Coast offering lab hair analysis with a digital stereoscopic microscope.

Pricing is set after an in-salon consultation, where a hair sample is taken for lab examination. Density is the main factor in cost. Japanese Hair Straightening starts around $785 to $885 and up depending on length and density, the Japanese relaxer starts from $585 to $750, and Japanese smoothing starts from $385 to $485. A non-refundable deposit is required to book a straightening appointment.

Straightening visits usually take about 3-4 hours and can run 5-6 hours for high density or bleached or highlighted hair, so clients can watch movies during the process. Hair should not be washed for 72 hours after treatment, or 48 hours after a relaxer or smoothing. Touch-ups cover new growth only and are typically needed every 6-10 months. Hair can be colored about 1-2 weeks before or after treatment, with highlights and bleach done only after.

Post-care instructions come through QR codes for the first 72 hours, along with home styling guides. A free 20 to 30 minute hands-on class on blow-drying and sectioning is offered, where clients are shown the technique individually; clients are asked to bring their own brushes and clips for inspection beforehand. The salon also recommends Elchim or Dyson dryers for thick hair, and RUSK Engineering W8less or xtava Allure dryers as less powerful, lower-cost options for short, fine hair.

Each client's hair is analyzed under magnification and formulas and timing are set section by section, rather than applying one solution across the whole head.