X-TENSO Smoothing Service

X-TENSO

Q: What is the X-TENSO smoothing service?

A: X-TENSO is a permanent chemical smoothing service, which relaxes your client’s hair
without jeopardizing the condition of thehair, reducing volume and texture to achieve
smooth styles with less blow-drying time.

Q: What is Cationic Auto-Control Technology and how does it benefit the smoothing
client?
A: Cationic Auto-Control Technology regulates the reduction phase and stabilizes the
hair fiber by creating temporary links between the keratin chains. This makes the hair
stronger during reduction and also during the smoothing phase, thereby reducing the
risk of breakage. Conditioning agents in the neutralizer bring suppleness, softness and
shine to the hair. The Cationic Auto Control technology retains the natural, healthy
condition of the hair after the smoothing service.

Q: What is the difference between the Sensitized and Natural Formulas?

A: The Natural formula is designed for women or men with naturally curly, frizzy, or wavy
hair. The Sensitized formula was specially created for clients whose hair is sensitized, very
fine, or color-treated.

Q: Why is a strand test important to perform before the smoothing service?

A: A preliminary strand test should always be performed on a small section of the hair to
check the condition of your client’s hair before the service is conducted. If the hair is
brittle or appears highly sensitized, do not proceed with the smoothing service.

Q: How is X-TENSO different from thermal reconditioning (Japanese Ironing)

straightening services?
A: Both are professional smoothing services that meet different needs. X-TENSO is a thio-
based straightening system that helps reduce volume with less blow-drying time, while
thermal reconditioning (Japanese Ironing) is a heat-activated system that creates
perfectly straight hair. The X-TENSO service takes up to 1 ½ hours, compared to thermal
reconditioning which takes from 5 - 7 hours to complete.

Q: Can I use color on the same day as X-TENSO?

A: Yes, demi-permanent color may be used the same day as X-TENSO to refresh your
color. Permanent color may be used 15 days after the smoothing service.

Q. When is it recommended to do a re-touch application?

A: A minimum of 8 weeks is recommended for a re-touch application.

Q: Can I use X-TENSO on hair relaxed with an alkaline sodium hydroxide relaxer?
A: It is not recommended to perform X-TENSO on a client that has a sodium hydroxide
base relaxer or non-sodium hydroxide base relaxer which includes potassium, lithium or
guanidine carbonate. You can perform a re-touch application using X-TENSO on a
client that has a previous thio-based relaxer.

Q: Is X-TENSO safe to use on color-treated, pre-lightened or highlighted hair?

A: X-TENSO can be used on color-treated hair using the sensitized formula. It is not
recommended to use X-TENSO on hair that has been pre-lightened or highlighted with
a powder lightener due to the sensitivity of the hair shaft.

Q: If a client has thick, coarse, curly hair that is colored with a permanent haircolor
every 6 weeks, which formula should be used?
A: Normally, the Sensitized formula would be recommended, but in this case, the
Natural formula is recommended due to the thickness of her hair. However, always test
a strand to make more accurate decisions.

Q: If a client has very fine, frizzy hair, which formula should be used?
A: The Sensitized formula is recommended on this client due to the diameter of the hair
shaft. With proper analysis, this client may not be an appropriate candidate for X-
TENSO. A test strand is recommended.

Q: If a client has thick coarse hair; can the X-TENSO smoothing cream stay on longer
than the recommended usage?
A: It is not suggested to leave X-TENSO on longer than recommended. For natural hair,
a 15-minute processing time is recommended, and for sensitized hair, a 10-minute
processing time is recommended.

Q: Why is it necessary to process the neutralizer for 10 minutes?

A: When the formula was tested, L’Oreal laboratories determined that for optimum
straightening and smoothness results, a 10-minutes processing time is required,
accomplished in 2 applications.

Q: What shampoo should I use before performing an X-TENSO treatment?

A: Any of L’Oréal Professionnel’s shampoos (i.e., Optimiseur Post-Color Shampoo) are
recommended.