Wave a warm goodbye to your frizz-filled locks and say a hearty hello to glossy, shimmering strands.
Wondering how to tame your mane into silky submission? Keep calm; we’ve got your back. Regularly brushing your hair and experimenting with a myriad of serums can sometimes fall short when you’re up against stubborn tangles and rough texture. As a consequence, your hair may adopt a rather lacklustre appearance, becoming unmanageable and unruly. But fret not! Achieving sleek, frizz-free hair isn’t an insurmountable task. This article delves into the plethora of home-based hair smoothening methods. So grab a cuppa and read on to unveil the secrets to ultra-smooth hair.
The Road to Silken Strands: Methods for Achieving Smoother Hair
There are two principal avenues you can traverse to achieve smoother hair: through chemical treatments or the regular styling process.
Chemical Treatments: This technique employs potent chemicals such as formaldehyde and alkalis to give your hair a glossy sheen (1). This is a permanent affair, enduring for a good 12-15 weeks. However, to maintain this silky appearance, you’ll need to revisit the treatment every few months.
An intriguing study involving 1,555 women revealed that a staggering 89% of them had turned to chemical products or straighteners in their quest for smoother or straighter hair. The study also highlighted a preference for chemical products and leave-in conditioners to achieve this sleek effect. So, whether you reach for store-bought hair products or lean towards natural remedies, there are numerous paths leading to lustrously smooth and straight hair.
Natural Smoothing: This approach leans on traditional hairstyling hacks to lend your locks a smoother look. It might be temporary, yet it’s highly effective. It delicately refines the texture of your hair without radically altering its structure, unlike its chemical counterpart. With a judicious balance of care and management, you can achieve not just smooth, but healthy hair. Even though the results are fleeting, natural smoothing methods are poised to enhance your hair’s health over time, bestowing a lasting shine and silkiness.
Read on to delve deeper into these two smoothing techniques and figure out which one is your ticket to tangle-free tresses.
Your Natural Route to Sleek Locks
Chilly Showers: The Cold Water Trick
Splashing your hair with cold water can send frizz packing and coax your hair into straighter lines. After washing and conditioning your detangled hair, rinse it with cold water a few times. Remember to pat your hair dry gently rather than resorting to vigorous drying or scrunching. For even better results, consider using a straightening or anti-frizz conditioner before your final rinse. The cold water acts as a sealant, locking in the smoothing power of the conditioner and leaving your hair feeling silky and nourished.
The Banana-Yogurt Bonanza
(1) Bananas, overflowing with carbohydrates, vitamins, natural oils, and potassium, are an excellent source of antioxidant potential that battles free radicals.
(2). Introducing bananas to your hair-care regimen via a hair pack will infuse your hair with nourishment and moisture. It can tame frizz and soothe an irritated scalp with regular use. Add a dollop of yoghourt into the mix to amp up the benefits – it’s a stellar moisturiser for your hair.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A ripe banana
- A teaspoons of yoghourt
And here’s how you do it:
- Mash up a ripe banana and stir in two teaspoons of yoghurt.
- Whisk this mixture until it forms a smooth paste, ensuring there are no lingering chunks of banana.
- Start applying this concoction to your hair from the ends, gradually working your way up to the crown.
- Let it sit for about 45 minutes before rinsing it off with your favourite shampoo.
The Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle
Apple cider vinegar has been celebrated as a natural hair rinse for eons. Our hair typically maintains a pH of 5.5, whilst the shampoos and conditioners we use lean heavily alkaline (3). Though there’s a lack of scientific backing, anecdotal evidence proposes that apple cider vinegar aids in maintaining our scalp’s pH balance while clearing away any residue that’s accumulated due to product overuse. A vinegar rinse can work wonders, sealing your hair cuticles, making it smoother, softer, and glossier.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- And here’s how you do it:
Dilute the apple cider vinegar with water.
Use this mixture as the final rinse after washing your hair and let it stay in your hair.
The Wonders of a Warm Oil Massage
Indulging in a hot oil massage weekly won’t just pave the way to healthy, sleek hair but also offer you a much-needed stress-buster. Opt for oils such as coconut, olive, sweet almond, jojoba, castor, lavender, rosemary, and thyme to massage your hair (4), (5), (6), (7). You can even combine these oils for enhanced results.
Here’s what you’ll need:
2-3 tablespoons of oil, depending on the length of your hair
And here’s how you do it:
- Gently massage the oil into your scalp and apply it evenly through your hair.
- Once you’ve massaged your scalp, swaddle your head with a warm towel. This creates a warm cocoon that promotes optimal oil absorption.
- Leave it in for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off with shampoo to reveal glossier locks.
Pick the Perfect Shampoo: It’s All About Type
A shampoo does the dual job of cleansing your scalp and infusing your hair with softness and smoothness. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to select a shampoo that complements your hair type.
For a gentler touch, consider utilising natural ingredients to cleanse your hair.
- Whip up your own natural shampoo by boiling dried Indian gooseberry (amla), shikakai, and Reetha together.
- Allow the mixture to simmer until a soapy solution forms.
- Use this concoction to wash your hair at least twice a week to unveil shiny, silky locks.
Mindful Brushing
Be gentle when brushing your hair. Overzealous combing or brushing can create friction, leading to frizz. Limit your hair-brushing activity and steer clear of doing it when your hair is wet, as this is when it’s most vulnerable to breakage. A sensible brushing routine would involve detangling your hair before a shower using a wide-toothed wooden comb, followed by once or twice daily combing to style and banish knots.
The Art of Conditioning
A correct conditioning routine can significantly transform your hair, endowing it with a smooth and silky disposition. Be sure to deep condition your hair at least once a week. Leaving a small amount of conditioner in your hair post-wash can add an extra layer of smoothness, radiance and can keep those pesky tangles at bay. This practice is perfectly safe, provided the conditioner doesn’t have direct contact with your scalp.
In your journey towards smooth, frizz-free hair, leave-in conditioners and serums can prove to be your best allies. They’re particularly beneficial for those blessed with curls, ensuring that your ringlets stay defined and tangle-free.
Cool Down: Take a Heat Break
Straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers might seem like the magic wands for instant hair styling and a smooth finish, but their frequent usage can wreak havoc on your hair. These heated tools strip your hair of its natural gloss, making it coarse and frizzy (8).
If you find yourself in a position where you simply can’t go without styling, make sure to use a heat-protecting spray or serum. This forms a safeguarding layer around your hair, mitigating the heat-induced damage.
The Fine Art of Blow Drying
The golden rule for healthy hair is to let it dry naturally whenever possible. If you’re pressed for time, however, blow drying is an option. Just remember to use a high-quality, wide-toothed round brush with a ceramic base. Opt for the cooler setting on your blow dryer as it causes less damage. Keep the blow dryer 15 cm away from your hair and keep it moving, ensuring it doesn’t target one section of hair for too long
Just Say No: Beware of Harsh Chemicals
Avoid hair products containing sodium lauryl sulphate or ammonium laureth sulphate. These industrial cleansers are too harsh for your hair. Numerous shampoos on the market contain these ingredients, which research suggests can lead to significant hair fall and thinning (1). Instead, choose shampoos packed with natural and organic ingredients. These are kind to your hair and help lock in moisture, leaving you with smooth, soft locks.
The Snip Solution: Importance of Trimming
To cultivate a head of healthy, smooth hair, regular trimming is essential. It eliminates split ends and prevents damage from creeping up your hair shaft, resulting in frizz and dryness. Give your hair a trim every four to six weeks to keep it in its prime condition.
Mayonnaise Magic: Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
One of the best weekly treats for your hair is a deep conditioning treatment. Mayonnaise is a rich source of L-cysteine, a potent antioxidant amino acid that’s also abundant in eggs. Regular use of this hair pack can stimulate healthy hair growth.
You Will Need:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons mashed avocado
Procedure:
- Blend the mayonnaise and avocado until you have a fluffy mixture.
- Slather this concoction from the roots to the tips of your hair.
- Pull your hair up to the crown and cover it with a shower cap.
- Leave it in place for an hour before rinsing it off with shampoo.
While chemical hair smoothing is an option, remember that it can be expensive and potentially damaging to your hair. If you do decide to go down this route, ensure your hair is in a healthy, hydrated state, and isn’t over-processed. Always consult a stylist before undergoing any hair treatment, and remember, pre and post-care are essential for maintaining your luscious, smooth locks.
Pro Tip: Slumber on silk or satin pillowcases to prevent frizz, breakage, and to keep your hair ultra-smooth.
Chemical Smoothing Hair Tips
Relax, It’s Just a Relaxer
Relaxers are used to tame and soften your hair’s natural texture. They work best for those sporting wavy or slightly curly hair, but aren’t quite as effective on extremely curly hair. Relaxers target frizz and smoothen your hair shafts, offering you smoother hair that lasts until the chemicals fade, typically around four to six months.
The Chemical Route to Smooth Hair
This technique uses a cocktail of chemicals to break your hair’s natural bonds. The hair is then drenched in a smoothing solution and straightened out. The procedure can take a fair few hours, but the results last for about three months. Regular touch-ups are necessary to keep your hair smooth, straight, and radiant. Do bear in mind, this method isn’t suitable for coloured hair.
Thermal Reconditioning: Japanese Straightening
Also known as Japanese straightening, this method is ideal for bulky, loose to medium curls, but less so for extremely tight curls. The process involves repeatedly washing your hair with a chemical solution to break its inner bonds. Each strand is then reshaped, and a neutraliser is applied to create that smooth, silky, straight look. It’s a treatment that permanently alters your hair’s structure, and regular touch-ups are required every five to six months, depending on how quickly your hair grows. This method isn’t suitable for coloured or processed hair.
Embrace the Brazilian Way: Keratin Treatment
This treatment has soared in popularity due to its use of keratin, which is far gentler on your hair. While it smoothes your hair’s surface, it doesn’t permanently break the bonds. This treatment controls frizz while maintaining your hair’s volume and texture. It’s safe for coloured hair and is suitable for all hair types, from gentle waves to tight curls.
Navigating the Risks and Side Effects of Smoothing Treatments
When opting for chemical treatments to smooth your hair, it’s crucial to ensure they don’t contain formaldehyde. This harsh chemical can lead to scalp and eye irritation. Be wary of products claiming to contain ‘unactivated’ formaldehyde, as other chemicals in the product might trigger its activation. If you’re resorting to regular straighteners, opt for keratin-based straighteners as they are less damaging to your hair.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge on achieving smooth hair, remember, there are numerous natural methods to try at home. From rinsing your hair with cold water or vinegar, to scalp massages with hot oil, gentle combing, proper conditioning, and heat protection – these natural strategies can help smoothen your hair. Regular trims and mayo masks also aid in maintaining silky tresses.
While chemical smoothing treatments like thermal reconditioning and Brazilian keratin treatment provide instant results, they come with a caveat. The chemicals used in these treatments can lead to potential side effects and could damage your hair in the long run. Always consult with a professional before undergoing such treatments.
Remember, the key to maintaining smooth and healthy hair is a combination of good practices, a balanced diet, and a regular hair care routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my hair so rough after washing it?
Your hair might feel rough after a wash if you are shampooing too often, using a shampoo that’s not suitable for your hair type, or not using conditioner appropriately.
How do salons make hair so soft?
Salon professionals have extensive knowledge about hair types and the correct way to wash and condition hair. They use high-quality products and incorporate various techniques to soften and smooth hair.
Is smoothing good for dry hair?
Smoothing treatments can potentially benefit dry hair, as they can tame frizz and promote a sleek, shiny appearance. However, dry hair often requires additional moisture, which can be supplied with masks, oils, or overnight conditioners. Remember, when blow-drying, it’s important to use a minimal or low heat setting to prevent further damage.
Does smoothing help hair growth?
As of now, there’s no scientific evidence suggesting that hair smoothing aids in hair growth.
How often should I wash my hair to keep it smooth?
For frizzy hair, washing it two or three times a week could be beneficial as it can restore moisture. Washing hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness, while washing too infrequently can lead to buildup and scalp irritation.
Can a healthy diet help to keep my hair smooth?
Yes, a healthy diet can indeed contribute to smooth hair. Consuming nutrients essential for hair health, like proteins, vitamins, and minerals, can promote healthier and smoother hair.
Key Takeaway
- Enhance hair health by using a sulphate-free shampoo, deep conditioning regularly, and avoiding excessive heat styling.
- Regularly trimming split ends every four to six weeks can prevent further hair damage.
- Opt for a wide-toothed comb to detangle hair and avoid brushing it when it’s wet to prevent breakage.
- If you wish to use chemical smoothing treatments, options include thermal reconditioning or Brazilian keratin treatment. Remember to consult with a hair professional before undergoing such treatments.
