​Find out which smoothing treatment is the best.

A smoothing treatment can be a worthwhile investment for anyone with frizz-prone hair. So while salon services like a Brazilian blowout or a keratin treatment can set you back $250 on average, they'll give you smooth, shiny hair that'll last for months.

Both treatments will spare you the time you've been wasting styling your hair with frizz-fighting products that never quite seem to work. So, what's the difference between the two, and which one should you get? InStyle turned to Christina B. of New York City's Rita Hazan Salon to spell it out.

What's the Difference Between Brazilian Blowouts and Keratin Treatments?

Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments essentially have the same effect on hair: both eliminate frizz and boost shine. They're safe for all hair types and can be done on color-treated hair. However, Brazilian blowouts are more customizable.

"Since the market is so saturated with keratin treatments you could spend hours googling what you think would be best for the look you're after, but the Brazilian blowout can be adjusted for different hair textures," explains Christina B. "The stylist can flat iron the hair at different temperatures and achieve different looks."

What this means is that if you don't want your hair completely straight, your stylist can tailor the treatment so that your natural hair texture isn't completely lost. They'll still seal the treatment with a 450 degree flat iron, and you'll still have smooth, voluminous waves when they're all done.

The other way the treatments vary is in their downtime. Following a keratin treatment, it's recommended that you don't tie your hair up and you can't wash it for three or four days. As for a Brazilian blowout, you can go about your regular styling routine.
 
What Should I Know About What's In These Smoothing Treatments?

Although a Brazilian blowout has its benefits, the treatment can't be mentioned without addressing the controversy surrounding it. There has been concern about the formaldehyde in its formula.

"I find that if they're done properly and in well ventilated areas they are not harmful at all," says Christina B. "But you can find formaldehyde-free versions if you are worried about that."
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Whichever treatment you do choose, research salons in your area that offer the service to find one that's reputable. You'll get the results you want without sacrificing the health of your hair.

He might not be a household name, but you’ll certainly be familiar with the hairstyles he’s created over the decades for the catwalk, magazine covers and ad campaigns. Guido Palau, the man behind some of the most influential hair in fashion, was showing off his form again in London last week – on the front of British Vogue, with the unconventional 54-year-old supermodel Kristen McMenamy, and at a Jack Kerouac-inspired Dior men’s show.

The 59-year-old Dorset-born, Anglo-Iberian Palau also published #Hairtests, a spiral-bound book that captures the presentation of hair, or relative relaxation of it, over the course of the pandemic amid broad re-negotiations around gender and diversity.

“We all manage to curate something we’re interested in, flowers or animals or whatever, on Instagram,” Palau – known in the fashion world simply as “Guido” – told the Observer on his way to a test for the show at Kensington’s Olympia last week. “I just happen to be into hair.”

Palau, who is known to execute dozens of shows and can have 100 producers and hairstylists under his direction at each, is a protege of Vidal Sassoon and was a close collaborator of the late Alexander McQueen. He is also one of the key figures to bring the grungy, anti-perfection and individualistic movement of British fashion in the early 90s to the wider world.

It may be that, as philosophy and politics falter, it will again be up to hairdressers to provide clues to what women often know and men less easily grasp: that among exterior clues to the interior life, hair can be the most instructive.

“I’m being informed the whole time. Most people have hair on their head – though a lot of people don’t – so the way hair is worn, intentionally or not, interests me. Combed, brushed or dyed, put up or down in their own way, it’s all something I pick up on.”

The images in the book document hairstyles in profile and without makeup, taken on an iPhone, and later posted online. They are an impression, in a sense, of what was – and still is – happening, in a vulnerable time.

“Young people are looking at the 90s again and [are] inspired by that time. We see it in the individualism of the models, but [also] in a more diverse, inclusive way. When there’s a reaction in fashion that sticks, it’s always something to do with the world changing because fashion and beauty reflect the times.”

For one, the changes beauty currently reflects are less gendered. “Masculine and feminine seem kind of old now, so I try to look at their profile, see what fits. It’s more fluid. I’ve always been interested in an ambiguous kind of sexuality, and always wanted hair to be slightly questionable.”

Fashion, of course, has taken its share of recent criticism for lapses in approach and sensitivity to issues of social justice. “There’s a new awareness to how people feel or have felt in the past, and rightfully so,” he says.

Palau’s craft, then, is to take from the street, interpret, place in a fashion show or magazine and filter back. It is, by definition, a highly mutable process. “I can’t really tell. People might see it in a different way, and then take it back, consciously or unconsciously, or it’s just in the zeitgeist. People are more aware now, because there’s so much more information out there than when I started, when we didn’t know where references came from.”

Instagram is affecting the changes, in part because visual information is being posted and absorbed, as Palau says, all day long. “Beauty trends are coming into our home, or into our hand, all the time.”

There was a moment early in the pandemic when the beauty business, for reasons of social distance, effectively ceased to function, returning people to do-it-yourself, make-do-and-mend. To Palau, Covid has given people time to reflect on self-presentation, and that, in turn, has propelled a return to individualism.

“If a woman wants to go out with damp hair because she’s just washed it, nonchalantly cool, it should be completely acceptable. Wet hair always looks sexy, and hair in fashion is what people wear anyway. So it’s about realness or reality. No one should feel they have to look a certain way for anyone bar themselves, and the idea of social acceptability is hopefully breaking down. The way your hair looks should be your idea of it.”

That, in a sense, is a throwback to the 90s. But even the most maligned decades, like the 80s, came with cool looks as sub-cults, from goths to New Wave to New Romantics, proliferated alongside the glamour dos of Dallas or the yuppies. “Fashion takes from the past but it never really goes back. If you do, it’s a pastiche.”

Palau is not of any particular church, though friends joke that he’s never seen a pudding bowl he doesn’t love. “Hair is important to everyone. Women love to talk about it, men love to talk about it. Sometimes it gets a bit of a short straw and people don’t realise how difficult it is to do well. It is psychologically impactful as it changes the way people feel and look. When you look back, it’s amazing how it’s changed and how it defines social aspects of life.”

“Everyone is looking for that ultra-shiny sleek hair that still has a bit of movement,” Joseph Maine points out. “It can be difficult to smooth your hair while keeping a bit of bend and movement. Sometimes the hair becomes dry looking in the process and loses that liquid movement and reflection.” ​

Move over, beach waves—there's a new hairstyle in town. As temps get cooler, people are trading in their textured curls for a silky new look: liquid hair. A quick scroll on social media shows even celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, and are jumping on the liquid hair trend, serving up major holiday party inspo.

Unlike the wet hair trend, liquid hair doesn't actually appear wet. Rather, think ultra-shiny, reflective hair that's full and soft to the touch. Its super-sleek appearance makes it reflect the light like water does (hence the name). The final result rests between stick-straight, flat-ironed strands and a voluminous, salon-quality blowout.

"This is a healthy-looking, elevated version of our straight '90s hair," says Clariss Rubenstein, a celebrity hairstylist who works with names like Olivia Holt, Jennifer Garner, Dakota Fanning, and others. Unlike board-like glass hair, which had a big moment circa 2018, liquid hair is softer. "It's sleek with more movement and flow—the way liquid would pour down from the top of your head," adds celebrity hairstylist Joseph Maine.

The glam-casual look that comes just in time for your end-of-the-year festivities, from a dinner date to holiday parties. And here's the best part: Any hair type can try it (yes, even curly types).

Both experts agree that for long-term results, an in-salon keratin treatment is a good option, especially for those with very thick, curly hair. "It's a chemical process to straighten your hair and can really help smooth out the texture and cuticles of unruly strands," says Maine. According to Rubenstein, these treatments tend to fade out after three to six months, so there is a lot of longevity there. "You will still have to blow-dry and flat-iron to get the liquid look, but the result will be healthier, shinier hair with much less effort," she says. Just be sure to consult with your stylist before committing. "It can make hair extremely straight over time, and is known for overdrying the ends if not properly maintained," says Maine.

​If you're looking for a less permanent alternative, or just want to test drive the silky, syrup-y look yourself, it all starts with a smooth blow dry. "The difference between your everyday blowout and the liquid hair trend is in the finish," says Maine. "It's important to not overdo it with the flat iron and find a good balance with your products."

Below, the pros break down the steps for achieving liquid hair at home.

1. Coat wet hair with a hydrating, anti-frizz product to help straighten and lock out the humidity for a long-lasting hold. Maine recommends Color Wow's Dream Coat ($28; amazon.com) throughout wet hair, while Rubenstein opts for Monat's Rejuveniqe Oil ($99; monatglobal.com).
2. Blow-dry hair as smooth as possible with a round brush. Maine's go-to is Trademark Beauty Easy Blo. "It's the perfect size round brush for the liquid trend, as it detangles and smooths in a single step without taking the life out of the hair," he explains.
3. Touch up with a flat iron. Rubenstein notes you should flat-iron in small sections, using a paddle brush in front of the iron. Pay special attention to the ends, going over them with a flat iron to lock the style in place.
4. As a last step, eliminate frizz and flyaways with a finishing spray. Both Maine and Rubenstein recommend a shine spray: "You want the finish to be glossy (no flyaways or stray ends) without looking greasy or overly product-y," says Maine.

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

With so many trending hairstyles emerging in 2021 already, you’ll be thrilled to find out which haircuts are set to be popping off in the upcoming year.

A new chapter is set to start in 2022 and bringing along with it are fresh ideas for men’s hairstyles. Since gender-fluid looks are on the rise, expect to see shags, mullets, ‘90s curtain hairstyles, and a mix of the extremes – long or super short hair.

From daring cuts to bold colors and all sorts of lengths and styles, men’s beauty is taking a trip on the wild side. Inspired by 90s era fashion, the next season will give you sweet nostalgia.
​
Keep scrolling to discover the biggest hair trends for men that will dominate in 2022.

Mullets

One of the most iconic men’s hairstyles of the ’80s aka the mullet is still going strong in 2022. This look is all about business in the front, party at the back!
If you find yourself on the more wild side and you like experimenting with new haircuts, then this is for you.

Short at the front, shorter at the sides, and long at the back, the modern mullet hairstyle stands out for its eye-catching shape and laidback vibe.

For a more refined take, ask for a mullet with a low fade on the sides, or if you’re bold enough embrace neon colors and acid pops in shades of lime green, magenta, and blue.
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Having bright-colored hair can be approved far easy to style up with neutral outfit.

Buzz Cut

In many SS/2022 fashion shows, designers gave us a little taste of the new upcoming grooming trends, including buzz cuts in many versions.

You can go for a buzz fade, shorter on the top and fade up into the sides or try geometric lines in the front and/or on the sides.

This is a great choice if you have thin hair or you’re starting to bald and you want a no-fuss haircut with minimal effort.
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When you have a buzz cut, it’s actually a nice way to grow a little bit of stubble beard on your face to balance out the short haircut.

Again, for all the trend-conscious men who want to add more flare to their hairstyle, a great option is to dye the buzzed hair in pastel hues or vivid colors. But remember it’s important to maintain the color to avoid getting brassy.

Bro Flow 

The bro flow is still gaining popularity and is injecting a new kind of attitude into men’s hair. It is suitable for men with thick medium-length hair, who want a low-maintenance hairstyle.

Giving a relaxed and rugged vibe, the classic bro flow tends to feature waves that curl back off of the face and neck. If your natural hair is a bit wavy, this haircut will look great on you!
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However, if you don’t have wavy hair, you can create this look using a sea salt spray or texturizer.

Natural Curls

The next season of 2022 is all about embracing a more natural look to an otherwise classic hairstyle. Men with natural curls can show how cool and sexy curly hair can be.

Whether you prefer short sides and back and curly hair on top or a curly hair mullet, remember to build volume up top.

Rudolph Valentino 

Coming from the 1920s, this hairstyle was very popular back then. The name comes from the Italian-American actor and fashion icon Rudolph Valentino, who kept his hair back, tight and ultra-glossy, whipped up into a perfect side parting. 

A modern take on this hairstyle is a short cut with a side or a middle parting that will make you look super neat and polished. If you have strong features, this may be the perfect hairstyle for you in 2022. ​

Shag

The men’s shag hairstyle is predicted to be huge in 2022. Coming in different variations, from short, long, layered, or tousled, with bangs, waves, curls, or sideburns.

​The viral bowl method to perfecting natural frizz-free curls

"I love this method, it literally made my curls come back"

A woman with gorgeous frizz-free locks has shown others how she achieves her bouncy curls using the 'bowl method'.

Patrizia O’Shaughnessy noticed a huge difference with her curls after trying the technique - and fans have been won over.

The 28-year-old first started the 'Curly Girl Method' a few years back - which is a guide for looking after curly hair, and includes the recommendation of avoiding traditional shampoo.

It was created by hairstylist Lorraine Massey, who published a handbook in 2010. And more recently, thousands of women have been flooding social media with before and after photos.

But Zia was struggling in her progress to achieving the perfect curls, so decided to try something new.

"The bowl method has helped so many people already, it’s had such a great response on TikTok," she told the Manchester Evening News.

"I had tried the curly girl method a few years ago so remembered some techniques I had researched back then, but starting again this year with my curly bestie, we were discussing methods to try for my hair as I had hit a lull in my progress.

"We talked about adding more moisture into my routine, and so therefore decided to try the bowl method. I remember seeing a few other curly creators sharing the technique.

"It works well for me as my curls, as well as many other hair types, really love moisture.

"It helps to reduce frizz, and create curl clumps (a lot of us struggle with stringy curls!) so both big wins. It also dilutes your products a little.

"At the time when I started the bowl method I was using a curl cream that was too heavy for my hair so this really helped with that too.
​
"I’m now using Only Curls curl cream which is a lot lighter but it still works really well with the bowl method; it’s my favourite combination."

Sharing a video to her TikTok page - @curlyzia.xo - she explains how the bowl method hydrates and distributes product.

Responding to the clip, viewer Nuvia said: "I love this method, it literally made my curls come back".

Amanda Brown responded: "Did this and had my best wash day ever!"

Heather Stello commented: "I’m so glad I came across your videos!! I have curly hair but I never knew how to care for them. This method has been a life saver"
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Timeforrest2 added: "Tried bowl method thanks to you and seen huge improvements!"

Zia explains how to carry out the bowl method, which she does every wash day, twice a week:
​

1. After washing your hair, fill up a bowl of water
2. Apply a leave in conditioner and curl cream, and brush it though
3. Dip your hair into the water, scrunch, and let the water run back into the bowl
4. Dip four times - once at the front, then each side, then back to the front. Before the final dip, bring your hair over your ears, and split this dip into three. This helps to avoid knots when bringing your head back up
5. Follow with a styling product like mousse or gel
6. Dry with a diffuser on a low heat