Hair Smoothening vs. Hair Straightening: What’s the Difference?
- July 1, 2025
- Posted by: admin

Hair is the first thing we notice about ourselves. If you have frizz, waves, or curls, you must have wondered about treatments to get rid of the frizz. Two of the most popular ones are hair straightening and hair smoothening. Both straighten your hair but in different ways with different effects. Let us distinguish them in simple words so that you know what works best for you.
What is Hair Smoothening?
Hair smoothening is a chemical treatment that smoothes your hair so that it feels shinier, softer, and frizz-free. It doesn’t straighten your hair completely but gives your hair a natural, smooth appearance. Wavy hair gets straighter, curls get relaxed, and overall, the hair gets easier to manage. If you’re considering this treatment, it’s a good idea to check the hair smoothening price in Kanpur to find the best salon option for your budget.
This treatment is typically performed with a chemical agent known as formaldehyde or keratin treatments. The treatment encapsulates the hair, closes it with heat (typically a flat iron), and preserves the gloss.
Recommended for:
- Those with tightly coiled, dry, or loose wavy hair
- Those who want natural-looking results
- Those who want a low-maintenance solution
Outcomes:
- Hair appears smoother, glossier, and silkier
- You also have some body and waves
- Results last 2 to 5 months with maintenance
What is Hair Straightening?
Hair straightening is a more intense chemical process that reconstructs the hair’s structure. It shatters the natural wavy or curly hair bonds and rearranges them into straight hair. The end result is poker-straight hair that remains in that condition until new hair emerges.
There are several methods, such as rebonding or Japanese hair straightening, but they all aim to provide you with stick-straight hair without any waves and without any curls.
Most suitable for:
- Those with thick, extremely curly, or unruly hair
- Those seeking drastic and lasting changes
- An individual willing to get touch-ups in between
Outcomes:
- Hair that does not require daily grooming
- Smooth appearance but occasionally with lesser volume
- Lasts 6 to 12 months depending on hair growth
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hair Smoothening
Advantages:
- Hair can be managed without appearing fake
- Applicable for all hair types, particularly wavy or fine hair
- Less damaged compared to straightening
- Easy to maintain
- Leaves a salon-finished gloss
Disadvantages:
- Results do not last as long as straightening
- Works poorly for very curly or thick hair
- Hair returns to natural form after some time
- Needs sulfate-free products and frequent touch-ups
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hair Straightening
Advantages:
- Long-term results
- Makes all waves and curls disappear altogether
- Saves time each day styling
- Repairs even tight or unruly hair textures
Disadvantages:
- Tends to leave hair flat or dead-looking
- More destructive since the chemicals are more potent
- Roots must be retouched frequently
- When it’s done, it’s difficult to reverse or return to natural hair
How to Decide What One is Best for You
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I desire totally straight hair or smoother hair?
- How much maintenance am I prepared to tolerate?
- Is my hair very curly, thick, or slightly frizzy?
- Am I comfortable with some chemical exposure or would I prefer a milder option?
- For how long should the effect stay?
If you prefer a more natural, multi-textured look, smoothening can be your choice. It is left with the bounce and some texture intact. If you prefer a drastic change of hair texture and are willing to undertake the maintenance, straightening can be your choice.
Aftercare Instructions for Both Treatments
No matter which one you would like to pursue, aftercare comes first. Here is how you can make sure your hair is healthy after the treatment:
- Use the use of sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners
- Avoid over-washing your hair (2 to 3 times a week is best)
- Avoid the use of anointing oil in your hair for a week after the treatment
- Use a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage
- Avoid exposing your hair to the sun, heat, and chlorine
- Avoid wearing your hair back tightly for the initial couple of days
Spa treatments and masks regularly can also be employed to ensure the shine and longevity of your treated hair.
Which One Damages Hair More
Smoothening typically does more damage than straightening. That’s because straightening structurally alters your hair irreversibly. If you’re already prone to dryness or breakage, smoothening is a less damaging option.
The treatments do, however, utilize chemicals and heat, so some level of dryness, split ends, or breakage will still happen. Professional application and post-care can help minimize damage.
Can You Switch Between the Two?
Yes, but not at once. If your hair has been straightened, it is advisable to wait for a few months before using smoothening. Always go to a professional not to overlap treatments that would cause hair fall or breakage.
Final Thoughts
Both hair straightening and smoothening will make you look great, but it’s a matter of choice, depending on your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preference. Smoothening would be the best for natural, light effects, while straightening is perfect for drastic, extended changes. Either treatment, nonetheless, with good care and a professional stylist will leave you with amazing, good-looking hair.