Smoothing creams are great for reducing frizz, but if you’re like me you first came to them in a panic when you wanted to get rid of frizz. Without the proper technique in using a smoothing cream, your hair can become a greasy, heavy mess.

Smoothing creams can help add polish to your hair and majorly reduce frizz and add shine, but it’s important to use them correctly so you can get the most out of your product. While every product is different, this has been a foolproof way for me to get manageable hair that is free from frizz and poofiness.

What Smoothing Cream Does

Smoothing creams have a lot of benefits including:

1. Reduces Frizz: Smoothing creams gives hair moisture which reduces frizz. They can combat flyaways which is especially helpful when you are going for a sleek or slicked back hairstyle. 
2. Adds Shine: The moisture that smoothing cream gives hair also adds shine. Light reflects off the surface of hair that has been smooth. 
3. Improves Manageability: Smoother hair is also easier to manage, whether you want to make it easier to put up in a hairstyle or you want a more polished look. 
4. Protects Against Heat Damage: Many smoothing creams also contain heat protection, making them a great primer before using hot tools. 

How to Use Smoothing Cream

The exact way to use smoothing cream may vary depending on the product and the type of hair you have, but here are some general steps to follow:

1. Wash and towel-dry your hair: Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and towel-dry your hair to remove excess water. It is generally best to apply smoothing cream to damp hair if you want hair to feel smooth all over, but applying it to dry hair also works and is perfect for smoothing flyaways.
2. Dispense a small amount of smoothing cream: Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, you may need more or less product. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
3. Apply the smoothing cream: Rub the smoothing cream between your hands and then apply it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends and the areas that tend to get frizzy. Avoid applying too much product to the roots to avoid weight down your hair.
4. Comb or brush your hair: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush to distribute the smoothing cream evenly throughout your hair. You can also use your fingers if your hair is detangled and manageable. 
5. Style your hair: You can then style your hair as desired, either by blow-drying with a round brush for a smooth, sleek look or air-drying for a more natural look.
6. Add more product if needed: If your hair is particularly frizzy or dry, you may need to add more smoothing cream to the ends or the areas that need more control.

How to Use Smoothing Cream for Curly Hair

Smoothing cream can be particularly useful for curly hair since curlier hair is more prone to dryness and frizz than other hair types. The steps are similar as they are for other hair types, but these additional steps will give your frizzy or dry curly hair a good the best results and a non-greasy finish:

1. Apply a leave-in conditioner: Before applying the smoothing cream, you may want to apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair. This can help to further hydrate your curls and make them more manageable.
2. Apply the smoothing cream: Take a small amount of smoothing cream and rub it between your palms to warm it up. Then, apply the cream to your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Use your fingers to work the product through your hair, making sure to coat all of your curls. Rake through your hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to make sure the cream is fully dispersed. 
3. Scrunch your curls: Once the smoothing cream is applied, use your hands to scrunch your curls from the ends upwards. This can help to define your curls and encourage them to bounce back into shape.
4. Air-dry or diffuse your hair: Once you have scrunched your curls, you can either let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry your curls. Using a diffuser can help to enhance your curls and further reduce frizz.

Smoothing Cream vs. Smoothing Balm

Smoothing creams and smoothing balm both offer benefits for controlling frizz and flyaways, but a cream is generally lighter than a balm or wax and leaves hair more flexible and softer. Balms and waxes will give your hair super hold without letting a hair out of place.

If you have fine or medium hair and want a lightweight product that adds shine and reduces frizz, smoothing cream may be the better choice. If you have thick or coarse hair and want a product that provides more hold and control for styling, a smoothing balm or wax is a better pick.

Smoothing Cream vs. Styling Cream

There is some overlap in what smoothing cream and styling creams accomplish, but a smoothing cream is better suited to smooth frizz and create a polished look while a styling cream is better for creating a specific style with texture and hold.

How to Use Smoothing Cream Conclusion

Smoothing creams are gam changers with the right technique. They are one of those hair products that can seem a bit confusing when slathered on quickly to fix a problem but using them correctly with complementary products and with other techniques to smooth your hair, they are amazing.