I used to have Yuko done roughly once a year. It permanently straightens your hair, so you only need to go back once it’s grown out. In my case re growth wasn’t obvious as ends were straight and encouraged less frizz. I always had a lot of compliments on my hair during that time. My natural hair condition is frizzy wavy, which grows quickly.
I found once a year enough for me, then I could literally wash and go and my hair would look stunning, straight and glossy. Didn’t matter if I rough dried or air dried, zero need for straighteners or blow drying straight ever.
It would take 5 hours plus to do the treatment. You can’t wash hair for two days after. Some encourage sleeping upright for two days after too, but I’d sleep normally and flick straighteners through in the first two mornings (as you don’t want permanent kinks during the setting period).
I really miss having it done. It’s no worse for hair than colouring it in my view. It’s like a perm in reverse.
What I did notice is the importance of going to a good reputable salon and not somewhere “cheap”. The latter would never last for me and hair condition not as good.
It cost me £400+ per treatment, but was worth it, my one extravagance for the year.
I stopped getting treatments during the pandemic and now don’t bother as my hair is thinning due to health reasons (nothing to do with Yuko) and the frizz disguises it’s thinness!
I actually look back at my Yuko years with nostalgia for my hair, which never looked better than at that time. Thick, glossy, straight and long. My family even remind me of this in case I ever forget!
If you do go for it, go to a reputable salon. I went to a Japanese hairdresser in London that specialised in this. They’ll also do a consultation on your hair and give advice.