Hair Smoothing vs Keratin Treatment: What's the Difference?

The honest starting point

Treatments for smoother hair are often marketed with big claims, but the real answer for your hair depends on its condition, texture and treatment history. A professional parlour will assess your hair in person before recommending anything — that assessment matters more than the name of the treatment.

What the terms usually mean

Different salons use these names differently, so the reliable way to compare is to ask what the treatment involves for your hair:

• Smoothing — generally a treatment aimed at reducing frizz and softening the hair's surface, with results and duration depending on hair type and the products used
• Keratin treatment — usually a formaldehyde-based smoothing treatment; suitability depends on hair condition, and testing and ventilation practices should be confirmed

Questions to ask before booking

Ask about the product used, whether a strand test will be done, how long the result is expected to last for your hair type, the full price basis, and the aftercare routine. Also confirm the salon's ventilation and patch-test practices.

When to postpone the service

If your hair is recently coloured, bleached or damaged, or if you have scalp sensitivity, confirm suitability first. A responsible parlour will tell you honestly if the service should wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

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