Hair Smoothing Treatments: Types, Maintenance, and More

Are you looking for silky, smooth hair that feels luxurious to the touch? While genetics and hair care routines play a role, hair smoothing treatments can also help you get the look and feel. Hair smoothing treatments, including keratin and rebonding treatments, have been used for decades to create sleek strands. They can help transform the texture and appearance of hair, control frizz, and cut down on styling time.

We asked celebrity hairstylists Priscilla Villa and Kim Kimble to give us the full rundown on hair smoothing treatments, including the types, costs, maintenance, and more. Read on for what they told us.

What Is Hair Smoothing?

“Hair smoothing is a chemical treatment that helps reduce frizz and make hair silky. It involves applying a [keratin solution] or other smoothing agents to the hair, followed by heat styling,” says Villa. The result is hair that appears sleekier and glossier. It’s a versatile solution suitable for various hair types, including curly or wavy. “For the world of hair extensions, these smoothing treatments are ideal for my clients,” she adds. 

The Different Types of Hair Smoothing Treatments

Keratin Treatment

Keratin treatments have gained popularity due to their shiny, lustrous results. A keratin-based formula is applied to the hair, which is then sealed using heat-styling tools such as flat irons. This temporarily “changes the structure of the hair,” explains Kimble.

Keratin treatments can repair damage, reduce frizz, and add shine and softness to the hair. “With this treatment, you can expect results that allow your hair not to frizz back up, but your hair will not be completely bone straight,” says Kimble. They can take a few hours to complete, but results can last several months, gradually fading over time without leaving a noticeable line of separation.

Brazilian Blowouts 

The Brazilian Blowout is a well-known branded keratin treatment that can only be performed in-salon.” With Brazilian blowouts, the stylist can control the level of straightness by how many times the hair is passed by the flat iron, making it completely customizable to you,” Villa says. “Results can last several weeks, providing smoother, shinier hair with reduced frizz.” She adds that it’s popular with “those looking for temporary sleekness and enhanced texture without permanently altering the hair’s structure.”

Rebonding

Rebonding is a technique used in salons that chemically processes hair’s natural structure and breaks it down, rearranging it to create a new texture. “The results are typically long-lasting, keeping the hair straight until new growth occurs,” says Villa. “It provides a sleek and straight appearance, making it a preferred choice for those who desire permanently straightened hair.”

Relaxers

A hair relaxer is a cream or lotion that makes hair (in some cases) permanently straight. “This treatment uses sodium hydroxide with lye for a permanent result. It’s a stronger chemical that will de-frizz and is more commonly used by African Americans, but Caucasians also opt for this treatment for a more powerful result,” says Kimble. “This one only takes about 30 minutes to complete.”

“Proper aftercare is important to maintain hair health and prevent damage from the chemical treatment,” adds Villa. “Regular touch-ups are often needed as new growth occurs.”

Aftercare and Maintenance

Villa says you’ll want to follow your stylist’s recommended aftercare routine. That said, she has a few overall tips for maintaining and caring for newly frizz-free locks:

• “Avoid washing your hair immediately” after your treatment.
• “Limit heat styling, opt for low heat settings when necessary, and avoid tight hairstyles to prevent disruptions to the smoothing effects.”
• “Protect your hair from excessive moisture, especially in the first few days after treatments like keratin.”
• “Be prepared for regular touch-ups as new hair growth occurs.”
• “Consider deep conditioning treatments to nourish and hydrate your hair,” Villa adds.  

Longevity

The results of smoothing treatments typically last two to six months and are influenced by factors like hair type (coarser hair tends to retain results longer than finer hair), hair texture, environmental exposure, and your maintenance routine. Regular touch-ups and proper care are crucial for maintaining smoothness. Consulting with a professional stylist for personalized advice can maximize results, ensuring smoother hair for longer. 

Alternatives and Reversal

While there are alternatives to smoothing treatments—namely “using blow dryers, flat irons, natural oils, masks, silk pillowcases, and anti-frizz products”—Villa says to manage your expectations. “While these methods offer temporary results, professional smoothing treatments like keratin or Brazilian Blowouts provide longer-lasting and more significant transformations by chemically altering the hair’s structure.”

When deciding between smoothing approaches, you’ll want to consider “individual preferences, time commitment, and the desired amount of smoothness,” she adds.

The Final Takeaway

Hair smoothing treatments—like keratin, rebonding, and relaxers—can be a game-changer for those seeking shiny, lustrous strands. With so many different techniques available, it’s essential to consult a professional stylist to find the best treatment for your hair type and desired results.