Yes, you can curl your hair after a smoothing treatment, particularly treatments like a Keratin treatment.
Curling Hair After Smoothing Treatments
While smoothing treatments are popular for reducing frizz and achieving straighter, smoother hair, they don't necessarily lock your hair into a single style forever. The outcome and how your hair behaves post-treatment can be quite versatile, allowing for various styling options, including curling.
As noted regarding Keratin treatments, "Although many people think Keratin treatments are a straightening process, they can be quite versatile. With the right stylist, you can achieve any hairstyle, even curls!" This highlights that even treatments known for their straightening effects can still permit styling flexibility. The treatment primarily works by smoothing the hair cuticle and relaxing the hair's natural curl pattern, but it doesn't permanently break the bonds that allow hair to hold a style like a perm or chemical relaxer might.
Factors to Consider Before Curling
Before you reach for your curling iron or rollers, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Waiting Period: Most smoothing treatments require a specific waiting period (usually 48-72 hours) before you can wet, wash, or tie your hair. It's crucial to wait this recommended time before attempting any styling, including curling. Always follow your stylist's specific aftercare instructions.
- Type of Smoothing Treatment: The ease and longevity of curls can depend on the specific type and strength of the smoothing treatment applied. Some treatments might make it easier to curl than others.
- Consult Your Stylist: As the reference suggests, achieving curls might require the "right stylist." This means consulting the professional who performed the treatment. They can advise you on the best time to curl, suitable methods, and products to use to ensure you don't compromise the treatment's effects or damage your hair.
- Heat vs. Heatless Methods: Both heat styling tools (like curling irons or wands) and heatless methods (like rollers or braids) can be used. However, since your hair is already treated, be mindful of heat exposure. Using a heat protectant spray is essential if using hot tools. Heatless methods can be a gentler alternative.
Tips for Styling and Maintaining Curls Post-Treatment
Curling hair that has undergone a smoothing treatment might feel slightly different than curling your natural hair.
Getting the Best Results
- Ensure hair is completely dry: Before using heat tools, make sure your hair is thoroughly dry to prevent damage.
- Use the right tools: Depending on the size and tightness of curls you desire, choose appropriate curling irons or rollers.
- Consider styling products: Lightweight mousses or setting sprays designed for styled hair can help hold the curl without weighing down the hair or causing it to revert to its smoothed state too quickly.
Maintaining Curls
- Avoid humidity: Humidity is the enemy of both smoothed hair and curls! On humid days, your hair might be more prone to frizz or losing the curl.
- Protect curls at night: Consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase or wrapping your hair loosely in a scarf to help preserve the curls overnight.
In summary, undergoing a smoothing treatment doesn't mean you have to commit to straight hair. With the right timing, technique, and care, you can absolutely enjoy curled hairstyles.
