Smoothing Treatments vs. Keratin Treatments: Which is Best for Your Hair?
If you’ve ever struggled with frizz, humidity, or unruly hair, you’ve probably considered getting a smoothing treatment or keratin treatment. But with so many options available, it can be confusing to know which one is best for your hair type and long-term hair health.
At The Press Room Salon, we specialize in silk presses, luxury hair treatments, and customized smoothing services, helping clients achieve sleek, manageable hair without compromising hair health.
This guide will break down the key differences between smoothing treatments and keratin treatments, so you can make the best choice for your hair goals.
What is a Smoothing Treatment?
A smoothing treatment is a temporary, chemical-free way to reduce frizz, enhance shine, and make styling easier. Unlike keratin treatments, smoothing treatments do not alter the structure of your hair. Instead, they work by coating the hair cuticle with lightweight conditioning agents that block humidity and reduce puffiness.
Best for:
✔ Clients who want to enhance shine and reduce frizz without long-term commitment.
✔ Those with fine to medium hair textures who need manageability without heavy straightening.
✔ Natural hair clients who still want to maintain volume and curls but reduce frizz.
How Long Does It Last?
A professional smoothing treatment lasts 4-6 weeks with proper maintenance.
Pros:
No harsh chemicals or permanent straightening.
Adds shine and reduces frizz.
Allows hair to remain naturally wavy or curly, just more manageable.
Works well for all hair types, including natural hair, silk presses, and extensions.
Cons:
Results are not as long-lasting as a keratin treatment.
Won't dramatically reduce curl patterns.
May require frequent touch-ups for high-humidity areas like Atlanta.
What is a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment is a semi-permanent smoothing system that infuses keratin proteins into the hair shaft, temporarily restructuring the cuticle for a straighter, smoother finish. Unlike smoothing treatments, keratin treatments work by breaking weak hydrogen bonds in the hair, making them ideal for clients who want longer-lasting frizz control and more relaxed hair.
Best for:
✔ Those who want a longer-lasting smoothing solution.
✔ Clients with thicker, coarser, or frizz-prone hair who need more control.
✔ Anyone looking to reduce styling time significantly.
How Long Does It Last?
A keratin treatment lasts 3-5 months with proper care and the use of sulfate-free shampoos.
Pros:
Dramatically reduces frizz and improves shine.
Makes styling easier by cutting blow-dry time in half.
Can loosen curl patterns without making hair completely straight.
Ideal for coarse, thick, or high-humidity-prone hair.
Cons:
Contains formaldehyde or other chemical derivatives, which may cause sensitivity for some clients.
Can weaken hair over time if overused.
Requires a waiting period before washing or styling after application.
Key Differences: Smoothing Treatments vs. Keratin Treatments
FeatureSmoothing TreatmentKeratin TreatmentLongevity4-6 weeks3-5 monthsStraightening PowerMild smoothing, retains curl patternSemi-permanent smoothing, may loosen curlsFrizz ControlModerateStrong, ideal for high humidityChemical CompositionFormaldehyde-free, lighter formulaContains keratin and smoothing agents, may include formaldehydeHair Type SuitabilityFine to medium, natural hair, silk pressesCoarse, thick, frizz-prone hairHeat & Styling Time ReductionMinimalCuts styling time by 50% or morePost-Treatment MaintenanceCan wash and style immediatelyRequires 48-72 hours before washing or styling
Both treatments offer amazing benefits, but the right choice depends on your hair goals, lifestyle, and texture needs.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
Choose a Smoothing Treatment if:
✔ You want a temporary frizz-free boost without long-term commitment.
✔ You have natural curls or waves and want more control without straightening.
✔ You prefer chemical-free hair treatments.
Choose a Keratin Treatment if:
✔ You need long-lasting frizz reduction and don’t mind some curl loosening.
✔ You have thicker, coarse, or humidity-prone hair that needs extra smoothing.
✔ You want to significantly reduce styling time and blow-drying effort.
If you’re still unsure which treatment is right for your hair, our expert stylists at The Press Room Salon can assess your hair type and recommend the best option.
How to Maintain Your Results
Regardless of which treatment you choose, proper maintenance is key to long-lasting results.
Best Practices for Smoothing and Keratin Treatments:
Use sulfate-free shampoos to prevent stripping.
Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent weakening the treatment.
Limit washing to 2-3 times a week to maintain the smoothness.
Protect hair from chlorine and salt water, as they can break down treatments faster.
Schedule follow-up treatments as needed for best results.
At The Press Room Salon, we provide customized aftercare plans to ensure your smoothing or keratin treatment stays flawless for as long as possible.
Book Your Smoothing or Keratin Treatment Today
If you’re ready to eliminate frizz, enhance shine, and make styling easier, it’s time to invest in a professional smoothing or keratin treatment.
At The Press Room Salon, we offer:
✔ Expert consultations to match the best treatment to your hair type.
✔ High-quality, professional-grade smoothing and keratin treatments.
✔ Personalized aftercare guidance to keep your hair looking flawless.
Schedule your appointment today and experience sleek, manageable hair that lasts.