I Tried a Non-Poisonous Hair Smoothing Remedy to Loosen up My Frizzy Hair—I’m Formally Hooked

A lot begins to alter if you hit your 40s. However one factor I wasn’t ready for? My hair texture. I’ve at all times had a slight wave to my hair, however over the past two years it’s grow to be extra coarse and frizzy. Now, let me preface this by saying I’m not actually against texture, curls, and even a bit of frizz. In spite of everything, that’s what offers our hair quantity, definition, and character! No, it was the wiry, tough feeling of my hair that I used to be combating. It additionally felt actually dry regardless of attempting each hydrating hair masks together with upping my hair nutritional vitamins and omega-3 consumption. In the summertime, I additionally air dry my hair extra and seen it was a lot frizzier than ordinary, making it more durable to model. As a rule, my hair would find yourself in a slicked-back ponytail or low bun. So, I did some analysis and located a hair smoothing therapy that will assist cut back and easy out the frizz and texture. Bonus: with out sacrificing my hair’s personal wave and motion.
Featured picture by Teal Thomsen.
Meet the Skilled: Tania Whittier
It’s essential to notice right here that I didn’t need dead-straight hair, simply an general softening and smoothing. I’ve heard from buddies and colleagues how damaging different hair straightening remedies may be so I used to be on the lookout for a non-toxic keratin therapy that might give me comparable outcomes. Based on analysis and numerous research, formaldehyde can improve the chance of most cancers. Sadly, this can be a key ingredient in many of the fashionable hair smoothing remedies. Discovering a formaldehyde free therapy was crucial.
That’s after I met Tania Whittier. With a roster of celeb purchasers, it’s secure to say that the acclaimed stylist has seen all of it. However it wasn’t till a shopper requested her a few non-toxic hair smoothing therapy that she determined to noticeably look into it. And he or she hasn’t appeared again.
I’ve had a number of pure hair smoothing remedies with Whittier now and I’m obsessed. Whereas security is at all times the highest precedence, efficacy is essential, too. Properly, let me inform you, this one works! Learn on to be taught extra about this pure keratin therapy, the way it works, how lengthy it lasts, who the best candidate is, and extra.

Hair Smoothing Remedy: The Earlier than and After
As you may see in my earlier than picture, my hair was curly with various frizz. And when you can’t inform from the picture, it was additionally coarse to the touch. However after Whittier’s therapy, it’s easy, shiny, and hydrated. Preserve studying to be taught why.
Poisonous Vs. Non-Poisonous Hair Therapies
The primary distinction between non-toxic hair smoothing remedies and conventional keratin ones is formaldehyde. The second greatest distinction is the customization. This implies which you can select the extent of straightness you need to obtain. (Preserve the wave, lose the frizz.) In contrast to conventional remedies, non-toxic choices let you select how a lot motion you need to hold in your hair whereas decreasing the frizz.
I opted to be a bit of straighter than my ordinary hair this time as a result of I wished a sleeker look. However my pal and former colleague, Victoria Hoff who has thick, lengthy, naturally wavy 2B S-curls, was capable of cut back the frizz with out compromising texture. Whittier at all times assesses the pure texture of the hair first to see what it does naturally and the way she will be able to play to that. Then it’s as much as the formulation, processing, and irons to create a personalised end result.
There are a number of non-toxic hair smoothing merchandise accessible now. Whittier rotates between Puraluxe, Cezanne, and Leaf & Flower relying on the shopper’s hair. (She used Puraluxe on my hair.) One of many big advantages is that you simply don’t have to attend to clean your hair. “As a result of the therapy has gone into the cortex and is definitely sealed in, you may resume your regular life instantly post-treatment, which is a big bonus,” explains Whittier. Sure, meaning you are able to do a exercise or class on the health club straight after, too.

How does it work?
Formaldehyde remedies work by pushing the keratin into the cuticle with warmth and the formaldehyde acts as its ending product. Whittier notes that this provides the phantasm of shine, however over time, the hair turns into dry as a result of it’s too harsh on the hair, particularly fragile hair.
Non-toxic remedies open the cuticle to permit the amino acids to enter the cortex of the hair versus the previous approach of excessive warmth blended with formaldehyde that created a poisonous carcinogen. “It really works higher as a result of now I’m capable of management processing instances and warmth ranges together with mixing totally different formulation,” she provides. “This enables me to customise a therapy for each shopper as a result of not everybody desires stick-straight hair.”
Advantages of Non-Poisonous Hair Smoothing Therapies
- Formaldehyde-free
- Non-drying
- Customizable relying on desired outcomes
- Can wash hair instantly post-treatment
- Pure elements
The Step-by-Step Course of From Begin to End
Step 1: Shampoo to wash the hair however don’t use conditioner. Have a look at the feel of the hair and focus on desired outcomes.
Step 2: Combine, apply product, and permit it to course of. This enables the amino acids to enter the hair.
Step 3: Rinse out the hair 110% as a result of the water will neutralize all of the elements and any amino acids that didn’t make it into the cortex of the hair. This is a crucial step in making a non-toxic therapy.
Step 4: Blow dry the hair.
Step 5: Flatiron the hair. That is additionally an essential step as a result of the hair will inform you what it could and might’t deal with with the warmth. It’s at all times essential to know the hair and instruments you’re utilizing. A special temperature and kind of iron could make a HUGE distinction!
Notice: Therapies can take anyplace from 1-3 hours relying on what sort of therapy you need and the way lengthy you want it. Your hair size and texture additionally come into play. Relying on the therapy, Whittier prices $125- $475.
How lengthy does hair smoothing therapy final?
Therapies can final anyplace from a couple of weeks to as much as six months. “Everybody has totally different texture and everybody desires totally different outcomes so it varies,” Whittier explains. “However the extra contrasting the feel is out of your pure, the quicker it would really feel prefer it’s rising out.”
Who’s the best candidate for a non-toxic keratin therapy?
Whittier says nearly everybody can profit from an amino acid smoothing therapy. “Even shampoos are beginning to boast about keratin and amino acids as a result of they assist to restore the hair,” she says. “It’s all about stability although, so positively speak to your stylist to verify your hair stays within the candy spot!”
Put up-Remedy Outcomes

Week 1
That is my hair washed and air-dried one week publish non-toxic keratin therapy. As you may see, it’s nonetheless very shiny and easy. The curl on the entrance is from me tucking it behind my ears whereas it’s moist—I just like the s-bend form it creates round my face.

Week 6
That is my hair air-dried and washed six weeks publish pure hair smoothing therapy. Whereas some texture has returned, it’s nonetheless easy and it feels extremely comfortable. There’s a wave to it that offers my hair form and motion nevertheless it’s not frizzy. I find it irresistible a lot.
Tania’s Prime 4 Manufacturers for Put up-Remedy Care
Whittier at all times recommends sulfate-free skilled shampoo that doesn’t have keratin or proteins in it. “A smoothing therapy places all of the amino acids in so that you don’t need to strive including extra; it will trigger your hair to really feel dry—it’s all concerning the stability,” she advises.
Each product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll at all times give an sincere opinion, whether or not gifted or bought ourselves. In case you purchase one thing by our hyperlinks, we could earn a small fee without charge to you.
Olaplex Day by day Cleanse & Situation Duo
It’s sulfate free and helps to maintain your hair robust.
Oway Smoothing Package for Effective Hair
Nice clear skilled Italian model that smells superb!
O&M Hydrate & Conquer Conditioner
One other nice clear line from Australia.
Innersense Renew Texture Hair Ceremony for Thick, Coarse, Curly Hair
Clear, straightforward to make use of, and superb high quality.
This publish was initially printed on August 31, 2021, and has since been up to date.