Straightening / Control Curls
Do you want straight hair? Do you want to control your curls and take the frizz away? I use a system by Matrix called Opti.Smooth to help accomplish this. Matrix Opti.Smooth technology provides a choice of a heat straightening service that completely straightens your hair or a cold smoothing service that smoothes away frizz and controls curls.
Key Benefits
- The results achieved with Matrix Opti.Smooth products are immediate.
- Your hair is conditioned and protected while looking beautiful, feeling natural and moves like silk.
- Your hair is naturally moisturized and conditioned.
- It becomes smoother, softer, and shinier with less frizz and static electricity
How does it work?
Matrix Opti.Smooth utilizes ionic technology. In the early part of the process, the ions modify bonds within the hair shafts. Later in the process, the bonds within the hair are remade.
What result can I expect?
The results achieved with Matrix Opti.Smooth products are immediate. There are two methods that can be done. In the thermal option, the hair that has been treated will be permanently straight. In the cold smoothing option, it smoothes away frizz and controls curls. In both processes, your hair is renewed, repaired and revitalized for a softer, smoother, shinier finish. Your hair is naturally moisturized and conditioned. It becomes smoother, softer, and shinier with less frizz and static electricity. It also becomes stronger and healthier overall.
What is involved in the thermal process?
Your hair is pre-treated with a patented Ceramide based protector. A smoothing creme is applied, then checked to ensure the process is complete, then your hair is rinsed. Your hair is pre-treated, then your hair is now meticulously straightened with ceramic irons. A conditioning neutraliser is applied, then rinsed out, then a post treatment creme is applied and your hair dried.
What is involved in the cold process?
A smoothing creme is applied, then smoothed by hand and then your hair is rinsed. A conditioning neutraliser is applied, then rinsed out, then a post treatment creme is applied and your hair dried.
Does it wear out like conventional chemical straightening?
No, the heat straightened hair will remain the same as at the end of the in salon process.
When was the process developed?
It was originally developed in Japan in the 70’s to meet the needs of Japanese, who typically have straight, coarse hair that needed softening, smoothing and better manageability. This system retextures hair making it silky, sleek and easy to manage.
Does it require touch-ups?
Only on new growth hair. Cold smoothing can be done when you hair has grown about 5 cm (typically 4 to 6 months). Thermal smoothing is best left until your hair has grown by some 10cm. Note – Cold smoothing can be used in the interim.
What if my hair has previously had chemical straighteners?
It depends on what type of relaxer was used and how recently. It is not advisable on top of hair previously relaxed with products containing any of these ingredients: Sodium Hydroxide, Guanidine Carbonate or Potassium Hydroxide. However, it can be used on the “re-growth” area.
What if my hair has been colored?
It is not recommended on hair colored with more than 30 vol. oxidant or hair with more than 40% highlights. It is also not recommended for hair that has been de-colored or treated with Henna or Metal Salts.
What will happen if my hair is already colored?
A slight loss of color usually occurs after straightening, but it can be recolored about two weeks after thermal straightening or on the same day with the cold process.
Can I color my hair after using the Opti.Smooth process?
Thermal process – Yes, as long as you wait fourteen days after the service. Cold process – even on the same day, but only a semi.
What has to be done to maintain my hair?
It is recommended that you use the shampoos and conditioners designed for use with ionic based straightened hair at your normal wash intervals.
When can I wash or wet my hair after the process?
It must not be wet for at least 48 hours.
What if I want to go swimming- can I use a bathing cap?
No – don’t go swimming for three full days after the process, even with a bathing cap, which will cause the hair to be scrunched up.
What do I have to do during the first 2 to 3 days after the process?
It is critical that you do not use bands, metal or plastic clips, pins or other hair ornaments. That goes for putting your hair behind your ears too!
Why shouldn’t I do anything to my hair during the first 2 days?
During the process, the structure of the bonds in your hair are altered. It takes about 2 days for these bonds to fully recover.
Will I need to apply a spray-on conditioner or shine product after the process?
No nothing goes on the hair for 48 hours.
Will I still need to blow-dry my hair after the process?
No – only for styling purposes. Some hair, because of its style and texture, looks great with natural drying.
Can this process damage my hair?
All Opti.Smooth products are specially formulated to keep your hair healthy and in excellent condition. However, Like all chemical treatments it does dry the ends of your hair..so a trim after the process may be better than before the process.