As temperatures decline, many clients with natural and transitioning hair are searching for styling options that protect the hair and prolong wear. While some clients may opt to protectively style, others choose to take a “break” from their texture with straight hair styling.
This is where the Design Essentials STS Express System can be your best friend.
In this blog post, we will cover what the STS Express System is, how it works, and best practices for use. Most importantly, we will share how to manage client expectations after receiving the STS Express Smoothing System.
What is the STS Express Smoothing System?
The STS Express Smoothing System is a thermal therapy smoothing system that uses heat-activated amino acids to temporarily stretch the disulfide bonds inside of the hair shaft. Clients who receive the treatment have increased smoothness, shine, and manageability. The STS Express Smoothing System gently loosens the natural curl pattern of the hair, making it easier to detangle and style. Instead of spending 45 minutes washing and styling their hair, clients can shave 20 minutes or more from their styling time and be out the door!
The three-step system includes the STS Express Cleansing Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Smoothing Mousse, and the Thermal Therapy Leave-In Smoother. The system also comes with a Damage Recovery Anti-Breakage Treatment. This treatment can be used in lieu of the Smoothing Mousse, depending on the condition of your client’s hair.
It’s very important to share with your clients that the STS Express Smoothing System is not a relaxer or a Brazilian Keratin Treatment.
How does the STS Express Smoothing System work?
The system uses heat to temporarily stretch the disulfide bonds inside of the hair, resulting in a softened curl pattern. In three steps, clients achieve shiny, smooth, frizz-free silk presses, blowouts, or natural curls for up to 12 weeks. The steps of the STS Express Smoothing System include:
Step 1
Cleanse hair with the STS Express Cleansing Sulfate-Free Shampoo.
Step 2
Using ½ inch partings, apply 1-2 pumps of Smoothing Mousse at the root of the hair, and comb through to the ends, taking care to not over-saturate with product.
Step 3
Spray the Thermal Therapy Leave-In Smoother throughout the hair, blotting away the excess with a towel. Use a paddle brush to blow dry the hair thoroughly.
Step 4
With a temperature controlled iron between 340 and 400 degrees F, take 1/8 inch partings and make 1-2 passes over each section and style as desired.
For clients with relaxed or damaged hair, swap the Smoothing Mousse in Step 2 for the Damage Recovery Anti-Breakage Treatment.
For natural clients who wish to wear their hair in its curly state, simply re-wet and style the hair after Step 3. Do not flat iron.
Who is the STS Express Smoothing System for?
The STS Express Smoothing System is for clients with natural and transitioning hair, seeking improved texture manageability. The system is not necessary for clients with relaxed hair, as they have already undergone chemical processing. If you have a relaxed client that insists on trying the STS Express Smoothing System between touch-ups, you can perform the service with one simple swap. In lieu of the Smoothing Mousse, use the Damage Recovery Anti-Breakage Treatment. This will strengthen and fortify the hair to prevent over-processing.
For clients that no longer wish to receive relaxer services, the STS System will make their transition a lot easier. At the line where the relaxed hair and new growth meet, the STS System will loosen and help blend texture. It will also provide protection against breakage, making the transition more manageable for your client.
For clients with natural hair seeking improved manageability, apply the STS Express Smoothing System as directed. Simply complete Steps 1-3, and wet the hair to revert after blow drying. Let your clients know that their curl pattern will be looser.
How long does the STS Express Smoothing System last?
When administered properly by a professional, the smoothing and manageability results of the STS Express Smoothing System will last for up to 12 weeks. The STS Express Smoothing System works for all textures – including natural hair types from 3c to 4c.
How long the treatment lasts will vary by client, depending on home and salon aftercare in the weeks following.
Managing Client Expectations
Many factors go into how long a client’s hair will remain straight, and how long the STS Express Smoothing System will last in their hair.
It is essential to remind clients that the STS Express Smoothing System is not a relaxer or Brazilian Keratin treatment. The results are not permanent, and as such, their hair will revert when it comes into contact with moisture. Whether it be rain, sweat, shower steam, or water at the pool – clients will experience reversion. The only way to prevent total reversion is with a relaxer – which the STS Express Smoothing System is not. It is worth noting that the STS Express Smoothing System is formaldehyde-free.
You can ensure your clients that their money is not wasted once they experience reversion. The key benefit of the STS Express Smoothing System is long-term manageability. When your client’s hair does revert, their curls will be looser, softer, and easier to manage. This is because the STS Express Smoothing System gently stretches and softens the natural curl pattern, making it less resistant to heat styling.
Aftercare Using STS Express Smoothing Treatment
How long the system last also depends on the products used at home and during follow-up salon visits. Therefore, encourage your clients to use sulfate-free shampoo, to prevent removing the treatment. Results are better maintained with the STS Express Cleansing Sulfate-Free Shampoo. However, clients may also use the Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Sulfate-Free Detangling Shampoo and Coconut & Monoi Coconut Milk Nourishing Shampoo to achieve similar results.
Clients that shampoo often (1 time per week or more) will experience only a fraction of the longevity that the STS Express Smoothing System offers. The best way to make the treatment last is to have your client visit you at the salon every 2 weeks, so you can perform a maintenance service.
For clients with natural hair, remind them that the texture loosening effects of the system last up to 12 weeks. Regular STS Express Smoothing System treatments will be required if they wish to maintain a looser texture and style manageability.
For more information about the STS Express Smoothing System, visit www.stsexpress123.com. To find a distributor near you that carries the STS Express Smoothing System, click here.
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