Product Review: Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight

I was given the products below for a product review in return for my honest opinions and comments on the product thanks to Aveda and SheSpeaks.

My hair has never been my best friend.  It's coarse, thick, dry... and curly enough not to be straight and straight enough not to be curly.  It's mostly wavy, with random spots underneath where it has tight coils. 

When I was given a chance to try Aveda's Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight line of products I did not hesitate to say "Um, yes please!"

I had assumed it would be like most hair straightening products;  it would have some sort of chemical in it to loosen the curls and waves.

Wrong.  The first thing I read about the smoothing product was that they naturally derive plant fibers to attach to the hair strands to loosen the curls and help hold the 'straight' in place.  And a second product included was a humidity barrier their fact page told me was made with tapioca starch, cassava extract and maize that promised to help fend off the frizz... even in my humid Southern weather.  The more you use the Naturally Straight creme, (which is safe for relaxed and color treated hair), the easier it is to straighten it, so you can cut back on styling time every day.

"After five consecutive applications of 

Naturally Straight, hair will stay straight 

for up to three washes."*

- AVEDA SMOOTH INFUSION™ NATURALLY STRAIGHT 

Well, I'm game!  Let's see how it does.

I washed and conditioned my hair with their products, then towel dried it, which does straighten and loosen the curls to start.  Then, I applied the smoothing cream. 

Because I have really, really thick hair it took quite a bit of coin-sized applications to make sure it was applied evenly.   I do have to stop here and mention the scent.  It is a strong citrus and what I thought of as nutmeg scent - although officially the product fact pages say "bergamot, palmarosa, Turkish Rose and Australian Sandalwood".  It took 3 applications to 'grow' on me but I have to admit I really came to like the scent in the end.

This was after the first application without using a flat-iron.  I did notice the curls 'fell out' easier.

By the third wash/condition and application of the styling creme, I found although I needed to use a straightener to finish it off, it straightened very fast and easy.  I did notice an improvement.





 

• Smooth Infusion™ Shampoo (US $21, 8.5 oz. /250 ml): Gently cleanses, smoothes and reduces frizz.
• Smooth Infusion™ Conditioner (US $21, 6.7 oz./200 ml): Daily conditioner smoothes and reduces frizz. 
• Smooth Infusion™ Style-Prep Smoother (US $24, 3.4 oz./100 ml): Defends against humidity for up to 12 hours and lays the foundation for long lasting smooth styles. 
• Smooth Infusion™ Glossing Straightener (US $23, 4.2 oz., 125 ml): Straightens hair while imparting lustrous shine and protecting the hair’s cuticle from heat damage.

Available at Aveda stores and salons and online at aveda.com. To find a location near you, visit aveda.com. 

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^*Consumer Testing on 122 women with curly hair The Aveda Smooth Infusion™ System