The most prevalent issue that we all have is frizzy, rough hair. While frizz is natural, it is important to give your hair a break and to recognize that the environment we live in plays a large role in the state of your mane. Sure, going to the salon once in a while for a hair treatment is great, but if you are looking for a solution that lasts beyond three washes, you may want to try an at-home smoothing treatment. At-home treatment will give you the smooth results of a salon service, without the high price tag.
What is hair smoothening?
Some hair smoothing products emit formaldehyde when heated or mixed with water, which the American Cancer Society reports to be a known carcinogen) is put on the mane to straighten it out.
The process
Before you begin the treatment, block off 3 to 4 hours, as this process may be extended and vary with the amount and type of your hair. Also consider the time it will take to complete the process before starting.
Prep
At the start of the treatment, we prep your scalp and hair. We begin with a thorough wash, which removes all the dirt, grime, and product buildup, so the chemicals go on pure hair (not the roots). Then the hair is very carefully dried and combed out so it’s free of tangles and ready for the application of products.
Smoothening cream
Carefully section off your hair and put the smoothening cream on each strand, which should not come in contact with your scalp. Application to the skin is a no-no as it causes dryness, flaking, and hair fall. Also, it is recommended to wash it out after 30 minutes.
This cream may include methylene glycol, formalin, methanal, and methanediol, which, when put in contact with water or heat, produce formaldehyde. Also in the salon, there is no set regulation on which ingredients may be used in treatment products, so if you have questions regarding side effects or what is in the products that you are using on your mane, do not hesitate to ask the place that sold you the at-home kit or your stylist.
Hair straightening
After a second hair washing, iron out your hair. The smoothening cream, which breaks up hair bonds and realigns them for a much smoother look, we get that with heat.
Hair mask time
After straightening, put in a hair mask, which will renew and recondition your hair fibers. Also, wash out with a mild shampoo after 20 minutes and use a conditioner to lock in the softness.
Pros and cons of hair smoothening
Pros
- Zaps frizz
- Makes hair shiny
- Gives hair a wave that develops over time.
Cons
- May not suit curly hair.
- Gives hair a blow-dried look
- Most treatments use a formalin solution, which may cause skin and eye irritation.
Side effects of hair smoothening
As is the case with any treatment, this one has its side effects, which include hair fall, in that we do three rounds of washing and masking, which in turn weak out strands. Also, it may cause your hair to dry out as the chemicals from your hair may make their way to your scalp over time, which in turn may cause it to dry out and flake.
Hair smoothening cost
Depending on what product you use, your hair type, and length, hair smoothening treatments can start at Rs 3000.
Who should try hair smoothening?
If you have wavy, fine, coarse, or thick hair, you can go for hair smoothening. But if what you have is curly hair, do not expect this treatment to change your hair into that of perfect straightness. Over time, usually between two and five months, what you will see is that the treatment will fade out to give you hair that is only slightly wavy.
Before and after routine for hair-smoothing treatments
Before:
- Make sure that your hair and scalp are clean.
- Apply the hair smoothing treatment to your strands.
After:
- Use a mild sulfate-free shampoo instead, which won’t remove the treatments from your hair.
- Post treatment, leave your hair out of the elastic bands and clips, and don’t push it behind your ears.
- Keep your hair straight while sleeping.
- Leave out the conditioner for a few more minutes for super soft hair. After every wash of your hair, apply.
Hair smoothening vs other treatments
Straightening
This is a permanent fix, which means your hair will stay poker straight till it grows out. We use heat from iron rods and chemical processes, which alter the hair structure, which in turn changes the hair’s natural form. As your hair grows out, it may look a little out of place, and your other mane will be mostly straight.
Keratin
Hair is doused in chemicals, which are then dried. It is ironed and washed. This smoothing treatment will have you looking bouncy and soft, and the result lasts for three to six months.
FAQs
Q. How frequently can I get a hair-smoothing treatment?
Every outgrowth that you go through weakens your hair and makes it more prone to breakage. Do it no more than twice a year.
Q. Do I change my hair care routine post-treatment?
If you are using sulfate-based products in your hair care routine, you may have to switch to milder options.
Q. Will smoothing treatments make fine hair look flat?
Yes, after the smoothing-out process, they do.
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