13 Side Effects Of Hair Smoothing

If you are unaware of the terrible side effects of hair smoothing, this article is a must-read. Almost everybody fantasizes about having perfect, beautiful hair! Smoothing will perform miracles if you are a hair-obsessed woman who has little time for hair maintenance. You can have this procedure done before any major occasion, and you will be ready to flip your magnificent tresses. But hold on! It will, without a doubt, make you appear stylish, but you should be aware that it has numerous consequences. If you have had a hair relaxing or smoothing treatment before, now is the time to think before doing it again. If you are a beginner, take a breather and accept these adverse effects of hair styling. At the end of this post, you will be grateful to us! So, please allow us to walk you through the full procedure.Hair smoothing treatments, also known as keratin smoothing or Brazilian blowouts, work by breaking particular bonds in your hair and again bonding them back together in a sleek and stylish form.

The first stage in the salon treatment procedure is to wash your hair with a deep cleansing shampoo. Your hair is then treated with a chemical hair straightening solution that reduces the cellular bonding in the hair cuticle. After that, your hair is blow-dried and flat straightened at a high temperature. This forms a waterproof coating, allowing the hair strands to keep their new structure for 3 to 6 months.

Quick Tip

It is recommended not to go for a hair smoothing treatment more than two to three times a year.

1. Chronic Hair Fall

Hair fall may or may not affect your beauty, but one needs to think beyond the aesthetic aspect of it. After all, it could be a sign of deteriorating health.

Hair fall is the most common side effect of hair smoothing. The excessive use of harmful chemicals and heat makes the hair follicles weak and detach at the roots, causing hair fall (1). As months pass by, the hair strands also lose their natural strength and start breaking.

According to Dr.K.Harish Kumar, MD, DVL, hair loss is the most common side effect of hair smoothing. The excessive use of harmful chemicals and heat damage makes the hair follicles weak and detach at the hair roots, causing hair fall. As months pass by, the hair strands also lose their natural strength and start breaking.

Raval Kaur, a Youtuber, described her experience of hair smoothing and how it affected her hair in the long-term. She said, “The first thing that i noticed was a lot of hair fall, even when I would brush my hair when there were no triangles, my hair would fall ridiculously (i).”

2. Dizziness, Teary Eyes, And Skin Rashes

The harsh chemicals used in hair smoothing treatments can cause nausea and dizziness. You might also feel a burning sensation near your eyes and itching in your larynxⁱ  Also called the voice box, a hollow tube in the middle of the neck that allows air to pass from the throat to the trachea. . Your scalp and hair are also affected by this treatment.

The skin is the most sensitive organ of your body, and it is prone to damage. Since the chemicals are not supposed to touch anything but your hair, accidental skin contact can cause blisters or rashes on your scalp, face, and neck. Hair smoothing treatments also use a compound called formaldehyde, which makes the epidermisⁱ  The outermost layer of the skin that protects your body from chemicals, pathogens, and UV rays of the sun. layer of your skin coarse, itchy, and red (2).

So, you see, beauty comes with a lot of baggage!

3. Damage To The Natural Hair Texture

When we were little, we loved our hair, irrespective of its texture. But as we grew up, curiosity seeped in and made us undergo harmful procedures to make our hair took ‘parlor-ready.’

In the smoothening treatment, the amino acids and disulfide bondsⁱ  Strong and unique chemical bonds that are responsible for providing stability and strength to the hair shaft. in your hair strands are broken and rebonded, temporarily giving them a new structure. Thus, the natural texture of your locks is lost.

4. Extreme Dryness

Keratin smoothing sure does make it easy for you to handle your wild curls for the first few months. But it may cause extreme hair dryness after a few washes. The toxins that alter the structure of your hair strands also damage them from root to tip. Use of harsh chemicals increases hair porosity and makes it difficult for the hair to retain moisture. Another reason for dryness is the seeping of chemicals into the scalp, causing scalp irritation and flakiness. The sediments of the toxins that remain on the hair strands also add to hair brittleness. Therefore, it is essential to oil your hair frequently to avoid dryness and hair tangling.

5. Split Ends

The moment you discover one split end, you know a whole army of split ends is close on its heels! And getting rid of them (without cutting your hair) can take anywhere from a few weeks to months. Exposing your hair to high temperature heat during a hair smoothening treatment can cause split ends. These chemical treatments suck out the natural moisture from your hair strands, which, in turn, causes split ends. Not only do split ends damage your hair strands, they also weaken your hair follicles.

Did You Know?

Split ends can occur in different ways. These include the basic split (Y-shaped), mini split, fork in the road split (three ends), and tree split (many branches).

6. Dandruff

Dandruff is, undoubtedly, one of the worst hair problems to have. It takes away all the goodness and only wreaks havoc on your poor scalp. In fact, dandruff can be the precursor to various other hair problems, including an itchy scalp and scalp inflammation.

The chemicals used in hair smoothening treatments accumulate as sediments on the scalp. These sediments act as a catalyst in the production of dandruff flakes, which cause itching, hair fall, and greasiness (1).

7. Greasiness

Imagine waking up with greasy and smelly hair every other day. The excessive use of hair lotions and serums to maintain smoothened hair causes greasiness. Serums and creams are often recommended to protect hair from damage, but using them too often might not be effective. Frequent usage of serums can flatten your hair and make it look greasy. Constant greasiness can lead to dandruff and other hair problems.

8. Hair Thinning

With regular visits to the spa, you may think that your hair is getting pampered. But, in reality, it is being exposed to various chemicals! In a smoothening treatment, the density of your hair might reduce due to the breakage and thinness caused by the high temperature of the flat iron (3). This can lead to hair fall, split ends, and discoloration.

9. Hair Discoloration

Hair discoloration is a serious side effect that you might not notice immediately (3). Application of serums during the hair smoothing process, followed by strong chemical-based shampoos that are recommended to you post keratin treatment, can cause premature graying of hair.

10. Health Hazards

Beauty comes with its fair share of baggage, and health issues are one of them. The chemicals used in keratin smoothening can cause lung problems and skin conditions. Inhalation of these chemical substances can lead to difficulty in breathing and other respiratory problems (2).

People with sensitive skin need to be extra careful while undergoing hair smoothing as these chemicals can cause itching, redness, and breakouts.

11. Stress

Let’s be real – hair smoothening requires a lot of commitment. A ton of effort needs to be put into maintaining smoothened hair and making it look flawless. The stress caused in perfecting every strand might take a toll on you. Not to mention, the big bucks you will need to spend on special serums and shampoos to ensure the smoothing effect does not fade away.

12. May Cause Contact Dermatitis

Hair smoothing treatments can also trigger contact dermatitis in some individuals. This adverse reaction stems from sensitivity to treatment chemicals. A study highlighted that the Brazilian keratin treatment contains high formaldehyde levels, which can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis. A 37-year-old woman’s case demonstrated facial edema and scalp inflammation a day after BKT application (4). Hence, caution must be exercised as there is a possibility of inflammation.

13. May Lead To Denaturation Of Keratin

Hair smoothing treatments employ high heat and chemicals that may denature keratin, a vital hair protein. Denaturation weakens hair and leads to frizz and breakage. Experimental studies have highlighted that excessive heat exposure alters the keratin structure and harms cuticles (5). Opting for gentler hair care is vital to preserve hair health and prevent long-term damage.

14. Loss Of Natural Curls

Hair smoothening can also have long-term effects on your hair health. For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, frequent smoothing treatments can cause a permanent alteration to the curl pattern. This occurs because the chemicals in these treatments break down the natural bonds that create curls. While the effects may seem temporary, consistent smoothing can weaken the hair’s ability to bounce back to its original texture.

So, it’s clear that chemical treatments can affect your hair’s health in the long run. While we all love smooth and shiny hair, it’s important to consider the side effects when contemplating a hair smoothing treatment. And when there are natural ways to get smooth shiny hair, why not give it a try? Check out the next bit for ideas.

Safer Alternatives To Hair Smoothing

Instead of risking the health of your hair with chemical treatments, here are some safer alternatives you can go for.

1. Heat-Free Hair Smoothing Treatments

Heat-free smoothing treatments are becoming popular for those seeking a safer alternative to traditional hair smoothing methods. These treatments use natural oils or plant extracts to reduce frizz and smooth the hair. By avoiding the high heat from flat irons and blow dryers, this method protects the hair’s natural structure while still providing a sleek appearance. While the effects may not be as long-lasting as chemical treatments, they are a safer option for maintaining healthy hair.

2. Keratin Treatments Without Formaldehyde

Some salons offer formaldehyde-free keratin treatments, which provide smoothing benefits without the harshness. These treatments use alternative ingredients that bond to the hair. While results may vary, formaldehyde-free options are safer for both the client and stylist.

3. Coconut Oil And Natural Oils

Using natural oils like coconut, argan, or olive oil is a simple and effective way to smooth hair. These oils work by deeply hydrating the hair shaft, reducing frizz, and enhancing shine. Coconut oil, in particular, is known for its ability to penetrate the hair and strengthen it from within, preventing breakage. Regular use of natural oils can help maintain smooth, healthy hair without the risks associated with chemical treatments.

4. Leave-In Conditioners And Hair Masks

Leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning hair masks are excellent alternatives to chemical smoothing treatments. They add moisture to the hair, making it smoother and easier to manage. Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, or silk proteins, which help lock in moisture and reduce frizz.

Using these methods and products will make sure you get smooth hair without compromising the health of your hair.

Infographic: Adverse Effects Of Hair Smoothing

Hair smoothing gives a new and stylish look to your hair. It makes it easier to maintain and style your hair for any occasion. However, it has its own downsides too. While we have already discussed the major side effects of the hair smoothing treatment, we would like to stress the major adverse effects of the chemical substance used in the treatment. Check out the infographic to know how these harmful chemicals affect hair and health.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients in hair smoothing treatments that pose health risks?

Hair smoothing treatments often contain harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, methylene glycol, and other aldehydes, which can pose health risks such as respiratory issues and potential long-term effects.

Is keratin smoothing treatment good for hair?

Keratin smoothing treatment involves high doses of chemicals and exposure to heat from a flat iron. Keratin hair treatment usually involves using a solution mixed with formaldehyde that is applied to your hair, followed by flat ironing it at 450° F. This can have a dangerous effect on your hair and scalp. Therefore, keratin hair smoothing is not good for your hair.

Does repeated smoothing damage hair?

When your hair undergoes a hair smoothing treatment, it might appear to work wonders and make your hair look glossy and shiny the first few times. But after a few washes, the shine wears out, and your hair becomes dry and starts breaking. This can also lead to split ends. So, yes, repeated smoothing does damage hair.

Is smoothing good for thin hair?

Dr.K.Harish Kumar, MD, DVL, recommends not going for hair smoothing treatment if you have thin locks as it makes the hair strands even finer and results in hair breakage. If you are looking for treatment for frizzy hair, it is better to go for natural homemade remedies.

Can I oil my hair after smoothening?

You need to wait for about 10 days after a smoothening treatment before you can apply oil to your hair. Also, it is best to apply warm oil and leave it on overnight.

Can I tie my hair after 3 days of smoothening?

Yes, you can tie your hair after 3 days of undergoing a hair smoothening treatment. But any sooner, and you risk creating a dent on your hair where you tied it as the hair tries to return to its original structure.

Which is better: rebonding or smoothening?

Smoothening causes less damage to the hair than hair rebonding and also looks more natural. Hence, it may be a better option if you don’t want any permanent hair texture changes.

Illustration: Side Effects Of Hair Smoothing

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Find out if hair smoothening damages your hair with this video featuring a doctor. Check it out for expert tips on how to protect your hair from damage and how to regrow it naturally.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. K. Harish KumarMD DVL

   

Dr. Harish has 14 years of experience in the field of dermatology. He did his MD (DVL) from Osmania Medical College in 2007. He worked as a consultant for Kaya Skin Clinic and also as a principal Investigator for 4Front Research.

Read full bio of Dr. K. Harish Kumar

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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