Formaldehyde Free Smoothing: How PuraLuxe Works and Who It Suits
A formaldehyde free smoothing treatment calms frizz and relaxes texture without the harsh fumes of older straightening formulas. PuraLuxe is non toxic, made without formaldehyde or keratin, and typically lasts six to eight months. We offer it in four versions, so the right one depends on your texture, your density and how much curl you want to keep.
Key takeaways
- PuraLuxe is non toxic and made without formaldehyde or keratin.
- Results typically last six to eight months and hold up to chlorine and salt water.
- There are four versions: Straight and Smooth, De-Frizz, Extra Strength, and Repair and Heal.
- Planning color too? Do the smoothing first and color any time after.
What is PuraLuxe, and how is it different from older smoothing treatments?
PuraLuxe is a smoothing treatment built on a personalized protein additive instead of formaldehyde or keratin. That's the big difference. Many older straightening systems depend on formaldehyde, or on ingredients that release it once the flat iron heats them up. That's where the strong smell and the stinging eyes come from.
PuraLuxe skips all of that. The formula is non toxic, and we tailor the protein additive to your hair. You get smoother, softer hair that's easier to style, and you don't have to sit through fumes to get it.

Which PuraLuxe treatment is right for my hair?
Your texture and your goal decide it. We offer four versions, and each one does a different job.
- Straight and Smooth relaxes texture and leaves hair sleek. It suits fine to average density hair that you want straighter.
- Extra Strength is for thick or coarse hair, or anyone who wants a more intense straightening. It uses more time and more product.
- De-Frizz keeps your natural curl or wave and removes frizz only. There's an XS version for tighter curls, 3B and beyond.
- Repair and Heal isn't smoothing at all. It packs damaged hair with amino acids and skips the flat iron.
Not sure where you land? That's what the consultation is for.
The four PuraLuxe treatments at a glance
- Straight and Smooth. Best for: Fine to average density hair. What it does to your texture: Relaxes texture for a sleek finish.
- Extra Strength. Best for: Thick or coarse hair. What it does to your texture: More intense straightening.
- De-Frizz. Best for: Curly and wavy hair. What it does to your texture: Keeps your pattern, removes frizz only.
- Repair and Heal. Best for: Overprocessed, damaged hair. What it does to your texture: No smoothing, no flat iron, just strength.
How long will my smoothing results last?
Most clients get six to eight months from a PuraLuxe treatment. It fades gradually, so you won't wake up one day with your old frizz back all at once.
Chlorine and salt water don't break it down. Neither does highlighting or coloring. That's a big reason clients book before summer travel or a beach trip. How you care for your hair at home still matters, so we'll walk you through aftercare before you leave.
Who gets the most out of a PuraLuxe treatment?
If you spend a lot of your morning fighting frizz, you're a strong candidate. The same goes for hair that puffs up the second you step outside on a humid day.
We see it work well for a few kinds of clients:
- Thick, wavy hair that takes forever to blow dry smooth.
- Curls that you love but that frizz at the crown and ends.
- Hair that has been lightened or colored often and feels rough.
- Anyone who wants a smoothing option without formaldehyde.
If your hair is fragile from years of lightening, we may point you to Repair and Heal first. Strength comes before smoothness.

Smooth hair shouldn't come at the cost of healthy hair. That's why we chose a formula made without formaldehyde.
Dubé New York
What happens during a PuraLuxe appointment?
We start by looking at your hair and asking what you want to change. Then we pick the version and the protein additive that fit your hair. From there, we section your hair and apply the treatment carefully, one section at a time.
For Straight and Smooth, Extra Strength and De-Frizz, we finish with heat to set the treatment. Repair and Heal doesn't use a flat iron. Longer or denser hair may need additional product, and your stylist will talk that through with you first.

How to plan your first PuraLuxe treatment
- Book a consultation. Meet us in person or by video call, free of charge, so we can see your hair.
- Pick your version. We match your texture and goal to one of the four PuraLuxe treatments.
- Plan color around it. If you want color too, schedule smoothing first and color any time after.
- Book online. Reserve your time online. A credit card holds the appointment.
Can I do the express version and wash my hair at home first?
Yes, Straight and Smooth and Extra Strength both come in an express version. Express just means you wash and dry your hair at home before you arrive.
It has to be washed the same day. Shampoo twice with a professional shampoo, skip conditioner and come in with hair at least 90% dry. You'll still leave with flat ironed hair. See every option and current pricing on our Service Menu.
Your smoothing questions, answered
Does a formaldehyde free treatment still give real smoothing?
Yes. PuraLuxe uses a personalized protein additive to smooth the hair instead of formaldehyde. Straight and Smooth and Extra Strength relax texture noticeably, while De-Frizz calms frizz and keeps your curl. How straight you go depends on your natural texture, so we set expectations at your consultation before anything is applied.
Will PuraLuxe smell strong or sting my eyes?
That burning, eye watering experience usually comes from formaldehyde or ingredients that release it under heat. PuraLuxe is made without formaldehyde and without keratin, which is a big reason clients choose it. If you have a sensitive scalp or specific concerns, mention them when you book so we can plan around them.
Is PuraLuxe a good idea before a summer trip?
It's one of the most popular times to book. Results aren't affected by chlorine or salt water, so pool days and beach days won't undo your smoothing. Book a few weeks ahead of your trip if you also want color, since we recommend the treatment first and color any time after.
Why might I need additional product for my treatment?
Each PuraLuxe service includes a base amount of product, which covers fine to average hair. Longer or denser hair simply needs more to be fully coated, so additional product may be needed. Your stylist looks at your hair first and talks it through with you. Check the Service Menu for current pricing.
What if I'm not happy with my smoothing results?
Tell us within one week of your appointment and we'll arrange a complimentary correction. We would rather hear from you early so we can make it right. You can reach us by phone or email, and we'll set a time that works for you.
Find your PuraLuxe match
Book a complimentary consultation in person or by video, and we'll help you choose the right smoothing treatment for your hair. Read next: PuraLuxe vs a keratin treatment.