Amika Smooth Over is a professional-use-only smoothing treatment built around glyoxylic acid, an organic acid that works into the hair's keratin structure to reduce frizz, add shine, and improve manageability without the ammonia or formaldehyde used in older-style smoothing treatments. It's part of amika's Pro Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting service line and is intended to be applied and heat-processed by a trained stylist, not used as an at-home treatment.
The formula also includes water lily extract, which contributes keratin-building tannins that smooth the cuticle layer, along with amika's signature sea buckthorn extract for antioxidants and omega-7 fatty acids. During the heat-processing step of the service, the glyoxylic acid forms a temporary hydrophobic layer over the hair shaft that blocks humidity, which is what gives the finished result its frizz resistance.
Amika's service is designed around two application approaches -- one aimed at a straight-smoothing result and a second intended to reduce frizz while allowing the client's natural curl pattern to remain, rather than permanently relaxing the hair the way some traditional smoothing systems do. Results from amika's own consumer testing are described as lasting roughly six to seven weeks.
- Formaldehyde-free and protein-free formula
- Vegan
- Spray application, so no mixing bowls or brushes are needed during the service
