The Complete Guide to Post-Smoothing Hair Care: Practical Steps for Long-Lasting Straightness

Investing time and money to achieve beautiful, straight hair through the smoothing process is no small feat. The results are certainly stunning: hair looks neater, is easier to manage, and radiates a healthy shine. However, the journey to maintain this beauty has only just begun. Hair that has undergone chemical smoothing requires special attention and proper care to ensure the results are long-lasting, remain healthy, and are not easily damaged.

The chemicals in the smoothing process do alter the hair’s structure, and without correct care, hair can become dry, brittle, or even develop split ends. Don’t worry! As your guide, we at SalwaSalon.com have put together a practical step-by-step tutorial that will help you effectively care for your hair post-smoothing. Follow each instruction carefully, and you will have healthy, mesmerizing straight hair for longer.

Understanding Post-Smoothing Hair Needs: The Foundation of Care

Before diving into the care routine, it’s important to understand why smoothed hair requires extra attention and what signs you should look out for.

Signs Your Hair Needs Extra Attention

Recognizing your hair’s signals is key. Here are some indicators that your hair needs an extra touch of care:

• Greasy Hair and Itchy Scalp: The smoothing process can affect the natural oil balance of the scalp, making it feel either oilier or too dry and itchy. Greasiness can also occur due to product buildup or because straighter hair lies flatter against the scalp.
• Split or Dry Ends: Even if the hair shaft is perfectly straight, the ends exposed to friction and lack of nutrition can become dry and split. This indicates that the hair is losing moisture and strength.
• Loss of Shine and Dryness: Healthy hair has a natural shine. If your smoothed hair looks dull, feels rough to the touch, or is very dry, it means it needs more moisture and nourishment. Chemical processes can indeed reduce the hair’s natural moisture.
• Hair Breakage: If you notice your hair easily breaking when combed or handled, this is a serious sign that the hair structure has weakened and requires immediate strengthening treatment.

If you find these signs, don’t panic. The care steps below will help you restore your hair’s health and beauty.

Smoothing Hair Care Guide: Step by Step

Let’s begin the care routine that will ensure your straight hair lasts longer and remains healthy and shiny.

Step 1: The Crucial Initial Phase – The First 72 Hours Post-Smoothing

The first three days after smoothing are the most important period to “lock in” the straightening results. Follow these steps very carefully:

1. Total Shampoo Fast: Avoid shampooing for at least 3 full days (72 hours) after smoothing. The chemical treatment needs time to fully penetrate and stabilize the hair structure. Shampooing too soon can rinse away the active ingredients and cause the hair to revert to its original form or not be perfectly straight. For example, if you get your hair smoothed on Monday afternoon, you should only shampoo on Thursday morning.
2. Avoid Tying or Clipping Hair: During these 72 hours, let your hair hang freely. Tying, clipping, or tucking hair behind your ears can create permanent kinks in newly straightened hair.
3. Avoid Excessive Moisture: As much as possible, avoid activities that make your hair wet or damp, such as excessive sweating from exercise or being in very humid environments.
4. Tips for Dealing with Greasy Hair (If Absolutely Necessary): If you truly struggle with greasiness or itchiness, use a quality dry shampoo. Spray sparingly onto the scalp and hair roots, let it sit for a moment, then gently massage and comb through to remove residue. Dry shampoo can absorb excess oil without the need for washing.

Step 2: The Right and Gentle Shampooing Routine

After the first 72 hours, your shampooing routine must be adjusted to maintain hair health:

1. Choose Shampoos and Conditioners Specifically for Smoothed Hair: Prioritize products formulated for smoothed hair or those containing keratin, and are sulfate-free and paraben-free. Sulfates can strip moisture and erode smoothing results, while parabens can trigger irritation.
2. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water: Hot water can open the hair cuticles and accelerate the loss of keratin and moisture. Use cold or lukewarm water when shampooing to help close the cuticles, maintain shine, and lock in moisture.
3. Gentle Shampooing Technique: Gently massage the scalp with your fingertips; do not rub the hair shaft too vigorously. Focus on cleaning the scalp and hair roots. Allow the shampoo lather to flow down to the hair ends during rinsing without needing to rub them.
4. Correct Conditioner Application: Always use conditioner after shampooing. Apply it from the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair, avoiding the scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes to absorb, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 3: Weekly Intensive Nutrition for Healthy Hair

Smoothed hair needs extra nourishment to remain strong and moisturized:

1. Regular Hair Mask: Apply a hair mask at least 1-2 times a week. Choose masks rich in keratin protein, natural oils (argan, jojoba, coconut), or hyaluronic acid for extra moisture. Apply after shampooing, leave on for 10-20 minutes (or as per product instructions), then rinse thoroughly. For maximum results, you can wrap your hair with a warm towel while the mask is on.
2. Hair Vitamins or Serum: After shampooing and towel-drying your hair, apply hair vitamins or a serum containing silicones or light oils. This will help protect your hair from heat, add shine, and reduce frizz. Focus on the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair.
3. If you need intensive care tailored to your hair’s condition, we at Salwa Salon provide professional deep conditioning and keratin treatments that will restore the vitality of your smoothed hair.

Step 4: Extra Protection from External Factors

Protect your hair from damaging environmental factors:

1. Sun Protection: UV rays can make hair dry, dull, and fade its color. Use a hat, scarf, or special hair UV protection products when outdoors.
2. Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater: Chlorine in swimming pools and salt in seawater are very damaging to smoothed hair. If you must swim, wet your hair with clean water first (so your hair absorbs clean water, not chlorine/salt), apply a leave-in conditioner, and use a swimming cap. Afterward, immediately rinse and shampoo with a mild shampoo.
3. Minimize Heat Tool Usage: Try to reduce the use of hair dryers, flat irons, or curling irons. If you must use them, always apply a heat protectant spray and use the lowest temperature setting.

Step 5: Correct Way to Comb and Dry Your Hair

Gentle treatment is key:

1. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb or Wooden Comb: Plastic combs can create static electricity that tangles hair and damages cuticles. Choose a wide-tooth comb or wooden comb for wet hair. Start from the ends and slowly work your way up to avoid damaging pulls.
2. Dry with a Soft Towel: Do not rub your hair vigorously with a towel. Simply gently squeeze out excess water and pat dry with a soft microfiber towel to absorb water. Let your hair air dry as much as possible.

Step 6: The Importance of Regular Trimming

Even if your hair is straight, split ends can still occur:

1. Trim Hair Ends Periodically: To keep your hair healthy and maintain the smoothing results, get a trim (cut hair ends) every 2-3 months. This will remove dry and split ends, preventing damage from spreading upwards. Regular visits to SalwaSalon.com for trimming are the best investment for your hair’s health.

Choosing the Right Hair Care Products

Product ingredients are everything. We’ll help you choose the best:

Essential Ingredients: Keratin and Moisturizers

• Keratin: Is a natural protein that is the main component of hair. Products with keratin help fill gaps in hair cuticles damaged by chemical processes, strengthen the structure, and maintain smoothness and shine. Look for it on shampoo, conditioner, mask, and serum labels. Check out: Onyx Hair Treatment / Onyx Serum / Onyx Keratin / Onyx Hair Tonic.
• Intensive Moisturizers: Ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin are crucial for restoring and locking moisture into hair that tends to be dry after smoothing. Check out: L’Oreal Paris Elseve Extraordinary Oil Gold Hair Treatment Serum.

Avoid Harmful Ingredients

• Sulfates (SLS/SLES): These are strong detergents that can strip the hair’s natural oils and fade smoothing results.
• Parabens: Although controversial, some people choose to avoid them due to potential irritation or allergies.
• Drying Alcohols (Isopropyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat): Can make hair even drier and more brittle. Pay attention to the ingredient list on styling products.

Lifestyle Supporting Hair Health

Hair care isn’t just external, but also internal:

Healthy Diet for Strong Hair

• Internal Nutrition: Consume foods rich in protein (eggs, fish, lean meat), vitamins (fruits and green vegetables), and minerals (iron, zinc). Sufficient nutrient intake will support healthy and strong hair growth from the roots.
• Anti-Aging Smoothie Recipe for Hair: We recommend this simple smoothie for antioxidant and nutrient intake:
  • Half a ripe banana
  • A handful of berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • One tablespoon of chia seeds (rich in Omega-3)
  • One cup of plain unsweetened yogurt (source of protein and probiotics)

  Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy! This is a delicious way to provide extra nutrition for your hair and skin.

Avoid Tying Hair Too Tightly

• Tying hair too tightly, especially when wet, can damage the hair structure and leave kinks. Use satin hair ties or softer scrunchies if you must tie your hair, and ensure it’s not too tight.

Hair-Friendly Sleeping Environment

• Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Replacing regular cotton pillowcases with silk or satin can reduce friction on your hair while you sleep. This prevents tangles, breakage, and maintains the moisture and smoothness of your smoothed hair. Check out: DDPillow Lyocell Silk Luxury Pillowcase.
• Sleeping Position: Try sleeping on your back so your hair can spread freely over the pillow, minimizing pressure on your hair.

When to Seek Professional Help?

While this guide is very helpful, there are times when your hair needs an expert touch:

• If you experience severe hair problems such as excessive hair loss, severe damage, or persistent scalp issues.
• If you find it difficult to find the right products or consistently implement the care routine.
• For routine maintenance such as trimming, deep conditioning, or advanced keratin treatments that can keep your smoothing results optimal.

Don’t hesitate to consult directly with experts at SalwaSalon.com. We are ready to help analyze your hair’s condition and recommend the best solutions, including our quality smoothing hair care services.

Conclusion

Caring for your hair after smoothing certainly requires commitment, but the results are worth the effort. By following this practical step-by-step guide, you will not only keep your hair straight and beautiful for longer but also ensure it remains healthy, strong, and naturally shiny. Remember, consistency is key. Give your hair the love and attention it deserves, and it will repay you with a stunning appearance every day.

If you wish to delve deeper into personalized care or other exclusive tips, consider reading the special Ebook from SalwaSalon.com which discusses hair care in depth.