Are You Confused Between Hair Smoothening and Hair Straightening?

Hair straightening and smoothing are two of the most common hair care methods for getting lustrous, manageable, and sleek hair. Both treatments aim to make your hair smoother, but they are not the same and each offers advantages of its own. It's okay if you're having trouble deciding between them. We will explain the main distinctions between hair straightening and smoothing in this blog post so that you may decide which option is best for you based on your lifestyle, desired look, and hair type.

Understanding Hair Smoothening

The purpose of hair smoothing is to improve shine, lessen frizz, and make hair easier to handle. The main objective of smoothing is to make the hair's cuticles smoother, which adds gloss and less frizz. Your natural curls or waves will still be evident because it doesn't permanently change the texture of your hair, but they will be softer, easier to maintain, and more controllable.

The Process of Hair Smoothening:

Benefits of Hair Smoothening:

Frizz Reduction: One of the primary reasons people opt for hair smoothening is to control frizz. If you have unruly, frizzy hair, smoothening can help tame the frizz and give your hair a polished look.

Maintains Natural Texture: Unlike hair straightening, smoothening does not change your hair texture completely. Your natural curls or waves remain, but they are softened and more controlled.

Long-Lasting Effects: The results of smoothening typically last for about 4 to 6 months. Over time, as your hair grows, the treated sections will fade and return to their natural texture.

Suitable for Wavy or Curly Hair: Smoothening is ideal for people with wavy or curly hair who want to reduce frizz and make their hair more manageable, without completely losing their natural waves or curls.

Understanding Hair Straightening

In contrast, hair straightening is a more involved procedure intended to fully straighten wavy or curly hair. To straighten hair, the natural links in its structure must be broken. Among the different kinds of straightening treatments are Japanese hair straightening, keratin treatments, and chemical straightening. Due to the chemicals used, the procedure can occasionally be more harmful to the hair than smoothing, even though the results are typically more permanent.

The Process of Hair Straightening:

To dissolve the natural links in the hair's structure, a stronger chemical solution is administered to the hair during hair straightening. After that, heat is used to straighten the hair, sealing it in place. To reduce damage, some straightening procedures, including keratin treatments, may additionally apply a protective protein. Depending on your hair's thickness and length, the procedure can take anywhere from three to eight hours, which is more time-consuming than smoothing.

Benefits of Hair Straightening:

Permanent Straightening: One of the biggest advantages of hair straightening is that it gives you permanently straight hair, or at least until your hair grows out. For individuals with very curly or oily hair, straightening can be life-changing by completely removing the curls and giving them sleek, straight locks.

Long-Lasting: The results of hair straightening can last for up to 6 months, depending on how well you take care of your hair after the treatment. The new hair that grows out will retain your natural texture, so you may need to touch up the straightening treatment as your hair grows.

Ideal for Tightly Curly Hair: Straightening is the go-to solution for people with very curly, coily, or thick hair who want a completely straight look. The treatment can completely remove tight curls, giving you smooth, straight hair.

Intensive Process: The chemical and heat-based process of straightening can result in a more dramatic change in texture compared to smoothening. This can be both a benefit and a drawback depending on the look you're going for.

Comparing Hair Smoothening and Hair Straightening

Although improving your hair's structure and manageability is the goal of both hair straightening and smoothing, some important distinctions between the two can help you select the optimal treatment for your hair type and objectives.

Effect on Hair Texture

Hair Smoothening: The texture of your hair is maintained, but it is softened and tamed. If you have wavy or curly hair, smoothening will reduce frizz and make your hair more manageable without removing your natural texture entirely.

Hair Straightening: Hair straightening alters your natural hair texture, making it permanently straight. This is ideal if you want to completely remove curls or waves.

Duration of Results

Hair Smoothening: The results typically last for about 4 to 6 months, and as your hair grows, the treatment fades.

Hair Straightening: Straightening treatments tend to last longer, with results typically lasting up to 6 months or more, depending on the type of treatment and your hair care routine.

Maintenance and Aftercare

Hair Smoothening: After the treatment, you should avoid washing your hair for 72 hours to allow the solution to set. Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can help extend the results.

Hair Straightening: After straightening, you should also avoid washing your hair for 48 to 72 hours. Straightened hair requires gentle care, and using the right hair care products is essential to maintain smoothness and shine.

Suitability for Different Hair Types

Hair Smoothening: Ideal for individuals with wavy or curly hair who want to reduce frizz and enhance shine without making their hair completely straight.

Hair Straightening: Perfect for people with tightly curly or oily hair who want to achieve a sleek, straight look.

Cost

Hair Smoothening: Generally more affordable than straightening treatments. The procedure is quicker and uses fewer chemicals, making it a less expensive option.

Hair Straightening: Straightening treatments are often more expensive due to the use of stronger chemicals and the longer time required for the procedure.

Hair Damage Potential

Hair Smoothening: Since the chemicals used in smoothening are generally milder, this treatment is less likely to cause significant damage to your hair. However, improper aftercare can still lead to dryness or breakage.

Hair Straightening: Straightening treatments tend to be more damaging to the hair due to the chemicals used to break the natural bonds in your hair. Over time, this can cause hair to become dry, and brittle, or even lead to hair loss if not properly maintained.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Choosing between hair smoothening and hair straightening depends on your desired results and your hair type. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:

If You Have Wavy or Curly Hair and Want to Keep Some Volume: Hair smoothening is the right choice if you want to manage frizz and reduce curl without sacrificing volume or texture.

If You Have Tightly Curly or Coily Hair and Want a Completely Straight Look: Hair straightening is the ideal choice if you are looking to achieve sleek, pin-straight hair for an extended period.

If You’re Looking for a Long-Term Solution: Hair straightening will provide long-lasting results while smoothening requires more frequent touch-ups.

If You Are Concerned About Damage: Hair smoothening is a gentler treatment that may cause less damage than straightening, but both treatments require proper aftercare to maintain healthy hair.

Conclusion:

Hair smoothening and hair straightening are both great treatments, but they serve different purposes. Smoothening is best for taming frizz and softening curls while straightening offers a permanent solution for those who want completely straight hair. Consider your hair type, the look you want to achieve, and how much maintenance you are willing to commit to before deciding which treatment is right for you. Consulting with a professional stylist can also help you make the best decision based on your unique hair needs.