Frizzy, unmanageable, or overly thick hair can be frustrating—especially for men who want a clean, sleek, low-maintenance look. If you’re looking to smooth things out, you’ve likely come across two popular treatments: Keratin and Extenso. While both promise straighter, more manageable hair, they work differently and produce distinct results.
So, which smoothing treatment is better for men—Keratin or Extenso? The answer depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and style goals. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of both treatments so you can choose what’s right for you.
What Is Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatment (often called a Brazilian blowout or smoothing treatment) works by infusing keratin protein into the hair shaft. It doesn’t change your hair’s natural structure but coats and smooths it, reducing frizz and adding shine.
✅ Ideal For:
- Men with frizzy, wavy, or slightly curly hair
- Those who want to keep some natural volume or movement
- Anyone looking for a semi-permanent, non-damaging solution
⏳ Lasts:
- 3 to 5 months depending on hair type and aftercare
🌟 Benefits:
- Reduces frizz without making hair pin-straight
- Adds shine and smoothness
- Makes hair easier to style and manage
- Works well for humid climates
⚠️ Things to Note:
- Some keratin treatments may contain formaldehyde, so opt for formaldehyde-free versions
- Results fade gradually, so regular maintenance is needed
What Is Extenso Treatment?
Extenso is a chemical hair straightening system by L’Oréal Professionnel. Unlike keratin, Extenso permanently alters the hair’s structure by breaking the natural bonds and reforming them to make the hair straight.
✅ Ideal For:
- Men with extremely curly, thick, or unmanageable hair
- Those who want a permanent straight hair look
- Guys who don’t want to style their hair every day
⏳ Lasts:
- 6 to 8 months (with root touch-ups as hair grows)
🌟 Benefits:
- Delivers long-lasting straight hair
- No need for daily heat styling
- Great for very coarse or dense hair types
⚠️ Things to Note:
- Chemically alters the hair structure, which can lead to dryness or damage
- Requires a skilled stylist to avoid over-processing
- Hair grows out curly while the treated part stays straight—requiring touch-ups
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Keratin If:
- You want a natural, frizz-free finish without changing your hair structure
- You don’t mind that the treatment fades over time
- You want to reduce styling time without going pin-straight
- You prefer a treatment that’s gentler on hair
Choose Extenso If:
- You want permanently straight hair with a no-fuss routine
- You have very thick, curly, or coarse hair
- You’re okay with more intensive chemical treatment
- You don’t want to use heat tools every day
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Keratin and Extenso ultimately comes down to your hair texture, desired result, and how much upkeep you’re willing to handle.
If you’re a man who wants to tame frizz but still keep some movement, Keratin is your go-to. But if you’re after a sleek, super straight look that lasts longer, Extenso may be worth the commitment.
Either way, both treatments can boost your confidence, save you styling time, and help you look polished day in and day out—so long as they’re done professionally, suited to your hair type, and cared for properly with high-quality products, regular maintenance, and advice from a trusted hair care expert or stylist.
