Hair Smoothening vs Keratin Treatment: Which One is Right for You?

If you are dreaming about thinking smooth and shiny frizz-free hair, then you must have heard about two famous treatments i.e., hair smoothening and keratin treatment. Both treatments claim to turn your hair into sleek, manageable locks, but how do you know which is best for your hair type and goals?

In this blog, we’ll outline the differences between hair smoothening and keratin treatment, benefits of each, and help you decide which treatment would be the best for you.

What is Hair Smoothening?

Hair smoothening is a chemical treatment that makes your hair smooth, shiny, and free from frizz. It’s mainly aimed at smoothing out the outer layer of the hair shaft so that it looks sleeker and straighter. This process generally consists of applying a smoothing solution to the hair, then blow-drying and flat-ironing everything to seal the deal.

This method is achieved by breaking down, and then reforming, the natural bonds in your hair to create the new, smooth texture. While the process can help hair look straighter, the effects are generally temporary, lasting for a few months depending on your hair type and how you take care of it.

What is Keratin Treatment?

Keratin treatment is a hair-repair treatment that smoothens and restores the hair using keratin, a natural protein. Keratin, a key structural protein found in hair; this treatment adds it back in the hair shaft to become healthier and shinier and more manageable. Keratin treatment, on the other hand, doesn’t change your hair’s structure like hair smoothening does. Instead, it works by closing the cuticle and coating the hair with keratin to give it a sleek, smooth appearance.

The keratin treatment is usually smeared onto wet hair, and then heat is applied by the stylist to seal it. Results typically last longer than hair smoothening, with most people enjoying frizz-free strands for up to 3-6 months.

Differences between hair smoothening and keratin treatment

Process

Hair Smoothening: This Hair smoothening, is also a chemical process that opens up hair bonds to make it smoother and straighter.

Keratin Treatment: A keratin treatment first replaces lost keratin in the hair, then seals it in. It doesn’t change the structure of the hair but helps to revive and reinforce it.

Results

Hair Smoothening: Smoothened hair is straightened, frizz-free, and generally sleek. The results can last for months, though not as long as keratin treatments.

Keratin Treatment: Keratin treatment smooths out frizz and provides shine, but does not make the hair all the way straight. The results last longer (up to 3-6 months) and look more natural.

Hair Texture

Hair Smoothening: This treatment is most effective on natural wavy and frizzy hair. It will give you a straight, sleek look but may not be the best choice if your hair is very curly and you want to retain some natural volume.

Keratin: Under the professional care of your stylist, keratin treatments can work wonders for frizzy, coarse, or damaged hair. It makes hair sleek and shiny without stripping away so much of the hair’s natural texture that it doesn’t move anymore.

Hair Type Suitability

Hair Smoothening: It is another great option for customers with wavy or slightly curly hair to help make it smooth and manageable. If you have super curly hair or hair with a lot of texture, it may not be as dramatic and is not recommended.

Keratin Treatment: All hair types can have keratin treatments but specifically dry, damaged or frizzy hair. It’s a great option for someone looking to replenish moisture and smoothness without compromising on natural volume.

Maintenance

Hair Smoothening: After smoothening, the hair needs extra care and attention. Use sulfate-free shampoos and avoid over-washing to maintain the result.

Keratin Treatment: Keratin treatments do need a little bit of maintenance but are generally more low-maintenance than smoothening. In fact, to allow the treatment to set, you shouldn’t wash your hair for a minimum of 48 hours after your treatment.

Cost

Hair Smoothening: Hair smoothening treatments are generally less costly as compared to keratin treatments but the results are less long lasting.

Keratin Treatment: Keratin treatments tend to be pricier because they involve quality proteins and longer lasting results. But they are seen as more of an investment since they typically leave hair sleeker for longer.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Hair smoothening and keratin treatments will both leave your strands lovely, frizz-free, but the choice comes down to your hair type, needs and end results you are after. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on the right treatment:

Go for Hair Smoothening if:

You have wavy or frizzy hair and desire a straighter, sleeker look.

You are seeking a temporary, more cost-effective treatment.

You don’t mind putting in a bit of extra upkeep to maintain smooth hair.

Go for Keratin Treatment if:

You’re looking to smooth frizz and add shine while keeping your hair’s natural texture.

You have dry, damaged or very frizzy hair and want a repair-oriented treatment.

You want something durable and low-maintenance.

When it comes to tame the frizz and to get smooth, shiny hair, both hair smoothening and keratin treatment are great options. However, they serve different purposes and want different looks, with smoothening providing a straighter look while keratin can treat hair with a more natural finish. It’s important to think about your hair type, the results you want and the maintenance involved before making a decision.

If you aren’t sure which treatment is right for you, you can always consult with a professional stylist who can evaluate your hair and make a recommendation for you. No matter which you use, both treatments will give your hair a healthier, smoother, and more manageable look!

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