Should You Try Velaterapia or Candle Hair Burning?

Dealing with split ends means regular trims, but some women
who don’t want to lose any length are praising velaterapia, a new hair trend
hailing from Brazil. Using the open
flame of a candle, split ends are singed off in a controversial procedure also
known as candle cutting.

Find out more about the potential benefits and drawbacks of
candle hair burning, and learn which celebrities are already on board with the
trend. From the basic principle to the cost of this hair treatment, here’s
everything you need to know about candle cutting.

What Is Velaterapia?

After splitting your hair into small sections, the hair
stylists twists them around before running a flaming candle along it, without
getting too close to the scalp. Candle hair burning has been promoted as an
alternative to trimming away split ends and keeping them away for up to 3 months, but it also promises to deliver other
benefits.

While candle cutting can take a few hours and isn’t cheap,
velaterapia also promises to help your hair lock in moisture, along with a
smoother finish.

Celebrities Who Use
Velaterapia

The first celebrities in line to use candle hair burning have
been Brazilian models. Victoria’s Secret Angels including Alessandra Ambrosio,
who posted pics of the procedure on her Instagram, have already tried and praised
the trend. Barbara Fialho and Isabeli Fontana have also tried candle cutting.

Candle Hair Burning
Pros

With the same principle as cauterizing a wound, velaterapia
promises to lock in moisture in the hair shaft, helping it look better and
keeping away split ends. If you’re brave enough to try this procedure, you
should also expect a deep conditioning treatment afterwards, and a little
scissor cutting to make sure all the flyaways are gone.

Getting Rid of Split
Ends

Hair stylists that offer velaterapia claim the the heat
from the candle’s open flame is the best way to close the hair cuticle and get
rid of split ends. Unlike a regular trim that fixes split ends, you won’t lose
any length if you try candle hair burning.

Better Conditioning

After the candle’s open flame “works” on your hair, the
cuticles are open, which allows for a better deep conditioning treatment. When
you try candle cutting, you’ll also benefit from a treatment that will close
the cuticles and help your hair lock in moisture much more than with a regular
conditioner.

Getting a Smoother
Texture

Another benefit of candle hair burning seems to be a better
overall texture. The open flame, followed by the strong conditioner, should
leave your hair looking smoother, without any trace of split ends or flyaways.

Candle Hair Burning
Cons

The most obvious drawback of this hair treatment is the fact
that hair is flammable. Even with an experienced hair stylists, there’s always
the risk of one wrong move that could set your hair on fire and cause plenty of
damage, and in the worst case scenario, you’ll walk out of the salon with your
hair a lot shorter. Even if everything goes according to plan, there are other
cons to candle cutting.

Dealing with the Smell

If you have long hair, this procedure can take up to three
hours. Throughout the entire time, you’ll have to get used to the smell of your
own burning hair.

Risking Hair Damage

Detractors of candle hair burning claim that velaterapia is
truly dangerous for your hair. Heat damage isn’t just caused by styling tools,
it can definitely occur when and open flame is touching your hair. That can
also dry it, stripping away moisture from the ends.

It Doesn’t Work
Miracles

You can’t expect the hair treatment to magically restore dry
and damaged hair. Even with a deep conditioning treatment, keeping your strands
in the best condition starts with your diet and with the way you treat your
hair.

Candle Hair Burning Cost

Since it takes 2-3 hours and involves a very steady hand,
velaterapia isn’t cheap. The salons that are already offering this Brazilian
hair treatment usually charge between $150 and $200 for a session. If you’re
willing to accept all the risks involved in the procedure, make sure that you
choose a hair stylist with experience in candle cutting.

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