How-Tos > Haircare > SMOOTHING 3C, MEDIUM TO THICK DENSITY HAIR
Last updated: March 21, 2024

SMOOTHING 3C, MEDIUM TO THICK DENSITY HAIR

close formula
Photo courtesy amika

How To Smooth 3C, Medium To Thick Density Hair 

Looking for a smoothing treatment that will reduce frizz and define curls without compromising texture? amika’s first salon-only treatment smooth over is a formaldehyde-free two-step treatment used to straighten or smooth while reducing frizz in all hair types. The smooth over priming shampoo is used to cleanse and prepare the hair before applying the heat-activated frizz-fighting treatment

 

Ahead, amika Stylist Collective member Pekela Riley (@pekelariley) demonstrates how to smooth and define 3C, medium to thick density curls while maintaining the natural curl pattern.

 

What to know about each product:

 

pro smooth over priming shampoo:

 

  • Breaks down build-up for proper treatment penetration
  • Infused with French pink clay and white charcoal powder to absorb dirt, oil and toxins
  • Uses Indian cress stem extract to promote a balanced, healthy-looking scalp

 

pro smooth over frizz fighting treatment:

 

  • Formulated without formaldehyde or protein​
  • Vegan and no harsh smell​
  • Fights frizz for six to seven weeks*
  • Smooths hair using glyoxylic acid​
  • Two sets of directions for curly or straight smoothing results ​
  • Easy spray application ​

 

Photo courtesy amika

Products Used

HOW-TO STEPS

  • close formula
    1

    Before you begin, set realistic expectations based on your client’s hair texture using this chart.

  • close formula
    2

    Start by washing the hair with amika’s pro smooth over priming shampoo to cleanse, clarify and create a blank canvas for the treatment to penetrate the strands. Towel-dry the hair when finished.

     

    Pro Tip: Rinse and repeat as necessary for thicker, more coarse hair.

  • close formula
    3

    Bring your client back to the chair to apply smooth over frizz-fighting treatment. Wear gloves and give your client a chemical drape to wear while treatment is being applied.

     

    Then, section the hair into quadrants—you will be working from the nape of the neck up toward the front hairline. Take one-inch subsections and begin spraying the treatment four to six inches away from the hair, keeping the spray a half an inch away from the scalp. Finish by combing through each subsection to ensure the product is fully saturating all hair.

     

    Pro Tip: Avoid accidentally applying the treatment to the scalp by holding each section at the root using your gloved finger.

  • close formula
    4

    Let the treatment process uncovered, without heat for 20 minutes.

  • close formula
    5

    After processing, blow-dry the hair using a diffuser on the highest heat setting until it’s 100 percent dry to help lock-in the treatment.

  • close formula
    6

    Once dry, rinse hair using only water (no shampoo). Apply a conditioner or mask, then rinse.

  • close formula
    7

    Finally, blow-dry with a diffuser on desired heat setting to see final results.

     

    Here’s how much stylists can make by adding amika pro smooth over treatment to their service list:

    Photo courtesy amika

     

    Take the pro smooth over course to add the treatment to your service list!

More from
amika