Over time, haircare has changed, providing many avenues to get the look you want. And there are two main choices amongst hair care - Hair straightening vs Hair smoothening. Though alike, they differ from each other greatly. Different techniques, outcomes, upkeep, effects on hair and a lot more places of points of differences make these two treatments poles apart. This blog post will go into these to help you choose the right treatment.

Understanding Hair Straightening

What is Hair Straightening?

Chemical hair straightening converts curly or wavy hair to straight ones. Essentially, it's about changing the hair's structure in a lasting way. The process involves breaking bonds in the hair, then remaking those bonds to create a straight style. And there are three main ways to straighten hair – this include thermal, chemical, and Japanese methods.

Types of Hair Straightening

1. Thermal Straightening - aka flat ironing. You apply heat and your hair straightens out. You can do it at home, no chemicals involved, or a salon can do it.

2. Chemical Straightening - Sometimes we call these chemicals - "relaxers". These strong chemicals break the natural curl patterns in hair. And this results in permanent straight hair.

3. Japanese Straightening - this is a punch of chemicals and heat. First, you apply a chemical mix that changes the structure of your hair. Then you use a flat iron to give it the straight shape. Lastly, you put on a neutralizer. It holds the straight shape steady.

Pros of Hair Straightening

- Lasting Outcome: After being treated, hair stays straight until new growth.

- Smooth Look: Gives a glossy, smooth feel tough to reach with natural curls or waves.

- Less Upkeep: Post-therapy, the time used for daily hairdo dramatically decreases.

Cons of Hair Straightening

- Chemical Impact: Intense chemicals can reduce hair strength, leading to it breaking or splitting.

- Regrowth: Natural texture shows up as hair grows, needing touch-ups.

- Pricing: Salon straightening isn't cheap and needs regular upkeep.

Understanding Hair Smoothening

What is Hair Smoothening?

Hair smoothening is a process that aims to tame your hair - Less frizz, easier to manage, but not exactly stick-straight. It typically involves applying a solution, most often containing formaldehyde, over your hair. After coating it, heat from a flat iron helps lock in the product. Examples of popular hair smoothening methods are keratin treatment and the Brazilian blowout.

Types of Hair Smoothening

1. Keratin Touch-Up: It's simple; we apply a keratin-rich product to your hair. Using a flat iron, we seal it in. Keratin is a protein your hair naturally has. It gives strength and smooth texture to your locks.

2. Brazilian Gloss-Up: This one is similar to keratin touch-up. We use a liquid made of keratin to form a armor around each hair. It helps to lower frizz and make hair shine more.

Pros of Hair Smoothening

- Better Hair: It's nicer to your hair than old-school straightening methods because it surrounds the hair instead of changing what's inside.

- Easier Styling: It helps style your hair quicker by reducing frizz and adding smoothness.

- Kee­ps it Real: It keeps some waves or curls, so it looks more normal and not poker-straight like traditional straightening does.

Cons of Hair Smoothening

- Short-Term Effects: Usually, the results of hair smoothening stick around for roughly 3-5 months before you need another treatment. If it fits your criterion, you may opt for it.

- Formaldehyde: A handful of these treatments use formaldehyde, a potential health risk if you breathe in high amounts.

- Price: Just like straightening, visiting a professional for hair smoothening treatments may be costly and need frequent upkeep.

Key Differences Between Hair Straightening and Hair Smoothening

1. Process & Ingredients Involved:

- Harsh chemicals are used in hair straightening which permanently changes the hair structure. However, smoothening uses weaker mixtures that cover the hair without permanently altering its natural texture.

2. Final Look:

- Straightening gives completely straight hair, while smoothening makes hair less frizzy and smoother but not fully straight. Smoothening leaves some natural waves or curls, giving a more natural appearance.

3. Duration:

- Straightening is permanent, and only new-growing hair needs touch-ups. Smoothening is short-term, with the effect lasting roughly for 3 to 5 months.

4. Effects on Hair Health:

- The powerful components in hair straightening can prompt more harm. They can result in hair breakage and increased dryness. Hair Smoothening tends to be milder. It pinpoints enhancing hair texture and ease of handling.

5. Upkeeping:

- Specific aftercare is necessary for both procedures. For instance, using shampoos free of sulfates and steering clear from overuse of heat-based styling tools. However, straightened hair usually needs less day-to-day styling effort than smoothened hair.

Choosing the Right Hair Treatment; Hair Straightening Vs Hair Smoothening

When deciding between hair straightening and hair smoothening, consider the following factors:

1. Taking Your Hair's Natural Texture Into Account:

- If your hair is very curly or tightly coiled and you dream of pin-straight locks, straightening is likely your best option. Folks with wavy or just slightly curly hair who wish to tame frizz and gain better control might find smoothening more suited to their needs.

2. The Look You're Striving For:

- Do you yearn for a look that is sleek and perfectly straight? Go for straightening. If a more natural touch with less frizz and a shiny finish is your goal, smoothening might tick the right boxes for you.

3. Evaluating Your Hair's Health:

- Look at your hair's current state. If it's brittle or in a damaged condition, smoothening could be a gentler choice as it's not as aggressive as straightening.

4. Easiness in Upkeep:

- Gear up for the upkeep steps each procedure demands. Generally, straightening might ask for less upkeep but can harm more, while smoothening might need more repeat treatments, but it usually goes easy on the hair.

5. Finances:

- Weigh the price of first-time treatments and continuous care. Both options might dent your wallet, so pick the one that suits your financial situation, both now and in the future.

Post-Treatment Care

Regardless of the treatment you choose, proper aftercare is crucial to maintain the results and health of your hair. Here are some tips:

1. Swap Regular Shampoos and Conditioners for Sulfate-Free Items: Sulfates can rob your hair of natural oil and affect treatments. By opting for sulfate-free products, it helps your treatment last longer.

2. Keep Heat Styling Minimal: Heating tools like flat iron used exceedingly can harm treated hair. Whenever you use heat, make sure to apply a heat protectant.

3. Condition Regularly: Regular conditioning treatments and hair masks help keep your hair moisturized and well-nourished.

4. Don't Over-Wash: Over-washing takes away treatment from your hair and also essential nutrients. Aim to stretch the gap between washes and if needed, opt for dry shampoo.

5. Shield Your Hair: If you're going to be in the sun for long, wear a hat or use a spray that protects against UV. Avoid exposing your hair to water with chlorine or salt without safety measures.

Here we are; who wins in hair straightening vs hair smoothening

Now it all boils down to – whether you should opt for Hair straightening or Hair smoothening? It's a tough call for many. Each has its ups and downs. What matters is your hair type, what look you want, how much effort you're willing to put in, and your hair health. Knowing how each treatment works can help you decide which one to opt for. Whether if it fits your hair aims and how you live.

You could pick pin-straight or just a bit less frizzy. Either way, your dream of lovely, easy-to-handle hair is possible by understanding both the hair treatments inside out and outside in. You just need the right plan and follow-up care.