After admiring your gorgeous new hairdo in the stylist’s chair, you step out into the humidity and see it turn to frizz before you even reach home. It’s disappointing and, frankly, a waste of time! Want to know which hair treatments can control frizzy hair? Here, Glow Spa & Salon talks us through four anti-frizz and smoothing treatments that really work – from Keratin to Brazllian Blowout options. Plus, we get a little background info on some of Glow’s team members!
Hair treatments to help control frizzy hair
#1 Bhave Smoothe PLUS & Bhave Smoothe XT
Bhave is an Aussie brand whose haircare range uses fully bioactive keratin protein naturally derived and extracted from the wool of New Zealand sheep. This keratin binds to damaged hair, while the amino acids penetrate the hair, rebuilding the internal structure and restoring strength, elasticity and shine.
Bhave comes in two formulations: Bhave Smoothe PLUS and Smoothe XT. Each provides beautiful smooth hair; the one you choose will depend on your hair condition, how much curl you want to retain, and when you want to show off your new wonderfully manageable hair.
At-home maintenance is easy. Apply heat after each wash, either blow-dry and style, or air dry to 85 percent dry and finish with a five minute blow-dry and a couple of passes with a straightener.
#2 Goldwell Kerasilk
The power of Kerasilk with Keratransform Technology comes from three special ingredients: engineered keratin, lightweight silk and an advanced ingredient inspired by the skincare scene. Together, they help to provide added beauty, strength and protection to hair.
Goldwell Kerasilk consists of customisable in-salon services that provide long-lasting results. Multiple options are available, allowing you to choose the desired level of curl, wave, or body for your hair. This treatment is suitable for all hair types and typically takes about 2.5 hours. It’s recommended that you don’t tie your hair back for 48 hours. However, you can wash it again that same day or the next if you choose.
#3 The Original Brazilian Blowout
A popular alternative to permanent straightening, Brazilian Blowout treatments use bonding technology to create a protective protein layer around the hair shaft and eliminate frizz.
Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatments are customisable, allowing you to enhance your curls or achieve a sleek, smooth look. Suitable for all hair types, this hair treatment can be completed in the salon, and you can wash your hair the same day. Feel free to tie it back for exercise and use your favourite styling products right away.
Typically, the effects last 12 weeks. At Glow, we recommend you use the Brazilian Blowout Açai home-care shampoo and conditioner for longer-lasting results.
#4 BBO-Express
Developed by the people behind the original Brazilian Blowout, the BBO-Express is a style maintainer and extender, rather than a traditional smoothing treatment. A single hair treatment helps maintain a smooth, frizz-free blow dry for around four weeks.
After completing any cut and colour services, your stylist applies the creamy BBO-Express treatment to smooth and cleanse the hair in one step, dramatically reducing the processing time required of traditional smoothers. Next, they blow-dry and flat-iron your hair, effectively sealing the product into the hair shaft. After a quick rinse and a final dry and style, you’re good to go! The treatment typically takes just 60 to 90 minutes. It’s easy to fit into your busy schedule, and also a smart add-on to help prolong your cut and colour. There’s no downtime to your hair routine at home, too.
Why do we get frizzy hair in the summer?
The high humidity causes the hair’s outer cuticle layer to swell and lift, creating the appearance of frizz. Interestingly, the warm, wet temperatures paradoxically dry out the hair, making it more susceptible to frizziness as the hair cuticles reach out to the atmosphere, searching for moisture.
The summer sun in Hong Kong can be harsh on our hair too. Increased sun exposure can damage the hair’s protective lipid layer, causing dryness and frizz. The combination of heat and humidity also leads to excessive sweating, adding moisture that frizzy hair struggles to manage. When trying to figure out how to control frizzy hair, it’s tempting to use styling products. However, they can make the problem worse. These products can weigh down the hair and disrupt the natural moisture balance; prolonged use can also unintentionally make the frizz more noticeable.
Meet the Stylists
Elaine Swanson – Creative Director
Originally from the UK, Elaine never expected to become a hairstylist – in fact, she initially planned to be a chef! But after taking a salon assistant job near London (at her mum’s suggestion), she found herself hooked. Now with over 16 years of experience in Hong Kong, one of her proudest achievements has been owning a salon in the heart of Central for seven years. Her go-to summer service is the Brazilian Blowout. Elaine discovered this treatment when she first moved from Scotland, and she now swears by it for controlling frizz in Hong Kong’s humid climate.
Christina Boulieris – Creative Director
Christina’s hairdressing career began in Wellington, New Zealand, where she started as an apprentice at age 17. Nearly 40 years on, her passion is rooted in connection, whether with clients in the chair or colleagues on the salon floor. She loves the energy of Hong Kong summers when people are out, socialising and celebrating. Christina’s go-to for the season is the Bhave keratin treatment, a versatile solution that smooths hair without changing its natural texture, making it perfect for both straight and curly hair. Her top tips for maintaining results: rinse with cold water, use keratin-safe products, and sleep on silk to fight frizz overnight.
Tony Mak – Senior Stylist
With over 20 years of experience, Tony began his hairdressing journey in the UK while studying abroad. What started as a part-time job quickly grew into a full-time passion, and after returning to Hong Kong, he continued his career in salons catering to international clients. His go to service for summer is the Bhave smoothing treatment – a frizz-fighting, formaldehyde free solution that leaves hair smooth and manageable while maintaining its natural shape. Tony loves enhancing smoothing treatments with a nourishing hair serum for added shine and softness. On his days off, you’ll find him soaking up the sun with his kids, playing basketball or swimming. For him, Glow is the ideal summer salon. It’s a welcoming, professional space with tailored treatments to help clients feel their best – even in the Hong Kong heat.
Astin Mak – Creative Director
With 26 years of experience, Astin’s journey into hairdressing began with a decisive pivot during university. He left his studies to pursue his true passion. Inspired by design in all its forms, Astin brings an artistic eye and thoughtful creativity to every client experience. For combating Hong Kong’s intense summer humidity, he recommends keratin-based smoothing treatments like Brazilian Blowout or Bhave, which leave hair smooth and manageable without compromising on style. His go-to products for maintaining shine and softness are OI All in One Milk and OI Oil by Davines. Outside the salon, Astin enjoys spending his summer days at the beach or catching a break at a local café.
Glow Spa & Salon is at 8/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington Street, Central. For more information, call 2525 5198, WhatsApp 9680 2107 or go to glowspa.hk.
This article about hair smoothing treatments first appeared in the June 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
If you enjoyed reading about how to control frizzy hair in the summer, discover more tips in our beauty section!
