Nestled in downtown Barrington, Illinois at The Main Event Salon, is where I met Cezanne Master Stylist and Executive Educator Alex De Rango, who transformed my hair with the new Cezanne Perfect Finish Keratin Smoothing Treatment. Cezanne is a formaldehyde-free smoothing treatment without the use of harmful chemicals that could be a health concern for stylists and clients.

The treatment features two main ingredients that do the smoothing: Sericin, a natural protein produced by the silk worm, Bombyx mori. Sericin bonds very effectively to the natural keratin in hair and acts as a cement between the strands of keratin proteins and is able to lock hair into a smoother, straighter shape.

Glycolic acid, a popular exfoliant and moisturizer for skin, is the second main ingredient. It penetrates the hair shaft to allow keratin and vitamins to infuse throughout the hair shaft, delivering softer and more manageable hair. The treatment includes Vitamins C, E, B3, B5 and B6 derived from sugar cane, lemon, apple and green tea extracts.

"Cezanne is an instant transformation and makes your client a walking billboard," says De Rango. "Whether you are a stylist or a colorist, Cezanne can maximize your profit. For example, you can have an assistant shampoo your client while you do another cut/color service. During processing, you can work on another client, too." De Rango adds, "It's a game changing product and it's an easy process to learn."

According to De Rango, Cezanne Perfect Finish uses a low pH system to open the cuticle to allow the infusion of the ingredients to the cortex, replacing lost and damaged protein mass. When heat is applied during the flatiron process, the cuticle is closed and the proprietary blend of ingredients are locked into the hair.

What's wonderfully convenient about this treatment is that it has no “down time” and I was able to wash my hair immediately after the treatment. My hair also felt fluffy and not weighed down by product. According to De Rango, hair can also be colored immediately after the treatment, which makes it unique. And, unlike other smoothing systems, hair can be curled with a curling iron directly after the treatment.

Cezanne Perfect Finish is currently available in more than 20 states and works on all hair types. The treatment lasts anywhere from 3-4 months depending on how often you wash your hair/if you use the recommended after-care routine of products.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS:

STEP 1: Clarify the hair twice with Cezanne Clarifying Shampoo. Comb hair.

STEP 2: You can choose to put your client under a blow dryer unit or you can use a paddle brush to gently dry the hair.

STEP 3: Bring the client to the chair, work from back to front, adding the Cezanne treatment 1/4-inch from the scalp in 1/2-inch sections. (The product is gentle enough that you don't have to wear gloves.)

STEP 4: Comb the treatment though and let it process for 30 minutes.

STEP 5: Rinse hair for 20 seconds. Dry hair with a round or paddle brush.

STEP 6: Pass over hair with a flatiron (anywhere from 385-410 degrees) 5-10 times in sections.

THE RESULT:

I could noticeably see and feel the difference. After the treatment, it was easier to brush my hair and it cut my blow dry time down, too. I would recommend this for curly clients, but also those with straight hair as well. The treatment makes it easier for managing "high-maintenance" longer hair.

Unlike other chemical services, this one had no odor, smoke or fumes. My hair smelled nice afterwards. Interestingly, I learned from De Rango that this service aids clients with cowlicks, and more male clients are trying out smoothing services in general -- especially Cezanne!

Total Time for Service: Two hours (but depends upon the length of your client's hair).

For more information about Cezanne, visit www.cezannehair.com.