Getting a hair smoothening treatment is one of the most effective ways to manage frizzy, curly, and wavy hair. While moderate use with proper care can give you sleek, beautiful tresses, frequent treatments may harm your hair and scalp. This blog explores the potential hair smoothening side effects and how to avoid them while maintaining your hair’s nourishment and natural shine.
Possible Hair Smoothening Side Effects After Treatment
Every beauty and hair care treatment has its pros and cons, and hair smoothening is no exception. This is why it’s recommended to consult with skincare and haircare professionals to achieve the best results.Â
Here’s a list of all the possible hair smoothening side effects that you might experience if not done in a right way
Increase in Hair Fall
Hair smoothening involves strong chemicals and high heat. These weaken the roots over time, making hair more likely to fall out. You may notice clumps in the shower or on your pillow. For people already struggling with hair fall, the problem can get worse.
Scalp and Skin Damage
The chemicals used in smoothening creams can irritate the scalp and skin. If applied carelessly, they might cause burns, rashes, or itching. Some people even develop allergic reactions, with symptoms like redness, stinging, or swelling.
Affect Natural Hair Texture
The smoothening process changes your hair’s natural structure, and in some cases, the effect is long-lasting. If your hair was originally curly or wavy, it might not bounce back to its natural texture even after several months.
Makes Hair Dry
Hair loses its natural moisture during treatment. The chemicals strip away essential oils and make your hair feeling coarse, dull, and dry. Without regular deep conditioning, the dryness can worsen over time.
Split Ends
Heat styling during smoothening weakens the hair shaft. This makes the ends fragile and more likely to split. Split ends don’t just look bad—they also make hair harder to style and more prone to breakage.
Dandruff and Skin Flaking
A dry and irritated scalp is a common side effect after smoothing as it involves excessive use of keratin. These chemical residues can disrupt your scalp’s natural oil balance. This leads to dandruff, itchiness, and white flakes on your clothes and shoulders.
Greasy Hair
Sometimes, your scalp may produce excess oil to make up for dryness from treatment. This can leave your hair greasy soon after washing and cause itchiness or discomfort on the scalp.
Discoloration of Hair
Hair smoothening involves use of strong chemicals that can react with hair dye or bleach. This may cause your hair color to fade, turn brassy, or become patchy. Even untreated hair can sometimes lose its shine or become lighter in shade after repeated treatments.
The list of side effects doesn’t end here. Everyone’s hair and scalp react differently, some people might experience other unexpected issues as well. That’s why it’s strongly advised to avoid overdoing it and keep moderation to get the best results without having side effects of smoothening.
How to Avoid Side Effects of Hair Smoothening?
Well, now that we’ve discussed the side effects of hair smoothening extensively, it’s time to shift the focus to practical tips and methods that can help you avoid those side effects altogether. This involves using shampoos that are free from sulfates, avoiding excessive heat styling, and selecting hairstyles that are gentle on your hair. Incorporating deep conditioning into your daily hair care routine will also help in restoring lost moisture and sustaining the benefits of the treatment.
Here’s a more in-depth overview:
During the Treatment:
Patch Test:
Always conduct a patch test prior to the treatment to detect any allergic reactions that may arise.
Choose Gentle Relaxers:
If you’re going for a hair relaxer, choose variants that are milder and formulated with fewer aggressive chemicals such as ammonium thioglycolate.
Proper Ventilation:
Ensure the treatment is done in a well-ventilated space to prevent inhaling any potentially harmful fumes released during the process.
Aftercare:
Wait to Wash:
Wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair after the treatment. This allows the smoothing agents to fully set and deliver lasting results.
Use Sulfate-Free Products:
Rely on shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free to help preserve the treatment’s effects and keep your hair nourished.
Limit Heat Styling:
Try to reduce the usage of heat styling tools, and when using them, always apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
Gentle Hairstyles:
Avoid pulling your hair into tight ponytails or buns, as these styles can stress and weaken the hair follicles over time.
Deep Conditioning:
Make deep conditioning a regular habit to infuse moisture back into your hair and enhance its resilience and softness.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
Stay away from products loaded with harsh ingredients or sulfates, as these can deteriorate the quality of treated hair.
Consider Professional Advice:
It’s a good idea to consult a hair care professional or stylist for tailored advice and to address any concerns that may arise.
Additional Tips:
Protect Hair:
Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to cut down on friction and tangling, especially while sleeping.
Hydration:
Ensure you drink enough water daily and consume a balanced diet to support healthy hair growth from within.
Regular Trims:
Get your hair trimmed regularly to get rid of split ends and maintain its healthy appearance and structure.
Be Mindful of Products:
Use discretion with styling products, as some may contain elements that interfere with the effects of your hair smoothening
Do’s and Dont’s After Hair Smoothening
After hair smoothening, it’s crucial to avoid getting hair wet for the first few days, especially the first 24-48 hours, to allow the treatment to set properly. Avoid heat styling, and be mindful of how you sleep and tie your hair to prevent kinks and damage.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Avoid getting hair wet for 24–48 hours | Don’t get hair wet for at least 24–48 hours |
| Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner | Don’t use shampoos with sulfates |
| Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle gently | Don’t brush your hair for the first 24–48 hours |
| Apply a hair serum for protection | Don’t use heat styling tools like flat irons or blow dryers |
| Eat a nutritious diet to support hair health | Don’t oil your hair for at least 10–12 days |
| Schedule monthly hair spa treatments | Don’t tie your hair in ponytails, braids, or clips |
| Let your hair air dry if it gets wet | Don’t put hair behind your ears |
| Sleep on your back to avoid creases | Don’t sleep on your side or stomach |
Conclusion
Hair smoothening treatments may offer sleek, frizz-free hair, but it’s essential to consider its potential side effects. Prolonged use of chemical-based products can lead to hair fall, dryness, scalp irritation, and long-term damage. Over time, the hair may lose its natural texture and strength. To minimize risks, always consult a professional and opt for quality products. Understanding hair smoothening side effects helps in making an informed decision for the health and longevity of your hair.
FAQs
How to avoid side effects of hair smoothening?
Use sulfate-free shampoos, deep condition regularly, and avoid heat styling often. always choose a reputed salon with quality products.
What are common hair smoothing treatment side effects?
common side effects include hair fall, dryness, breakage, thinning, and scalp irritation due to harsh chemicals.
What to do to avoid smoothening hair side effects?
Get it done by professionals, follow post-treatment care, and use mild, nourishing hair products.
How long does it take to appear smoothing treatment side effects?
Side effects can show within days to weeks, depending on hair type and aftercare routine.
Does hair smoothing damage hair?
Yes, it can weaken hair structure over time and lead to dryness, breakage, or thinning.
Does smoothing damage hair by extracting natural scalp oil?
Yes, harsh chemicals can strip natural oils, leaving the scalp dry and hair brittle.
Does smoothening damage hair by making them thin?
Yes, repeated treatments may cause thinning due to protein loss and breakage.
Can smoothening damage hair if done for a long time?
Yes, long-term use weakens hair health, increases split ends, and may lead to permanent damage.
Is experiencing hair fall one of the common side effects of smoothening hair treatment?
Yes, hair fall is a frequent side effect due to chemical exposure and weakened roots.
How to get maximum output from hair smoothening?
Follow the aftercare routine strictly, avoid heat styling, and use nourishing masks weekly.
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