Gina’s Thermal Reconditioning for Women of Color

Japanese Straightening / Gina's Thermal Reconditioning for Women of Color: Is It a Viable Option?

Accurate information on Japanese Straightening–GinaCurl Thermal Reconditioning (GTR) for African-American hair has long been scarce. Online advice is often incomplete—or misleading.

This was the experience of Dr. Kim Fletcher five years ago, when she researched GTRs to straighten her naturally curly hair permanently.

“What I read online about Thermals for African-American hair was limited. I was concerned that not enough women of color were doing it,” Dr. Fletcher recalls. “I didn’t know if I was going to hate how my hair looked … that was the biggest leap of faith for me.”

Expert Stylist for Textured Hair

Gina Rivera, Dr. Fletcher’s stylist for the past four years, is one of the few stylists in Connecticut with extensive experience performing Thermal Reconditioning on tightly coiled hair.

“I’m shocked that some online sources still say the treatment is unhealthy for 3–4C hair. My clients love how healthy their hair is after a GTR,” says Rivera, owner of Hair’s Talent in East Haven, CT.

Determined to set the record straight, Rivera launched a campaign this year to update online information. Since posting treatment videos on YouTube and expanding her website, she has been flooded with inquiries from people worldwide seeking facts and stylist referrals.

“I advise them to search for a trained stylist who has experience doing Thermal Reconditioning on textured hair. Without a trained stylist, the treatment can damage the hair,” Rivera emphasizes.

The Growing Demand for Thermal Reconditioning

Interest in Japanese Straightening–GinaCurl Thermal Reconditioning continues to rise, particularly among Black women.

“That’s why so many clients come to Hair’s Talent from all over the country and the world, which amazes me and makes me so proud,” Rivera says.

She stresses the importance of understanding textured hair before performing a Thermal Reconditioning:

“Using the right product is essential, but it’s the art and science of adapting the product to treat individual hair textures that delivers the best results,” Rivera explains.

“It’s an important first step in learning the basics of healthy hair care for African-American textured hair. Unfortunately, beauty schools often don’t teach students how to work with real hair — without weaves, relaxers, or extensions.”

Dr. Fletcher’s Experience

For Dr. Fletcher, a busy obstetrician, straight hair isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about convenience.

“If I had to get up at 2 a.m. to go to the hospital, that was a ponytail day or a bun. Curly hair just takes much more work than straight hair. So for me, straight hair is a function of what I need to do as an obstetrician.”

Relaxers helped but were inconsistent. The GTR, however, provided soft, smooth, and silky hair without breakage, irritation, or limpness.

“The GTR is a great treatment; my hair looks healthy and feels healthy. I still get compliments five years later,” she shares.

Dr. Fletcher also appreciates the flexibility the GTR provides. Styles that were impossible with curly hair, like summer bangs, are now achievable. Even windy beach days no longer disrupt her hair.

“There’s nothing more convenient than getting out of bed and looking presentable without doing anything. I can style my hair in five or six minutes and get to the hospital,” she says.

Benefits of Thermal Straightening: Minimal Maintenance

Dr. Fletcher visits the salon just three times a year to maintain her GTR but also schedules protein treatments recommended by Rivera to prolong the treatment and revitalize her hair.

Before GTR, washing her hair often prevented her from exercising due to the time required for styling. Now, she can wash, style, and leave the house in under an hour.

“The Thermal allows me to maintain my active lifestyle without sacrificing healthy, beautiful hair,” Dr. Fletcher says.

Advice for Women Considering GTR

Dr. Fletcher emphasizes preparation and maintenance:

• Be ready to style roots between treatments as hair grows out
• Factor in costs relative to other hair care expenses (weaves, frequent salon visits, etc.)

Gina Rivera advises:

“Do your homework before getting a Japanese Straightening/Thermal Reconditioning. Check if your local salon performs TRs on textured hair, speak to the stylist about their experience, and ask to see results on clients with similar hair. Make sure they use genuine Japanese Straightening–Thermal Reconditioning products. A visual consultation should include your hair history, goals, and assessment of hair and scalp condition.”