Quick answer

Apply a pea-sized amount of smoothing balm to damp, not soaking wet, hair, focusing from mid-lengths to ends and avoiding the roots. For humid weather, use a slightly smaller amount and layer it only where frizz starts. This keeps hair smooth without a greasy scalp.

Start with damp hair, not dripping wet

Smoothing balm spreads best on hair that is about 70 percent dry. If hair is soaking wet, the balm can dilute and sit unevenly, leaving some areas unprotected. Towel-dry gently until hair stops dripping, then apply.

Measure a pea-sized amount and warm it in your hands

A pea-sized amount is enough for most hair lengths. Rub it between your palms until it feels spreadable, then glide your hands down the hair. This prevents a concentrated blob from landing on one section and creating a greasy spot.

Apply from mid-lengths to ends, then smooth flyaways

Start a few inches below the roots and work downward. Use whatever is left on your palms to lightly smooth over the surface of your hair where flyaways live. Do not add more product to the roots; that is the fastest route to a greasy scalp.

Choose balm or serum based on your finish goal

Smoothing balm typically offers more hold and conditioning than a lightweight serum, which makes it a better fit for thick, coarse, or humidity-prone hair. A serum can be better for fine hair that needs shine without weight. If you have fine hair and still want balm, use half the amount and keep it strictly on the ends.

In humid weather, adjust the amount and reapply lightly

Humidity can undo styling, so use slightly less balm than usual and focus on the areas that frizz first, like the hairline and mid-lengths. If frizz returns later, rub a tiny dot between your fingers and smooth over the surface rather than reapply a full pea-sized amount.

Step-by-step application

  1. 1. Wash and condition with a hydrating system: Start with a moisture-focused shampoo and conditioner if your hair is dry or coarse. Rinse thoroughly, then gently towel-dry until hair is damp, not dripping. Checkpoint: hair should feel damp but not wet enough to squeeze out water.
  2. 2. Dispense a pea-sized amount of smoothing balm: For fine hair, start with half a pea; for thick or coarse hair, use a full pea-sized amount. Warm it between your palms until it spreads easily. Common mistake: using too much product, which leads to greasy roots and limp ends.
  3. 3. Apply from mid-lengths to ends: Glide your hands down the hair, starting a few inches below the roots. Avoid the scalp entirely. Use leftover product to smooth over the surface where flyaways appear. Checkpoint: roots should feel clean, not coated.
  4. 4. Style as usual or air-dry: Comb through with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to distribute evenly. Then blow-dry, air-dry, or use a hot tool as you normally would. The balm helps protect against humidity and static. Common mistake: applying balm after styling, which can leave a visible residue. Apply before styling for best results.
  5. 5. Refresh selectively in humid weather: If frizz returns, take a tiny dot of balm, rub it between your fingers, and smooth it over the surface of the hair. Do not reapply a full pea-sized amount. Checkpoint: hair should look smooth, not product-heavy.

Product facts

  • velveteen dream | smoothing balm to tame frizzy hair: velveteen dream | smoothing balm to tame frizzy hair is designed to tame frizz and lock in soft-smoothness, so humidity can't undo what you've done to your 'do. It contains a conditioning polymer that smooths, moisturizes and provides antistatic properties, plus wild cherry bark. The conditioning polymer and antistatic properties help reduce flyaways and static, which is especially useful in dry or humid conditions. The balm is suitable for all hair types 1–4c looking to smooth unwanted frizz.
  • hydro rush | intense moisture shampoo: hydro rush | intense moisture shampoo is a silicone-free shampoo infused with hyaluronic acid and squalane. It is clinically proven to provide 3x more hydration and 72-hour moisture when used as a shampoo and conditioner system. Dry, textured, or coarse hair can be more prone to frizz. Using a hydrating shampoo as the first step can help hair retain moisture, making it more receptive to a smoothing balm and less likely to frizz later.