Hair Smoothening vs. Hair Straightening: Both are shiny in appearance, but the game inside is completely different; Know the right choice for your hair – ..

Due to today’s busy lifestyle, dust and pollution, it has become common for hair to become dry and lifeless. In such a situation, to make hair instantly shiny, straight and manageable, two treatments are most in trend in salons – Hair Smoothening and Hair Straightening.

After completion of the treatment, in both cases the hair looks very beautiful and shiny like glass. This is the reason why most people get confused between these two and choose any treatment without thinking. However, there is a world of difference in the chemicals used in both these processes, the way they work on the hair and their end result. Let us understand both of these in very simple words.

1. Hair Straightening: Permanent makeover of hair.

As the name suggests, the main objective of this treatment is to give a completely straight and sleek look to the hair. If your hair is very heavy, curly or bouncy, straightening makes it completely flat and straight. Due to being straight, the length of the hair also becomes visible a little longer.

How does this work?

• Breaking Natural Bonds: Our hair has a natural structure or bond. Very hard chemicals are used in straightening, which break the natural bond of hair forever.

• Lifespan: This is a permanent treatment. This means that hair that has been treated with this chemical will remain straight until it is cut. usually its effect 6 to 12 months Appears until new natural hair grows from the roots.

• Risk Factor: Since very strong chemicals and high-heat (pressing machines) are used in it, the risk of hair getting damaged, breaking or becoming dry is highest.

2. Hair Smoothening: A synergy of nourishment and natural shine.

You can consider hair smoothening as a kind of deep conditioning treatment. Its main function is to eliminate frizz and make the hair soft to touch, not to straighten it completely.

How does this work?

• Protein Formula: Keratin based light protein formula is used in it. This chemical does not break the natural structure of the hair, but instead relaxes the outer layer (cuticle) of the hair and makes them smooth. This maintains the natural bounce and volume of the hair.

• Lifespan: This is a temporary treatment. Gradually with shampooing its effect starts reducing. generally this 3 to 6 months It lasts only for a period of time, after which the hair needs touch-up again.

• Risk Factor: Compared to straightening, the risk of hair damage is much less because it fills the hair with protein from within.

Main differences between smoothening and straightening (Quick Comparison Table)

To make things easier for you, below is a comparison of both the treatments:

Expert Pro-Tip: What’s Right for Your Hair?

Before taking any decision, it is important to understand your hair type:

• When to choose straightening: If your hair is extremely curly, handling or combing it daily has become a headache for you, then you can get straightening done. But remember, for this your hair should already be healthy so that they can withstand this hard chemical process.

• When to choose smoothening: If your hair is slightly wavy or straight, but lacks shine and looks very frizzy or lifeless, then smoothening is best for you. This will not spoil the natural look of your hair and they will always look neat.

Before going to the salon, always get the scalp and texture of your hair checked by a good hair expert, so that later you do not have to face problems like hair fall.