At our salon, we know that achieving healthy, manageable, frizz-free hair is high on your priority list, and that’s where professional smoothing treatments come in. Over the years, these treatments have become a game-changer for many, offering solutions that truly benefit your hair’s health and appearance. From early methods to the advanced treatments we offer today, the journey to healthier locks has been an evolving one, shaped by technology, changing beauty standards, and a growing focus on safety.
A Look Back: The Early Days of Hair Relaxers
Hair smoothing treatments have come a long way. The journey began in the early 20th century with hair relaxers, which were especially popular with those who have Afro-Caribbean hair. These relaxers used harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide to break down the protein bonds in the hair. While they smoothed the hair, they also caused significant damage if not applied carefully.
The 1990s: Japanese Hair Straightening Takes Over
By the 1990s, Japanese hair straightening, also called thermal reconditioning, was all the rage. It offered ultra-straight, shiny hair that lasted. However, the process was lengthy, risky, and expensive. Constant regrowth made it impractical for many, and it was easy for hair to suffer damage if not done perfectly.
The 2000s: Brazilian Blow-dry and Keratin Treatments
Fast forward to the early 2000s, and Brazilian Blow-dry and keratin treatments became wildly popular. These treatments claimed to use keratin, a protein already found in your hair, to smooth and strengthen strands. The promise? Frizz-free, sleek, shiny hair.
However, as many of you might have heard, these treatments faced scrutiny for containing high levels of formaldehyde, a harmful chemical, which raised concerns for both clients and stylists. This led to lawsuits and global bans on some of the products.
A New Era in Smoothing: The Rise of Safe, Effective Treatments
The turning point came in 2010, with the launch of Kebelo’s professional smoothing treatment using carbocysteine, a safer alternative that worked at a foundational level to strengthen damaged bonds. Now rebranded as Nice and Smoothand exclusively offered at The Hair Movement, this treatment has revolutionised the industry. We’ve embraced this treatment in our salon because it offers all the benefits of smoothing—better manageability, reduced frizz, improved texture—without the damage that some older treatments caused. It helps you embrace your natural texture while making your hair healthier and easier to style.
Why Choose Professional Smoothing Today?
Today, smoothing treatments are an essential part of healthy haircare. Unlike older methods that often masked damage, modern smoothing treatments work to enhance your hair’s health while giving you beautiful, manageable results. These advancements have also expanded into retail, meaning you can maintain the benefits of smoothing at home between visits to the salon.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Smoothing
According to Jonathan Shipman, co-founder of The Hair Movement, “The future of professional smoothing treatments appears promising… it’s a must-have service on any salon menu.” While smoothing treatments may never reach the popularity of colour services, they’ve become a core offering in many salons.
And the good news? Smoothing treatments are only becoming more affordable and easier to apply, making them more accessible to everyone. In fact, research shows that salons offering smoothing treatments see their clients visiting four times more frequently each year. This means more opportunities for us to help you maintain healthy, beautiful hair all year round!
Why Smoothing is More Relevant Than Ever
As more of you seek to balance healthy, natural hair with manageable styling, smoothing treatments have become one of the most relevant services we offer. It’s no longer just about straightening—smoothing is about improving hair health while giving you more freedom with your style.
If you’re ready to transform your hair, reduce frizz, and enjoy a smoother, healthier texture, ask us about our Nice and Smooth treatment the next time you visit. Let us help you embrace your hair’s true potential!
Benjamin co-founded the The Hair Movement salon and is the brand director for the product line. His passion for delivering five-star service and expert craftsmanship has made the salon a destination for personalised care and artistry. Benjamin’s vision is to offer an exceptional experience that combines incredible talent, innovation, and a genuine commitment to each and every guest and the co-workers at The Hair Movement.
