The Best Shampoo for Post-Smoothening Hair Care

Post-Smoothening Hair Care , also known as keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout, has become an immensely popular way to achieve sleek, frizz-free locks. The in-salon process uses a keratin protein solution to penetrate the hair cuticle and “fill in” gaps in the structure, making it appear smooth and straight.

While the results can seem transformative, smoothing treatment does make hair more prone to damage. That’s why proper aftercare with the right shampoo and conditioner is crucial to lock in moisture, prevent breakage, and help your glass-like locks last as long as possible.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about choosing the best shampoo for straightened hair, from when to wash post-treatment to the hero ingredients your formula needs. Read on for smoothened strands that shine like new!

When Can I Wash My Hair After Smoothening?

I know, I know—you’re itching to shampoo out the keratin residue the moment you get home from your Brazilian blowout. But patience is key here! Washing too soon can diminish results, so try to wait at least three days before that first post-treatment shampoo session. This gives the keratin bonds time to fully oxidize and set in your strands.

When you do finally lather up, reach for a gentle sulfate-free formula to avoid stripping your hair. Try to shampoo just twice a week after the first 7-10 washes, when it’s safest to return to your regular routine.

Pro Tip: Divide hair into sections before massaging in shampoo to evenly distribute it and prevent tangles.

What to Look for The Best Shampoo for Post-Smoothening Hair Care

Now that you know when to reach for the shampoo after your appointment, let’s get into what exactly you should be using! To keep your glass-hair going strong, you’ll want to focus on hydration and bond-building with nourishing ingredients.

Here’s what to seek out:

Hydrating Oils

Keratin treatment opens up and fills in gaps in the hair cortex, which makes hair appear smooth but also more prone to dryness. That’s why nourishing oils are essential for replenishing hydration post-treatment.

Some of the best include:

• Argan oil: Penetrates to repair damage and soften hair. Also protects from heat styling.
• Coconut oil: Soothes, conditions, and prevents protein loss.
• Marula oil: Full of antioxidants to nourish hair and enhance shine.
• Jojoba oil: Mimics natural oils so won’t over-moisturize.

Oils help with frizz and are lightweight enough not to weigh hair down. Just a few drops massaged into your mid-lengths and ends once a week does the trick!

Bond-Building Proteins

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so protein-based ingredients help reinforce bonds and prevent breakage. The holy grail is the protein-based Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. It contains Olaplex’s patented bifunctional technology that actively targets damage and mends bonds.

Other proteins to look for:

• Keratin: Strengthens hair fiber to protect from damage.
• Collagen: Supports keratin to boost elasticity and shine.
• Wheat protein: Conditions, smooths, and moisturizes.

Gentle Cleansers

Harsh sulfates can strip hair of its natural oils, causing rough texture and tangling galore. To avoid this, look for formulas with gentler surfactant cleansing agents like:

• Coco betaine
• Cocoamidopropyl betaine
• Sodium cocoyl isethionate

These still provide a deep clean without compromising hair health.

Key Tip: Clarifying shampoos can be too harsh post-treatment, so speak with your stylist before using.

5 Best Shampoos for Post-Smoothening Care

Now that you know what to look for, here are my top shampoo recommendations for keeping your smooth treatment lasting longer:

1. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

• Actively rebuilds broken bonds
• Patented repair technology
• Sulfate-free

With its patented active ingredient, Olaplex’s No.4 Shampoo is the gold standard for restoring health to treated hair. The formula targets damage and relinks broken bonds at the molecular level, effectively “healing” hair. Continuous use leaves hair strong, smooth, and less prone to breakage.

Key Benefits: Repairs damage, prevents split ends, improves manageability

Hero Ingredients: Olaplex’s patented bifunctional technology, vitamin E

 

2. Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo

• Infuses hair with argan oil
• Restores elasticity
• Boosts shine

Argan oil is liquid gold for lackluster locks, which is why Moroccanoil’s formula is fantastic for post-smoothing care. The shampoo moisturizes from root to tip and helps control frizz without weighing hair down. Plus, it smells like a Moroccan spa!

Key Benefits: Softens, increases shine, repairs dryness

Hero Ingredients: Argan oil, keratin, red algae

 

3. Briogeo Farewell Frizz Shampoo

• Rosehip, coconut, and argan oils
• Smooths cuticle
• Enhances definition

Briogeo’s best-selling formula is a godsend for keeping frizz under control post-treatment. It’s powered by a triple-oil blend to nourish hair and shield against humidity. Vitamin B protects color and enhances shine for a flawless finish.

Key Benefits: Frizz control, color protection, shine

Hero Ingredients: Rosehip, coconut, argan oil, vitamin B5

4. Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo

• Repairs weak strands
• Protects keratin bonds
• Prevent breakage

Pureology’s Strength Cure line is specially formulated to reinforce fragile, damaged hair. The shampoo uses an AntiFade Complex® to target weak spots and improve texture. With regular use, hair becomes stronger and more resilient to brushing/heat damage.

_Key Benefits: _Makes hair stronger, prevents splits and fallout

_Hero Ingredient: _Astaxanthin (AntiFade Complex)

5. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Shampoo

• Contains “miracle” strand buliders
• Reverses visible signs of aging
• Protects color

This luxury shampoo lives up to its caviar name, giving hair a supremely indulgent treat. It’s infused with caviar extract, vitamins, and Seasilk® to smooth the cuticle, boost shine, and improve thickness over time. One of my all-time favorites for mature hair!

_Key Benefits: _Thickens hair, enhances shine and softness

_Hero Ingredients: _Caviar extract, Seasilk®, vitamin C

Bonus: Try the Alterna Caviar CC Cream for added smoothing and heat protection.

Additional Post-Smoothening Care Tips

Caring for your hair long after your initial treatment is just as crucial as choosing the right shampoo. Here are some key tips for maintaining your sleek, smooth style:

Limit Heat Styling

Frequent heat styling can cause bonds to break down faster, so minimize use of hot tools. When you do style, always prep with a thermal protectant.

Schedule Occasional Trims

Plan to trim 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch off your ends every 8-12 weeks to prevent splits and keep hair healthy. Avoid drastic cuts which can make hair appear thinner.

Use Bond-Strengthening Conditioner

Condition every time you shampoo to restore moisture and reinforce bonds. Alternate between deeper protein treatments and lighter moisture masks.

Invest in Leave-In Conditioner

Spritz mid-lengths to ends before heat styling or air drying. This provides added protection against damage.

Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase

The smooth fabric minimizes friction to prevent tangles and breakage overnight.

How Long Will Smoothing Results Last?

With the proper post-treatment care and maintenance, you can expect your glass-like shine to last around 3 to 5 months, depending on your hair type.

Those with coarse, thick hair tend to retain straightening longer since the solution absorbs well into the strands. People with fine or colored hair may require occasional touch-up treatments to smooth new growth.

No matter your hair type, investing in nourishing products extends the longevity of expensive in-salon smoothing so you can enjoy frizz-free hair for months on end!

The Takeaway

Post-smoothening care is just as important as the initial chemical straightening treatment. Be patient and avoid washing hair for 72 hours after your blowout to allow keratin bonds to properly set. When it’s time to shampoo, spend your dollars on hydrating, bond-building formulas that protect your investment.

Limit heat and handle hair gently, and schedule trims every 8 to 12 weeks to prevent splitting. With this aftercare routine, you’ll lock in moisture and strengthen hair over time. Ultimately, you’ll be rewarded with sleek, smooth locks that turn heads for months after your appointment!

10 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos in India

Chik Egg White Shampoo Fight With Hair Loss and Damage

Adults Use Johnsons Baby Shampoo Comprehensive Guide And Truth Reveal

Bblunt Shampoo Really As Good As People Say

Best Shower Gel Brands in India