At-Home: Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight, $26
Aveda’s newest launch is a lightweight styling crream that progressively loosens curls every time you style. After five consecutive applications, hair will stay straighter for up to three washes. How it works: As you blow-dry your hair, plant-derived fibers help lock in a layer that progressively holds strands straighter. Organic cassava root helps form a barrier against humidity, and the formula is safe for relaxed and color-treated hair types, too.
At-Home: Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo, $28, and Conditioner, $29
The fastest option that gives a frizz-free finish that lasts up to 72 hours, Moroccanoil’s new Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner restore depleted amino acids and strengthen hair’s natural keratin structure for instant smoothing manageability. Free of sulfates, phosphates and parabens, the shampoo and conditioner are safe for color-treated hair and must be used together for the three-day result. And yes, you can count on the duo to contain the brand’s signature argan oil ingredient and heavenly scent.
In-Salon: Cezanne Perfect Finish Keratin Smoothing Treatment, approx. $250 [For participating salons, call 888-316-6250 or email [email protected]]
This formaldehyde-free system uses a similar acidity to lemon juice to open up the cuticle for infusion of key ingredients keratin, glycolic acid, silk protein, botanical extracts and vitamins to the cortex, replacing lost and damaged proteins. Heat applied during the flat iron process closes the cuticle and locks the proprietary blend of ingredients into the hair for a smooth, lustrous finish. Results last from three to five months depending on hair type, and strands can be washed, styled or colored immediately after treatment. The service softens curls without breaking chemical bonds, giving it enough body to be styled curly or straight with less time and effort.
In-Salon: Keratin Complex Advanced Glycolic Smoothing System, approx. $250
Ideal for highly-textured, unruly hair in search of straight and smooth results, the Advanced Glycolic Smoothing System combines the active ingredient with keratin protein to restore and rejuvenate hair that has been damaged by previous chemical relaxing, UV exposure, heat styling and coloring. The immediate rinse-out formula that allows for same-day styling, and the frizz-free, straightened results last for up to a few months. Available at many salons nationwide, you can also find this treatment at popular Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, too.
In-Salon: Julien Farel De-Frizz Quick Treatment, approx. $220
At-Home: Julien Farel Zero Frizz Restore, $33
New York City salon Julien Farel offers a rapid frizz-free option with instant gratification that maintains voluminous body for those in seek of strands that are silky but not pin-straight. The formaldehyde-free and odorless service blends the brand’s hyaluronic acid and grapeseed oil-rich Zero Frizz Restore (a product that is also available for purchase alone) with professional keratin protein for soft results that last up to eight weeks. You can immediately style and wash following treatment.
In-Salon: Simply Smooth Xpress, approx. $200-$300 [For participating salons, call 888-333-6563 or email [email protected]]
A botanical blend of vanillin, apple pulp and pure keratin, the Simply Smooth Xpress treatment reduces texture and frizz up to 65 percent, and lasts for up to 16 weeks. The lightweight liquid application has a wait time of 24 hours before you can shampoo or style, with the upside being a built-in humidity shield to last for months to come. This is an ideal option if you’re looking for frizz-free smoothing that leaves hair looking livelier, and the service can be performed the same day as hair color and other chemical treatments.
At-Home: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, $26-$48, and Elasticizer Extreme, $50
This pre-shampoo conditioner delivers moisture to the inside of hair’s cuticle, infusing elasticity, silkiness and UV protection into ratty-looking strands. Results are visible after one use, and will build with continued uses. To apply, wet hair before shampooing and work through for a minute before rinsing twice. Or comb in and cover hair with a plastic cap for 20 minutes before shampooing for a more intense treatment. Processed African-Caribbean hair and other porous strand types will benefit most from the Elasticizer Extreme version.
In-Salon: Pravana Keratin Fusion Texture Control and Perfection SmoothOut, approx. $150 each
A brand created around the premise of using natural, non-harmful ingredients, biodegradable packaging and charitable contributions for every purchase, Pravana offers two options. The paraben- and formaldehyde-free Keratin Fusion service permanently straightens hair by relaxing internal bonds with an infusion of pure keratin protein. Or try the gentler Perfection SmoothOut treatment that employs a proprietary nano amino acid complex to transform strands into frizz-free smoothness that lasts for eight to 12 weeks.
In-Salon: Uberliss Straight Effect Smoothing System, approx. $200-$300
This formaldehyde-free system has three steps: the Fiber Expander prepares cuticle expansion by conditioning the cortex, the Fiber Restructure reduces curl volume for a smoothing effect with keratin, amino acid cysteine and buriti palm tree, while the Nutritive Mask strengthens strands and increases elasticity. The mask also deep conditions hair with apple and lemon extracts to restore natural porosity for a shiny and smooth finish. The formulas were developed by PhDs specializing in a variety of fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, engineering and dermatology.
At-Home: Dark & Lovely 6 Week Anti-Reversion System products, $6 to $8 each
Whether your hair is relaxed and you’d like to keep new growth straighter, you’re transitioning chemically-treated hair to its natural texture, or you want to relax natural hair without severe chemicals, Dark & Lovely’s Anti-Reversion System of products are formulated to work together to help. And according to SoftSheen-Carson Head of Education, Mezei Jefferson, the line allows active women who work up a sweat to maintain straighter styles in spite of heat challenges.
At-Home: American Culture Pure NV BKT Keratin2Go Complete Kit, $70
For the most natural approach, turn to the paraben-free Pure NV BKT smoothing complex, which is a combination of rich nutrients from fruits, vegetables and plants, as well as argan oil, pomegranate, eggplant and pure, high quality grades of keratin and collagen. The system restructures hair while reducing styling time and frizz by about 25 percent, and results last up to 30 days after just one use. You’ll need your own flat iron to perform this full treatment as instructed.
At-Home: OGX Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Therapy 30 Day Smoothing Treatment, $15
The best bang for your buck in keratin straightening, this $15 set uses a formaldehyde-free complex to eliminate frizz and relax curls with the help of organic coconut oil, avocado oil and your flat iron (not included). Plan for your treatment, as the product must remain in hair for 48 hours without strands getting wet or bent into a ponytail. And it’s essential that you commit to sulfate and sodium chloride free products afterwards to avoid breakdown of the keratin, in order to enjoy up to 30 days of lasting results.
In-Salon: Brazilian Blowout Split End Repair Treatment, approx. $20-$30 in salon
Are split ends your Achilles heel? You’re not alone. Rather than going for a full-on smoothing treatment to control unruly ends, Brazilian Blowout just launched this add-on salon service that utilizes a vegetable-based complex rich in açai, annatto seed and camu camu to protect against breakage and temporarily bind hair fibers together with the help of a flat iron to seal in the formula. The process takes about 10 minutes and results can last up to four weeks.
