Pasadena Frizz Driving You Crazy? Let’s Talk Smoothing vs. Straightening

Professional smoothing and texture services can give you back your time and confidence by controlling frizz for weeks or months at a time. The key is understanding the difference between semi-permanent smoothing that relaxes your texture and permanent re-texturizing that changes your hair's structure entirely.

At Bokaos Aveda in Old Town Pasadena, about seventy percent of our frizz clients find that a keratin smoothing treatment is the right solution for their lifestyle. After thirty years in this business, I've found that the clients who are happiest with their results are the ones who start with the least permanent option and work up from there.

I'm Hasblady Guzman, and I'll be honest with you. Early in my career, I recommended a permanent straightening service to a client who really just wanted easier styling. She ended up missing her natural wave and felt stuck waiting for it to grow out.

I felt terrible. That taught me to always start with a detailed consultation and really understand what the client wants before recommending any chemical service. Now at Bokaos Aveda, we never rush into texture services without understanding your lifestyle, your styling routine, and what you're truly hoping to achieve.

A Client Who Got Her Mornings Back

A client named Valentina R. from Altadena came in last spring exhausted from her morning routine. "I spend forty-five minutes blow-drying every day just to control the frizz," she said. "By the time I get to work, it's already starting to puff up again."

During her consultation at Bokaos Aveda, we talked about her lifestyle and I recommended a keratin smoothing treatment instead of permanent straightening. She wanted easier styling but didn't want to lose her natural wave entirely. The treatment took about three hours.

Eight weeks later she came back glowing. "I'm down to fifteen minutes in the morning," she said. "I wish I'd done this years ago."

She's since referred three coworkers from La Cañada who were fighting the same battle. Trust me on this. When you find the right treatment for your hair type, it changes your whole relationship with your hair.

Keratin Smoothing: Your Secret Weapon for Frizz Control

Think of a keratin smoothing treatment as a deep conditioning service with superpowers. At Bokaos Aveda, we explain it this way: it doesn't permanently change the internal structure of your hair. Instead, it infuses your hair's outer layer with keratin protein.

This process seals the cuticle, making it smooth and resistant to the humidity and dryness that cause frizz. At Bokaos Aveda, this is a fantastic option for most of our clients in Pasadena and Altadena who want more manageable hair without losing their natural wave or curl.

What to Realistically Expect from a Smoothing Treatment

A common question I get at Bokaos Aveda is, "Will this make my curly hair stick-straight?" The answer is no, and that's actually a good thing. A keratin treatment relaxes your curl pattern into a softer, looser wave and makes your hair incredibly smooth.

At Bokaos Aveda, nearly sixty percent of our curly-haired clients say the biggest benefit is the manageability. Here's what you can truly expect:

• Drastically Reduced Frizz: Your hair will be much smoother and sleeker, even in our dry Pasadena climate. At Bokaos Aveda, clients from San Marino to South Pasadena tell us their frizz is under control for the first time in years.
• Faster Drying Time: At Bokaos Aveda, we see clients cut their blow-dry time by forty to sixty percent. That's a game-changer for busy mornings.
• Enhanced Shine: By smoothing the cuticle, the treatment creates a glossy, healthy-looking finish that lasts.
• Longevity: Results typically last for eight to twelve weeks, gradually fading as you wash your hair.

The Aveda Approach to Healthy Smoothing

You've probably heard concerns about formaldehyde in smoothing treatments. It's a valid worry. At Bokaos Aveda, we prioritize hair health above all else.

That's why we use Aveda's naturally-derived, gentle formulas. They deliver beautiful, frizz-free results without the harsh chemicals. While they may not last quite as long as older, traditional formulas, the trade-off for healthy, undamaged hair is one our clients are happy to make.

Chemical Re-Texturizing: A Permanent Change

If you're looking for a more dramatic, permanent transformation, then at Bokaos Aveda we need to talk about chemical re-texturizing. This is where we go beyond just coating the hair's surface and actually change its internal structure by breaking and reforming its disulfide bonds.

This is serious chemistry and absolutely requires an experienced professional to prevent damage. Please, never attempt this with a box kit from the store. At Bokaos Aveda, about twenty percent of our texture clients choose permanent options after we discuss all the considerations.

Modern Texture Waves

Forget the tight, frizzy perms of the past. At Bokaos Aveda, today's texture waves are all about creating soft, natural-looking movement. We can create anything from loose, beachy waves perfect for a stroll through Old Pasadena to a more defined, uniform curl pattern.

At Bokaos Aveda, this is a great service for clients with straight, fine hair who want lasting body and volume. It's also ideal for people with inconsistent natural waves who desire a more uniform, easy-to-style texture. Because this service permanently alters the treated hair, it will last until it grows out, typically looking great for six to twelve months.

Chemical Straightening

For those who want to permanently straighten their curly or wavy hair, services like Japanese thermal reconditioning are the answer. At Bokaos Aveda, this is an intensive process that leaves hair pin-straight, sleek, and smooth.

The commitment here is significant. The treated hair will remain straight forever. As your natural hair grows in, you'll see a line of demarcation between the new growth and the treated hair.

At Bokaos Aveda, this means you'll need to come in for root touch-ups every six to ten months to maintain the look. It's a fantastic solution, but it requires consistent upkeep.

Your Investment and How to Protect It

At Bokaos Aveda, being transparent about cost and commitment is important. These are professional services that require time and expertise.

Keratin Smoothing: A treatment usually costs between $250 and $400, depending on your hair's length and thickness. Plan to be with us at Bokaos Aveda for two to four hours.

Modern Texture Waves: These generally range from $250 to $400 and can take a few hours to complete.

Chemical Straightening: This is the most intensive service, typically costing $400 to $800 and requiring a longer salon visit.

After you've made the investment, protecting it is crucial. At Bokaos Aveda, we give every client these golden rules for post-treatment care: wait forty-eight to seventy-two hours before washing, avoid tight ponytails or clips for the first three days, and switch to sulfate-free shampoo. We can recommend the perfect Aveda shampoo to maintain your results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Hair Care Services

Which treatment is better for curly hair?

At Bokaos Aveda, we usually recommend starting with keratin smoothing for curly hair. About seventy percent of our curly-haired clients find it gives them the manageability they want while keeping some natural texture. Permanent straightening is an option if you truly want pin-straight hair, but it's a bigger commitment.

How long does a keratin treatment last?

At Bokaos Aveda, keratin smoothing typically lasts eight to twelve weeks, gradually fading as you wash your hair. Clients who use sulfate-free shampoo and follow our aftercare guidelines tend to get the longest results.

Can I color my hair after a smoothing treatment?

At Bokaos Aveda, we recommend waiting at least two weeks after a keratin treatment before coloring. If you're planning both services, it's best to do color first, then smoothing. We can create a timeline during your consultation.

What's the difference between keratin and permanent straightening?

At Bokaos Aveda, we explain it this way: keratin smoothing is semi-permanent and relaxes your texture while keeping some natural wave. It washes out over time. Permanent straightening actually changes your hair's structure forever. The treated hair stays straight until you cut it off.

Ready for Smooth, Effortless Hair?

Deciding between a smoothing treatment and a permanent texture service is a big decision. The best choice depends entirely on your hair type, your daily routine, and your ultimate hair goals.

A consultation at Bokaos Aveda takes about thirty minutes. We assess your hair's health, talk through your lifestyle, and help you make an informed choice. Stop by Bokaos Aveda at 52 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103.

Give us a call at (626) 304-0007 or book your appointment online today. We can't wait to see you.