All about Hair smoothing and my experience

Hey beautiful! Its been long since I uploaded a post. I hope you all are doing well.

Today's topic is all about HAIR SMOOTHING as you can already see in the title.

If you have been following my social handles, you must be aware of my new hair. This was a big decision for me to make as I had naturally wavy hair all along with my life. Nor that I hated my wavy hair, instead I loved my hair texture. Now, you must be wondering why I did change the texture of my hair? Well, this blog will be answering all those questions that come up when you think of a chemical treatment like hair smoothing.

I took one entire week to observe my hair thoroughly. And here I am sharing my detailed review.

In this blog, I will be answering all frequently asked questions regarding chemical treatments focussing more on hair smoothing. So, if you want to get this treatment done for yourself and is unable to take the big step, then this blog is for you.

Let's start with the most asked questions....................................

߀ Is hair smoothing and hair straightening the same?

Hair smoothing is a treatment which involves saturating the hair with a solution followed by drying it out and using a flat iron to lock the hair in a straight position. However, the chemicals used for smoothing hair are not as strong as the ones used in hair straightening treatments. This makes this treatment less damaging. But, it is not ideal for all hair types. It doesn’t so much alter the structure of the hair. The treatment is not that effective with hair that is extremely thick or curly.

On the other hand, Permanent hair straightening is a process by which the structure of your hair is altered to give pin-straight hair. The chemicals used in this process permanently break the bonds in the hair. More heat and chemicals are used to get the pin-straight hair. This treatment is extremely damaging for the hair and it is recommended for girls with extreme curls.

Hair Smoothing

Hair Straightening

߀ Can I get volume with hair smoothing?

Yes, you can get volume in hair with hair smoothing if you tell your hairstylist about your desired look. Hair smoothing does not give the same look as hair straightening would give. 

Your hair may look flat and volumeless for the first couple of days but with hair washes, you will get back your volume.

߀ Is hair smoothing safe?

Any kind of chemical treatment is not safe for the overall health of the hair. But there are some specific salons who only prefer to use branded well-known products. Some keratin hair products contain formaldehyde which is not at all safe for the hair. Some people may get skin allergies and headache due to this.

Do your homework before going for this treatment. Know the salon well and also the products they use. Ask them to show the products to you before using, so that you can Google to find out the ingredients list. Also, it's very important to go to a trusted hairdresser.

Everything is dependent on the application procedure. An experienced hairdresser knows their job well so don't go to an inexperienced hairdresser just to save some money. It's ultimately your hair which is going to stay with you forever so try and take good care of it.

߀ How much time does it takes for the procedure?

The time depends on a couple of things like hair texture, thickness and also length. Obviously, it is going to take much longer time if you have extremely core and thick hair. My appointment took almost 5 hours as my hair is long and colored. 

߀ Can hair smoothing be done in colored hair?

Yes, hair smoothing can be easily done on colored hair. But one thing to keep in mind is that avoid hair smoothing if you have colored your hair recently. Take at least 4 months gap between the two procedure. Though the actual time gap should be 6 months and above.

This time gap is recommended as both of the procedure are chemical treatments and if you do both of them together it's the worst thing you are doing for your hair. Your hair will become more fragile which leads to breakage.

߀ Does the hair get back its original texture after hair wash?  

This procedure is semi-permanent treatment. So the hair will get back it's natural texture after almost a year.  Although your hair will get back the volume after washing a couple of times.

    1ST DAY                                                          AFTER 6 MONTHS

߀ How long the result last?

If you want your hair to look pin-straight then you may have to go to the salon for touch-ups after every 4 to 5 months. And if you are like me who wants a silky looking hair with a couple of waves then it can easily last 1 year and above.

߀ Can the hair be pulled back or clipped back within 72 hours?

It is suggested to keep the hair open for 72 hours after smoothing is done. This will give the hair sufficient time.

Be careful not to tug in your hair behind the ears which may create waves. But if you want that kind of look then it's very well ok.

߀ Is there any special shampoo and conditioner?

Yes, there are some specific shampoo and conditioner which needs to be used to lock the straight hair and to give nourishment to the hair. The hairstylist will give you the best products suitable for your hair.

If you really don't want to use those shampoo and conditioner then you can use normal shampoo too but the result will not last for long.

Some hair products links are mentioned below:

• https://www.flipkart.com/l-oreal-professional-xtenso-care-por-keratin-incell-shampoo/p/itmfczhrzghyzd6e?pid=SMPFCZCBTY7ZMH5A&lid=LSTSMPFCZCBTY7ZMH5ANUHBIJ&marketplace=FLIPKART&srno=s_1_33&otracker=search&otracker1=search&fm=SEARCH&iid=282d0722-c270-42f9-9bf9-f721ee3b608a.SMPFCZCBTY7ZMH5A.SEARCH&ppt=sp&ppn=sp&qH=d151c0281d98edb7
• https://www.flipkart.com/matrix-opti-care-smooth-straight-professional-shampoo/p/itmff2p4ehfrjzxy?pid=SMPFF6XGPVFQZE2Y&lid=LSTSMPFF6XGPVFQZE2Y6AWWVM&marketplace=FLIPKART&srno=s_1_13&otracker=search&otracker1=search&fm=SEARCH&iid=ddfb1b98-172a-4e2d-8688-7e0dc79a1473.SMPFF6XGPVFQZE2Y.SEARCH&ppt=sp&ppn=sp&ssid=q5bluu4dvk0000001564249074514&qH=a0401e48af1fcb88
• https://www.flipkart.com/wella-professionals-invigo-nutri-enrich-goji-berry-deep-nourishing-shampoo/p/itmfe4kez3ayyga9?pid=SMPFE35ZGFKBQNGK&lid=LSTSMPFE35ZGFKBQNGKT7PHAW&marketplace=FLIPKART&srno=s_1_26&otracker=search&otracker1=search&fm=SEARCH&iid=da88b3b0-0deb-4d3d-8544-b6abaf80c7cf.SMPFE35ZGFKBQNGK.SEARCH&ppt=sp&ppn=sp&qH=a0401e48af1fcb88
• https://www.flipkart.com/wow-skin-science-hair-strengthening-shampoo/p/itmf3xfwgsntqsns?pid=SMPEQ7EWPYKWGZSR&lid=LSTSMPEQ7EWPYKWGZSRGUVK73&marketplace=FLIPKART&srno=s_1_30&otracker=search&otracker1=search&fm=SEARCH&iid=en_7t2NEqO3sr5uVptKjWGQLVLbG%2F6kogRfbEz%2BxSW%2B0NW%2BkcifvrdlxjRPiT%2BqEdj0zPTc0JwNDmdznsm1dH%2FLCQ%3D%3D&ppt=sp&ppn=sp&qH=a0401e48af1fcb88
• https://www.flipkart.com/l-oreal-professionnel-loreal-hair-spa-smooth-revival-shampoo-230ml-conditioner-200ml-combo/p/itmf3xfwfuzbmqxy?pid=SMPEHY6YDTN34PQF&lid=LSTSMPEHY6YDTN34PQFKBZVZ9&marketplace=FLIPKART&srno=s_1_4&otracker=search&otracker1=search&fm=SEARCH&iid=11b83ea7-6d50-4401-a029-a587b116ddc9.SMPEHY6YDTN34PQF.SEARCH&ppt=sp&ppn=sp&ssid=s55i9vq4kw0000001564249252097&qH=d151c0281d98edb7

߀ What should be done to maintain the hair texture?

• Try investing in good hair products to maintain the texture.
• Avoid excessive sun rays.
• Condition your hair often to keep the hair smooth.
• Try drinking a lot of water to give hydration to the hair.
• Try using a wide-tooth comb to comb your hair.
• Put hair mask once in a week.

߀ Can I put oil in my hair after hair smoothing?

Yes, you can put hair oil after smoothing. Personally, I put hair on my hair twice a week. It will help with split ends and dryness which may cause due to straightening.

߀ Side effects and treatment?

There are a couple of side effects to hair smoothing but it varies with person to person. It's not necessary for me and you to suffer from the same side effects.

Some of the side effects are listed below:

• Hair tends to breakage. 
• Hair can become more fragile. 
• Hair tends to dryness.
• Skin rashes may occur around the neck and face.
• Some people suffer from headache.
• Split ends may occur. 

All these side effects are the same for every chemical treatments and the hair can be protected from these side effects to some extent.
Below are some ways to avoid side effects:

• Oil your hair at least twice in a week.
• Choose hair oil that suits your hair.
• Choose shampoo and conditioner wisely.
• Condition twice to lock extra moisture into the hair.
• Use hair strengthening and nourishing hair mask.
• Don't brush your hair in a hurry.
• Make sure to use hot tools as less as possible as your hair has already undergone harsh treatments.
• Put aloe vera to hair for extra nourishment.
• Put hair serum in wet hair to avoid frizziness.
• Trim your hair often for hair growth and split ends.

My experience

This is my second time undergoing hair smoothing from the same salon. Though my experience was very different the second time.

I have mentioned earlier that the experience largely depends on the hairstylist.

My first-time hair smoothing experience was much more smooth. But it was completely different the second time. First time I specifically requested my hairstylist not to make my hair extremely straight as I hate the pin-straight looking hair. She rightfully listened to my indication. The ultimate result was just how I pictured.

But my second-time hair smoothing did not go that well as the previous one. This time I guess my hairdresser was not experienced enough as she applied the smoothing cream on my scalp which should not be done. Also, my hair looked flat and sleek which I am not a big fan of.

Overall hair smoothing is a great solution for those people who are tired of handling rough dull hair. As this stays for a longer duration, people prefer this over normal blow dry which lasts till the next hair wash.

Steps for hair smoothing

Step 1:

Shampoo and condition the hair before the procedure begins. The procedure needs to be started with a clean scalp.

Step 2:

Dry and blow-dry the hair to remove moisture from the hair.

Step 3:

Hair-smoothing cream is applied to the dry hair. The hairstylist keeps in mind to put the cream 2 3 cm away from the root of the hair. This cream is the main ingredient for hair straightening. The cream is then kept for 20-25 mins.

Step 4:

The cream is washed thoroughly. This step is very important as any residue can be harmful to the hair.

Step 5:

The hair is then straightened out with a ceramic flat iron or steam flat iron. This step is to lock the effects of the cream to the hair. Every section of the hair is flat ironed in small sections. This step takes the most amount of time. Some salons play some music to keep the customers engaged.

Step 6: 

Then a neutralizer is applied to the hair in sections keeping it 1 cm away from the scalp. This is the final product application step. The neutralizer is kept in the hair for 15 minutes.

Step 7:

After 15 minutes, the neutralizer is washed thoroughly with plain water. Shampoo and conditioner are not applied.

Step 8:

The Last step is to blow-dry the hair with fingers at first and then with a paddle brush. Some salons prefer putting some hair serum after the entire procedure.


Step 9:

You will be asked to come back to the salon after 3 days for the final hair wash. The hair is washed with shampoo and conditioner and a hair mask is also applied for extra nourishment.

I have tried to explain everything which you need to know before going for hair smoothing. Almost every question that will arise in your mind is covered under this article.
Do share your hair smoothing stories with me on my Instagram. I would love to know about your experiences.

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