Are you unable to make a sound decision between choosing to go with the Hair Smoothening or Hair Straightening option? We understand how overwhelming it can get when it comes to achieving silky, untangled, and manageable hair. You can either pick hair smoothening to enhance your natural texture, or a hair straightening method for a sleek and polished hair look. Both treatments are a smart way to transform your hair condition based on the result you want and the place you are planning to be. 

Whether you’re tired of tangles, or frizz, want straight and flawless style, or are simply curious about other options, this comprehensive guide will help you make a confirmed decision. Dive into the article to learn about the difference between Hair smoothing and Hair Straightening, its pros and cons, process, purpose, and more below. 

Hair Smoothening Vs Hair Straightening

What is Hair Smoothening?

Hair smoothening is a protein-rich coating also known as keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout, designed to eliminate damage, and frizz, enhance hair look, and make it manageable. This treatment usually lasts a few months and involves saturating the hair with a formaldehyde solution. The solution is coated and then sealed using a flat iron for a longer stay. Here are some of the key features of the Hair Smoothening Process: 

• Purpose: Reduces damage and frizz, adds shine, smoothens, and establishes the natural texture of the hair.
• Process:
  1. Hair is washed and blown dry  
  2. A protein-rich coating is applied to smoothen it.
  3. In the end, Hair is blow-dried and ironed to seal in the treatment.
• Duration: 2-3 hours, depending on the length and thickness of hair
• Longevity: Lasts 2-3 months with proper aftercare.
• Aftercare: Use sulfate-free shampoos for cleaning and limited exposure to chlorine or salt water.
• Suitable for: Wavy or slightly curly hair people looking to enhance the texture of hair and reduce frizz.

What is Hair Straightening?

Hair straightening is more of a temporary or permanent chemical treatment that alters the hair’s natural structure to straighten. The temporary process involves heating that hair with hot iron plates and permanent hair straightening involves the usage of a chemical relaxer that breaks the hair shaft bond. This process helps in bonding protein in the hair to make it completely straight. Here are some of the key features of the Hair Straightening Process: 

• Purpose: Provides temporary or permanent poker-straight, sleek hair by changing the natural hair structure.
• Process:
  1. Hair is dried and divided into several small sections.
  2. For permanent hair straightening a chemical relaxant is applied to break down the natural bonds of the hair for a longer while temporary straightening is done by press heating the hair. 
  3. Hair is washed, rinsed, and flat-ironed.
• Duration: 3-5 hours of treatment, depending on the thickness, length, and texture of the hair.
• Longevity: Temporary straightening lasts a few hours to one day and permanent straightening lasts for 6-12 months and regular care is required. 
• Aftercare: Requires specific hair care products to maintain permanent hair straightening and for temporary hair straightening, avoid washing the hair for 1 day.  
• Suitable For: Hair that is thick, messy, curly, or unmanageable can choose their preference of either a temporary or permanently straight look.

Difference Between Hair Smoothening and Hair Straightening

Understanding the difference between hair smoothening and straightening is essential before choosing which hair treatment to go with. Here’s a detailed comparison based on chemicals used, and their unique features, longevity, etc to help you make an informed decision: 

Pros and Cons of Hair Smoothening and Hair Straightening

Hair Smoothening and Hair Straightening both have benefits and drawbacks to consider before taking the service. Here’s a detailed pros and cons section mentioned below to help you decide if this treatment is the right choice for your current hair preferences:  

Pros and Cons of Hair Smoothening

Pros of Hair Smoothening: 

• Enhances natural shine.
• Reduces dull frizz without making hair unnaturally straight.
• Less damaging than straightening.
• Maintains a softer, more natural look.
• Suitable for people who like styling their hair frequently.

Cons of Hair Smoothening:

• Not very effective on extremely curly or thick hair.
• Stays for a shorter time compared to straightening.
• Requires consistent aftercare with specialized products; expensive treatment. 
• Exposure to harsh chemicals formaldehyde can irritate eyes or sensitive skin.
• Limited protection against high humidity conditions.

Pros and Cons of Hair Straightening

Pros of Hair Straightening: 

• Gives a complete transformation of curly or wavy hair into a straight texture.
• Stays for longer days.
• Perfect for low-maintenance, sleek styles
• Reduces time spent on daily styling.
• Quite effective on thick and unmanageable hair.

Cons of Hair Straightening: 

• Makes hair dry, and dull, and leads to significant damage and fragility. 
• Requires extreme maintenance to prevent breakage.
• Newly born hair strands will differ from treated hair, requiring regular touch-ups.
• Not suitable for weak or damaged hair that can not be withheld to bear treatment
• These harsh chemicals may cause the scalp sensitive

Which one should you choose? Hair Smoothening or Hair Straightening? 

Making one final decision to pick between hair smoothening and straightening depends on your hair type, preferred look, and lifestyle. Hair Smoothening is ideal if you want to retain some natural texture and prioritize hair health. However, if you wish to attain a sleek, straight look and are okay with temporary or permanent more intensive treatment, straightening may be the way to go.

Here are some of the options you should consider before choosing between Hair Smoothening or Hair Straightening: 

• Hair Type: Smoothening works best for wavy or slightly curly hair while straightening is ideal for thick, curly, or frizzy unmanageable hair.
• Desired Look: If you are considering getting a natural texture with the least hair damage, dullness, or frizz go with the hair smoothening. If you want to achieve a completely sleek, straight look, go with hair straightening.
• Hair Health: If you are more concerned about hair health or loosing hair in the process of treatment, Smoothening is better suited for maintaining hair flexibility. Hair straightening involves harsh chemicals and may cause dryness or damage if not career regularly and properly.
• Longevity: Permanent Straightening lasts longer (6-12 months) while temporary straightening is for shorter days. Hair smoothening stays longer for around 3-6 months while new hair will require touch-ups at a certain interval of time.
• Lifestyle and Maintenance: Smoothening saves lots of time and minimal time spent on aftercare of sulfate-free products. Straightening needs more careful care to prevent any hair breakage and maintain the sleek effect for a longer time. 
• Sensitivity to Chemicals: If you’re concerned about exposure to strong chemicals, smoothening is a gentler option.

With the above-given options evaluate your hair’s current condition, time and duration you can give to your hair, styling preferences, and how much maintenance it can cost. This will help you to consult a professional stylist and will also help you make the best choice for your hair goals. 

Conclusion

We understand having a hair goal and wanting to enhance your natural hair or achieve a dramatic transformation is a fair wish. Both hair smoothening and straightening offer you with adequate opportunity to enhance your hair quality if you make a smart decision to choose it based on your hair condition and preferences. We have mentioned a comprehensive guide on the difference between hair smoothening and hair straightening. We hope this article helps you choose the right fit and practice for your healthy hair goals. It helps you understand the major differences, their pros and cons, and criteria to consider so that you can choose the treatment that aligns with your hair goals and lifestyle. Read the full article to discover everything you need to know and start your hair journey.

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