With summer right around the corner, there's no better time to introduce a smoothing service to your clients who are sick of fighting the frizz in hot summer months. Kenra Professional has launched Kenra Smooth, a smoothing system that lasts for up to 60 shampoos that is designed to eliminate wave and frizz.

Aside from the silky smooth results that are achievable through the service, which gets progressively smoother as more services are performed, there are a few other exciting features to note:

1: Hair can immediately be washed following the service.
2: Hair can immediately be colored following the service.
3: The system is applied with a bottle applicator that converts the fluid into a foam--eliminating drip, increasing control and decreasing product waste.

When we heard about this application method, we knew we had to get a closer look. So MODERN took a little road trip to visit Caitlyn Haas, Kenra educator, at Kenra Professional's headquarters in Indianapolis to get an up-close look at how the smoothing system works, what all the buzz is about, and how Kenra's 7 Steps to Smooth creates beautiful results every time.

Step 1: Cleansing. After double draping the client, cleanse hair twice using Kenra Smooth Dep Cleansing Shampoo to remove all impurities from the hair. Then, completely dry the hair without product.

Step 2: Apply Foaming Fluid. Divide the hair into six sections for even application. Depending on the hair's length and density, you will need between 1 oz and 2 oz. of the Foaming Fluid. Beginning with the curliest section, apply the fluid in a light strip at the base of the head in ¼” subsections. Spread the foam down through the ends. Comb through with a fine-tooth comb for even saturation. Process for 20 minutes without heat.

Step 3: Calming Creme. Without rinsing, apply between 2 and 7 pumps of Calming Creme throughout the head and comb through the hair.

Step 4: Blow dry. Finger dry the hair to 70%, then use a flatbrush to maintain tension while blow drying in smaller sections.

Step 5: Resection. Section the hair into six sections using non-metallic clips.

Step 6: Flatiron. Beginning in the nape, flatiron 1/4" subsections at 400-degrees. Depending on the hair's length, texture, previous history and density, you will need between 6-12 passes with the flatiron. When the flatironing is complete, rinse hair thoroughly until the water runs clear. Some steam is normal during this portion of the service. If there is excessive steam, the hair has been over saturated with the foam and/or Calming Creme, or is not 100% dry.

Step 7: Hydration Treatment. At the shampoo bowl, apply Kenra Smooth Hydration Treatment to damp hair for 5 minutes. Rinse, dry and style as desired.

ASKED AND ANSWERED
What should I charge for this service? Every demographic will be different, including your client's hair length, texture and density, but Kenra recommends a starting rate of $350.

Why would you color hair after the service? The Kenra Smooth service may cause pigment shift to previously colored hair, however, being able to offer a color refresh service immediately after the smoothing service will allow you to achieve your desired results.

In terms of safety? Kenra is all over that, too. "There is a lot of confusion about formaldehyde in smoothing systems," says Caitlyn Haas, Kenra educator. "Kenra does not add any ingredients to our products that are known to produce any risk: the system is safe and compliant and has been extensively tested in even the most stringent conditions and complies with OSHA standards."

Is it safe for hair that has been relaxed? Yes, but Kenra recommends waiting at least one week after a relaxer.

How long does it take to perform the service? An average of 90 minutes depending on the client's hair.

When can I get it? Kenra Smooth is available now through BSG sales representatives, and will be in CosmoProf stores in August.