The Consultation
Before any straightening or smoothing service, a consultation is essential. Your stylist will assess your hair texture, condition, chemical history, and goals. They will determine which treatment — relaxer, keratin, or Brazilian blowout — is most appropriate and safe for your hair.
Be completely honest about your hair history, including at-home treatments and box dye. Withholding information can lead to unexpected chemical reactions and damage. The consultation is also the time to discuss pricing, timing, and expected results.
Preparing for Your Appointment
In the days before your appointment, follow your stylist’s preparation instructions. Generally, wash your hair 24 to 48 hours before the service — arrive with clean, dry hair. Avoid applying heavy products, oils, or silicones before the appointment, as they can interfere with the treatment.
If you color your hair, schedule color before the smoothing service. Some smoothing treatments can shift or lighten color. Your stylist will advise on the best sequencing during your consultation.
- —Wash hair 24–48 hours before the appointment
- —Arrive with clean, dry hair
- —Avoid heavy products or oils before the service
- —Schedule color before smoothing, not after
- —Disclose all previous chemical treatments
During the Service
The service duration depends on the treatment and your hair length and density. A keratin treatment can take 2 to 3 hours. A Brazilian blowout takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. A relaxer application takes 1 to 2 hours. Plan your schedule accordingly.
Your stylist will apply the treatment in sections, process it for the appropriate time, and then style your hair. For keratin treatments, a flat iron is used to seal the product into the cuticle. For Brazilian blowouts, the hair is blow-dried and flat-ironed.
Immediate Aftercare
Aftercare varies by treatment. For keratin treatments, do not wash your hair for 48 to 72 hours. Avoid tying hair back, using clips, or tucking behind the ears, as this can create dents in the treatment. For Brazilian blowouts, you can wash immediately — no waiting period.
For all treatments, avoid swimming, heavy sweating, and direct sun for at least one week. Use only sulfate-free, sodium-chloride-free products. Your stylist will provide specific aftercare instructions and product recommendations.
Long-Term Maintenance
Long-term maintenance is the key to maximizing treatment longevity. Wash 2 to 3 times per week with sulfate-free, sodium-chloride-free products. Minimize heat styling and always use a heat protectant. Use a UV-protective spray for sun exposure.
Schedule regular conditioning treatments to maintain hair health, especially after relaxers. A Kérastase Fusio-Dose added to each salon visit helps maintain moisture and shine. Your stylist will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your treatment and hair type.
Scheduling Around Color Services
If you color and straighten your hair, timing matters. Most smoothing treatments should be applied after color. Schedule color first, then the smoothing service a few days later. Some treatments can shift or lighten color, so sequencing is important.
Avoid coloring and smoothing on the same day unless your stylist specifically recommends it. Processing both services simultaneously can stress the hair. Discuss a schedule with your stylist during your consultation.
When to Schedule a Touch-Up
Schedule a touch-up when you notice the treatment fading — increased frizz, texture returning, or difficulty styling. For keratin, this is typically 3 to 5 months. For Brazilian blowouts, 10 to 12 weeks. For relaxers, root touch-ups are needed every 6 to 8 weeks.
Do not wait until the treatment has completely worn off. Scheduling a touch-up while some of the previous treatment remains helps maintain consistency and reduces the amount of product needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is using the wrong products. Sulfates and sodium chloride break down smoothing treatments rapidly. Other errors include washing too frequently, swimming without protection, applying heat without a protectant, and skipping conditioning treatments.
Follow your stylist’s aftercare instructions exactly. If you have questions about products or maintenance, call the salon rather than guessing. Proper care protects both your hair and your investment.