Licensed stylists and salons offering a frizz-smoothing service. amika sells it as salon-only: it is processed with a blow dryer and, for straight results, a flat iron at specific temperatures, so it is not a take-home product.

For clients, it suits all hair types and textures dealing with frizz or humidity, including colour-treated and chemically treated hair (with lower iron temperatures). The natural curl method is aimed at waves, curls and coils worn naturally; the straight method at clients who usually blow out or straighten their hair.

Most smoothing systems either rely on formaldehyde-releasing chemistry or straighten the hair whether the client wants it or not. Pro Smooth Over uses glyoxylic acid instead, and gives the stylist a choice: a diffused natural curl service that keeps texture while cutting frizz, or a flat-ironed straight service for a sleeker result. With no protein, no formaldehyde, a spray application and a matched priming shampoo, it is a straightforward add-on service for salons that want frizz control without committing clients to a permanent change.

Professional use only. Start by washing with Pro Smooth Over Priming Shampoo (twice for thicker, coarser hair) and towel dry.

Natural curl smoothing:

1. Divide hair into 4 sections. Spray the treatment 4 to 6 inches from the hair on 1 inch sections, starting 1/2 inch from the scalp, and comb through evenly.
2. Process without heat for 20 minutes.
3. Diffuse until 100% dry.
4. Rinse with water only (no shampoo), apply an amika conditioner or mask, and rinse.
5. Diffuse to see the final result.

Straight smoothing:

1. Apply and process as above (20 minutes, no heat).
2. Blow dry straight with a round or paddle brush until 100% dry, using tension.
3. Flat iron small sections root to ends, 3 to 5 passes per section: 360°F (180°C) for fine, colour-treated or chemically treated hair; 410°F (210°C) for medium to coarse colour-treated or chemically treated hair; 400°F (200°C) for fine virgin hair; 420°F (215°C) for medium to coarse virgin hair. Do not exceed these temperatures.
4. Rinse with water only, apply an amika conditioner or mask, and rinse.
5. Blow dry and silk press or flat iron to finish.

Work in a well-ventilated salon. Clients should wait 48 hours before wetting their hair and then use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, avoiding clarifying or harsh products.

Pros

• Formaldehyde-free and protein-free, and amika reports formaldehyde was not detected when heated.
• Two service options, so curly clients can reduce frizz without being straightened.
• Spray-on application with no mixing, bowls or brushes.
• Clients can style with their usual products right after the service and use clips and ties during the first 48 hours.

Cons

• Results are temporary, about 6 to 7 weeks, and fade faster with frequent washing or clarifying shampoos.
• Clients must keep their hair dry for 48 hours.
• amika has had rare reports of a residual smell, which it links to overuse of product, hard water or leftover buildup, so ventilation, correct amounts and thorough shampooing matter.
• Hair can feel coated when the client leaves the salon until the first wash.