If you are searching for the best hair smoothing treatment in London, you have come to the right place. At Baroque Hair and Nails, our award-winning Japanese salon in the heart of Mayfair, we specialise in advanced hair smoothing and keratin treatments that transform frizzy, damaged, or unruly hair into silky, healthy, and beautifully conditioned locks — results that last for weeks.

Whether you are dealing with the notorious London humidity, the effects of hard water on your hair, or simply want to wake up every morning with effortlessly smooth hair, our expert stylists are here to help. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about hair smoothing treatments and keratin treatments at our London salon, including what they are, how they work, who they are suitable for, and why Baroque Hair and Nails is the top choice for clients across London and beyond.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Hair Smoothing Treatment?
2. What Is a Keratin Treatment?
3. The Baroque Original Treatment – Our Signature Service
4. Hair Smoothing vs Keratin Treatment: What Is the Difference?
5. Who Is a Hair Smoothing or Keratin Treatment Right For?
6. Why London's Hard Water Makes Hair Treatments Essential
7. Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your Treatment at Baroque
8. Aftercare Tips to Maximise Your Results
9. Treatment Pricing at Baroque Hair and Nails London
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Why Choose Baroque Hair and Nails in Mayfair?
12. How to Book Your Hair Smoothing Treatment in London

1. What Is a Hair Smoothing Treatment?

A hair smoothing treatment is a professional salon service designed to reduce frizz, add shine, and improve the overall texture of the hair without permanently altering its natural structure. Unlike a chemical straightening treatment, a hair smoothing treatment works by coating and penetrating the hair shaft with conditioning and bonding agents — such as keratin, ceramide, amino acids, and plant-based proteins — to smooth the cuticle and lock in moisture.

The result? Hair that is dramatically smoother, shinier, easier to manage, and far more resistant to humidity and environmental damage. Depending on the specific treatment used and your hair type, results typically last anywhere from 6 to 16 weeks.

Hair smoothing treatments are particularly popular in cities like London, where humidity, air pollution, and hard water can wreak havoc on the hair. They are suitable for a wide range of hair types, including wavy, curly, frizzy, colour-treated, and chemically processed hair.

Key Benefits of Hair Smoothing Treatments

• Dramatically reduced frizz – Even in humid London weather, your hair stays smooth and controlled.
• Deep conditioning and repair – The treatment rebuilds the hair's internal structure, reversing damage from colouring, heat styling, and environmental factors.
• Added shine and softness – Hair looks visibly healthier, shinier, and feels incredibly soft to the touch.
• Shorter styling time – Many clients find they spend significantly less time blow-drying or straightening after a smoothing treatment.
• Long-lasting results – With proper aftercare, results can last for months.
• Suitable for colour-treated hair – Most hair smoothing treatments are compatible with coloured, highlighted, or bleached hair (though timing between services is important).

2. What Is a Keratin Treatment?

A keratin treatment – sometimes called a Brazilian blowout or keratin smoothing treatment – is a specific type of hair smoothing service that uses keratin protein as its primary active ingredient. Keratin is the natural protein that makes up the structure of your hair. Daily wear, heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental exposure deplete the keratin in your hair, leaving it weak, porous, frizzy, and prone to breakage.

A professional keratin treatment replenishes this lost protein, essentially rebuilding the hair's foundation from the inside out. The keratin molecules bond with the existing protein structure of the hair, filling in gaps and damage along the hair shaft, and sealing the cuticle flat. The result is hair that is not only visually smoother and shinier, but structurally stronger and more resilient.

At Baroque Hair and Nails in London, our keratin treatment (60 minutes) is one of our most requested services. It is suitable for all hair types and offers transformative results that clients love.

What Makes Keratin Treatments Different from Conditioners?

Many people wonder how a keratin treatment is different from simply using a good conditioner or hair mask at home. The answer lies in the depth of penetration and the professional-grade ingredients used. Salon keratin treatments use high-concentration, nano-sized keratin molecules that are specifically formulated to penetrate deep into the cortex of the hair — not just coat the surface. The heat activation step (using a flat iron or hood dryer) bonds the keratin permanently into the hair shaft, giving results that no conditioner or hair mask can replicate.

How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last?

Results from a professional keratin treatment at Baroque Hair and Nails typically last between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on:

• Your hair type and natural texture
• How frequently you wash your hair
• The shampoo and conditioner you use at home (sulphate-free products extend results significantly)
• Your use of heat styling tools
• Exposure to salt water or chlorine

We recommend combining your salon keratin treatment with a regular in-salon maintenance treatment every four to six weeks to keep your hair in peak condition between full keratin appointments.

3. The Baroque Original Treatment – Our Signature Service

At Baroque Hair and Nails, we go beyond standard keratin and smoothing treatments. We offer our own Baroque Original Treatment – an exclusive, multi-step professional treatment that was jointly developed with our manufacturer specifically to deliver outstanding results even in the notoriously challenging hard water conditions of the United Kingdom.

This is not simply a single-ingredient treatment. The Baroque Original Treatment is a sophisticated combined treatment protocol that layers multiple high-quality conditioning agents to replenish, bond, repair, and protect the hair at every structural level.

The Baroque Treatment Process – Step by Step

Our signature treatment involves the following carefully sequenced steps, each designed to build upon the last for maximum effect:

1. Pre-Cleanse
   Before any treatment begins, your hair is thoroughly cleansed to remove impurities and mineral build-up from hard water. London's hard water leaves calcium and magnesium deposits on the hair that block treatment absorption — this first step ensures the treatment can penetrate properly.
2. Nano CMC Application
   We apply nano-sized CMC (Cell Membrane Complex), a lipid complex that acts as a natural adhesive between the cells that make up the hair shaft. This foundational step improves the hair's internal structure and prepares it to receive the subsequent treatment layers.
3. Four-Type Special Keratin
   We apply four distinct types of specially selected keratin, each targeting different aspects of hair health — elasticity, strength, smoothness, and shine. Alongside this, high-quality nutrients and ceramide with small molecules are applied to condition the hair from the inside.
4. Large-Molecule Nutrient Layering
   High-molecular-weight nutrients are gradually layered over the hair, building up a protective matrix that locks in the smaller molecules applied in the previous step. This layering technique is key to the treatment's long-lasting effects.
5. Heat Activation
   Controlled heat is applied to permanently bond the treatment into the hair's structure, sealing everything in place.
6. 18MEA Cuticle Repair
   Finally, 18-Methyleicosanoic Acid (18MEA) — a fatty acid that forms a natural protective film on the hair surface — is applied to repair and seal the cuticles. This gives the hair its signature smoothness, mirror-like shine, and protection against future damage.

The result of this luxurious, multi-layered process is hair that is deeply conditioned, structurally sound, beautifully smooth, and full of healthy shine — a result that simply cannot be replicated by standard over-the-counter products.

Baroque Treatment Options and Duration

* An extra £25 applies for shampoo and dry-off if not combined with another service.

4. Hair Smoothing vs Keratin Treatment: What Is the Difference?

Clients often ask us about the difference between a hair smoothing treatment and a keratin treatment. While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some important distinctions:

At Baroque Hair and Nails, our stylists will assess your hair during a thorough consultation and recommend the most suitable treatment for your hair type, lifestyle, and goals. You are never pushed into a service that is not right for you.

5. Who Is a Hair Smoothing or Keratin Treatment Right For?

One of the most common questions we hear from new clients is: “Is a hair smoothing or keratin treatment right for my hair type?” The short answer is: most people can benefit from some form of smoothing or keratin treatment. Here is a guide to help you understand which clients tend to see the most dramatic results:

Ideal Candidates

• Frizzy or coarse hair: If humidity or London weather turns your hair into a frizzy mess, a keratin or smoothing treatment will be transformative.
• Wavy or curly hair: These treatments can significantly ease the management of wavy and curly hair without eliminating your natural texture entirely — or, if you prefer, they can relax it more dramatically.
• Colour-treated or highlighted hair: Chemical colour processes deplete keratin and leave the hair porous and prone to frizz. A keratin treatment helps restore strength and smoothness.
• Heat-damaged hair: Regular use of straighteners, curling wands, and blow-dryers depletes natural keratin and causes cuticle damage. Our treatments help reverse this.
• Hard-water sufferers: If you have noticed that your hair has become drier, dull, or harder to manage since moving to London, our treatments are specifically formulated to combat hard water damage.
• Busy professionals: If you simply do not have time for a lengthy morning hair routine, a smoothing treatment can cut your styling time in half — or more.

Who Should Seek Advice First?

We recommend a consultation before booking if you have:

• Recently had a relaxer or chemical straightening treatment
• Heavily bleached or pre-lightened hair
• A scalp condition such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis
• Pregnancy (as a precautionary measure)

Our stylists will always assess your hair and discuss your options during a thorough pre-treatment consultation to ensure the safest and best possible outcome for you.

6. Why London's Hard Water Makes Hair Treatments Essential

London has some of the hardest water in the UK. The water supply in most London boroughs has a hardness level of over 300 mg/L of calcium carbonate — classified as “very hard” by UK standards. This is significantly harder than the water in most other parts of the UK and Europe.

Why does this matter for your hair? Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. When you wash your hair with hard water, these minerals are deposited on the hair shaft and scalp. Over time, this build-up:

• Makes the hair feel dry, rough, and straw-like
• Creates a mineral coating that prevents moisture from penetrating the hair
• Causes colour to fade faster by affecting the hair's pH and porosity
• Makes frizz worse by disrupting the cuticle structure
• Reduces the effectiveness of conditioners and hair masks
• Can contribute to a dry, itchy scalp

This is precisely why the Baroque Original Treatment was specially developed for UK conditions. The pre-cleanse step removes mineral build-up from the hair before treatment begins, ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness. Many clients who have tried keratin or smoothing treatments at other salons — both in the UK and abroad — tell us their results at Baroque are noticeably superior, and this is one of the key reasons why.

Signs That Hard Water Is Affecting Your Hair

• Hair feels unusually dry or brittle after washing
• Hair colour fades faster than expected
• Hair feels rough and tangles easily
• You use significantly more conditioner than you used to but results are diminishing
• Scalp feels dry or flaky despite regular washing
• Hair looks dull and lacks its natural shine

If any of these sound familiar, a professional hair smoothing or keratin treatment at Baroque Hair and Nails could make a significant difference to the health and appearance of your hair.

7. Step-by-Step: What Happens During Your Treatment at Baroque

We understand that trying a new salon treatment can feel daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. Here is exactly what you can expect when you come to Baroque Hair and Nails for a hair smoothing or keratin treatment:

Step 1: Consultation (10–15 Minutes)

Your appointment begins with a thorough hair consultation with one of our experienced stylists. We will assess your hair's current condition, texture, porosity, and history (colouring, chemical treatments, heat damage, etc.) and discuss your goals and lifestyle. This allows us to recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you personally.

Step 2: Pre-Cleanse Shampoo

Your hair is washed with a specialised clarifying shampoo designed to remove product build-up, hard water mineral deposits, and any oils from the hair and scalp. This is a critical step unique to our approach that maximises treatment absorption.

Step 3: Treatment Application

The treatment is applied section by section throughout your hair. For the Baroque Original Treatment, this involves multiple product layers applied in a carefully sequenced process. For the Keratin Treatment, a high-concentration keratin solution is applied and allowed to penetrate the hair for a specified period. Throughout this process, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience in our beautiful Mayfair salon.

Step 4: Heat Activation

Heat is applied using either a professional hood dryer or a flat iron to activate and permanently bond the treatment into the hair structure. This step is what gives the treatment its longevity, locking the conditioning and keratin molecules deep within the hair shaft.

Step 5: Final Blow-Dry and Style

Your hair is blow-dried and styled to perfection, revealing the full results of your treatment. Most clients are genuinely amazed at the transformation they see in the mirror at this stage.

Step 6: Aftercare Advice

Before you leave, your stylist will provide you with personalised aftercare advice, including product recommendations and timing guidelines for your first wash. Following this advice is essential for maximising the longevity of your results.

8. Aftercare Tips to Maximise Your Results

Getting the most out of your hair smoothing or keratin treatment is not just about what happens in the salon — your aftercare routine at home plays a crucial role in how long your results last. Here are our top tips:

Immediately After Treatment

• Wait before washing: After a keratin treatment, wait at least 48–72 hours before washing your hair. After a smoothing treatment, wait a minimum of 24–48 hours. This allows the treatment to fully bond and set into the hair structure.
• Avoid tying your hair up: Do not use hair ties, clips, or pins that could leave marks or dents in your hair during the bonding period.
• Stay away from humidity and moisture: Avoid saunas, steam, rain, and sweaty workouts during the 48–72 hour period after your treatment.

Ongoing Aftercare at Home

• Use sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner: Sulphate-containing shampoos strip the treatment out of the hair much faster. Switching to a sulphate-free formula is the single most important thing you can do to extend your results.
• Wash your hair less frequently: Frequent washing accelerates the fading of smoothing and keratin treatments. Try to extend time between washes where possible — dry shampoo can be a useful tool here.
• Use a heat protectant: Even though treated hair is more resilient, always use a heat protectant spray before using a blow-dryer, flat iron, or curling wand.
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase: Friction from cotton pillowcases can rough up the hair cuticle over time. Silk or satin reduces this friction and helps maintain your treatment's smoothness.
• Limit salt water and chlorine exposure: If you swim regularly, wear a swim cap or rinse your hair immediately after swimming to minimise damage to your treatment.

Salon Maintenance

Baroque recommends returning to the salon for a maintenance treatment every 4–6 weeks. Our express and deep conditioning options are ideal for maintaining your results between full keratin appointments. Combining regular salon treatments with a good home care routine is the secret to consistently beautiful, healthy hair all year round.

9. Treatment Pricing at Baroque Hair and Nails London

We believe that exceptional hair care should be accessible. Here is a full overview of our treatment pricing at our Mayfair, London salon:

* An additional £25 applies for shampoo and dry-off if the treatment is not combined with a cut or another service.

Many clients choose to combine their treatment with a cut, colour, or other service to maximise their time in the salon. Please speak to our team when booking to discuss the best combination for your needs.

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Smoothing & Keratin Treatments in London

Can I have a hair smoothing treatment if my hair is coloured?

Yes, in most cases. Hair smoothing and keratin treatments are generally compatible with coloured hair. However, it is important to time services correctly — we recommend having your colour done before your keratin treatment, not after, as the keratin treatment can affect colour uptake. Our stylists will advise you on the best sequencing during your consultation.

Can I have a keratin treatment if I have very fine hair?

Yes, but the formulation and application technique need to be adapted for fine hair. At Baroque, our stylists are experienced in working with all hair types, including fine and delicate hair, and will tailor the treatment accordingly.

Does a hair smoothing treatment make your hair permanently straight?

No. A hair smoothing treatment is a temporary service that gradually fades over time as the hair grows and is washed. It does not permanently alter your hair's natural curl or wave pattern. If you are looking for a permanent change, our Japanese Straightening (straight perm) service may be a better option — please ask our team for more information.

How long does the appointment take?

Appointment duration varies depending on the specific treatment and your hair length. Our Express Treatment takes as little as 15 minutes (when added onto another service), while our full Keratin Treatment appointment takes approximately 60 minutes, plus consultation and styling time. We recommend allowing 2–3 hours for your visit to ensure a relaxed, unhurried experience.

Is the keratin treatment at Baroque formaldehyde-free?

The safety and health of our clients is our top priority. Please ask our team about the specific formulations we use. We are always happy to discuss the ingredients in any of our treatments during your consultation.

How often should I have a hair smoothing or keratin treatment?

Baroque recommends a full keratin treatment every 3–4 months, supported by regular in-salon conditioning treatments every 4–6 weeks. Your stylist will create a personalised treatment schedule based on your hair type and goals.

Can I book a treatment on the same day as a digital perm or Japanese straightening?

Not typically. Chemical services such as digital perms and Japanese straightening involve a significant change to the hair's structure and should be separated from intensive keratin treatments to avoid over-processing. Our team will advise on the safest and most effective scheduling of your services.

Is the treatment suitable for men?

Absolutely. Hair smoothing and keratin treatments are just as effective for men's hair and are an excellent option for men dealing with frizz, dryness, or hard water damage. We welcome male clients at Baroque Hair and Nails and offer a full range of services for all genders.

11. Why Choose Baroque Hair and Nails in Mayfair for Your Hair Treatment?

London has hundreds of hair salons, so why do so many clients — from locals to international visitors — choose Baroque Hair and Nails in Mayfair? Here are the key reasons:

Japanese Expertise in the Heart of London

Baroque Hair and Nails is a Japanese salon with deep roots in Japan's renowned hair care culture. Japanese hairdressing is celebrated worldwide for its precision, artistry, and exceptional technical standards. Our team brings this expertise to every appointment, combining Japanese innovation with an understanding of Western hair types and lifestyle needs.

Treatments Specially Formulated for UK Conditions

Our signature Baroque Original Treatment was jointly developed with our manufacturer specifically for the UK market, taking into account the unique challenges of London's hard water. This gives our treatments a significant advantage over generic products that were not designed with British water conditions in mind.

Highly Experienced, Multilingual Team

Our team of stylists speaks both English and Japanese, making Baroque Hair and Nails a welcoming choice for Japanese clients living in London as well as English-speaking clients who simply want the very best. Our stylists undergo continuous professional development to stay at the cutting edge of hair care techniques and technology.

Premium Location in Mayfair

Located at 4 Pollen Street, London W1S 1ND, our salon is in the heart of Mayfair — one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods and just moments from Bond Street and Oxford Street. The salon is easily accessible by public transport and offers a refined, relaxing environment in which to enjoy your treatment.

A Full-Service Salon Experience

Baroque Hair and Nails is not just a treatment specialist. We offer a comprehensive range of services under one roof, including:

• Cutting and blow-dry
• Digital perm (3D wave)
• Japanese straightening (straight perm)
• Colour, balayage, and highlights (including Japanese professional brands such as Milbon, FIOLE, and THROW)
• Hair treatments (Baroque Original, Keratin, Science Aqua, TOKYO, and more)
• Nail services (Cal Gel, gel pedicure, nail care)

This means you can enjoy a complete hair and beauty experience in a single visit — something our clients tell us they genuinely appreciate.

Outstanding Client Reviews

Our clients travel from across London — and beyond — to visit Baroque Hair and Nails. We are proud of the trust and loyalty they place in us, and we continually strive to exceed expectations at every appointment. Our reviews speak for themselves: clients consistently praise the quality of our treatments, the care of our team, and the transformative results they experience.

12. How to Book Your Hair Smoothing Treatment in London

Ready to experience the best hair smoothing treatment in London at Baroque Hair and Nails? Booking is simple:

• Online Booking: Visit our online booking page to check availability and book your appointment instantly.
• English Phone Line: Call us on 020 7629 3940
• Japanese Phone Line: Call us on 020 7491 2209
• Contact Form: Send us a message via our contact page

Our salon is open 7 days a week. We recommend booking in advance, particularly for weekend appointments and for Keratin Treatment bookings, which require longer time slots.

Salon Address

Baroque Hair and Nails
4 Pollen Street
London W1S 1ND
(Nearest stations: Bond Street / Oxford Circus)

If you have been searching for the best hair smoothing treatment in London or a high-quality keratin treatment delivered by true professionals, Baroque Hair and Nails in Mayfair should be your first choice. Our combination of Japanese expertise, bespoke treatment formulations designed for UK conditions, an experienced and caring team, and a premium Mayfair location makes us the go-to salon for clients who refuse to settle for anything less than the best.

Whether your hair is frizzy, dry, colour-treated, or simply struggling to look its best in London's challenging climate and hard water, we have a treatment solution that will transform it. Come and experience the Baroque difference for yourself.

Book Your Hair Smoothing Treatment at Baroque Hair and Nails London →

Baroque Hair and Nails | 4 Pollen Street, Mayfair, London W1S 1ND | Tel (English): 020 7629 3940 | Tel (Japanese): 020 7491 2209