Smoothing System I or II? Anti-frizz by thickness

If your hair wants to frizz the moment there's a hint of humidity and feels hard to tame, MONAT's Smoothing Anti-Frizz™ system is designed to make the lengths look smoother, calmer and better cared for. The system comes in two versions, System I and System II, and both pursue the same goal. The difference isn't in ambition, it's in the weight of the care. Which version suits you almost always comes down to a single question: how thick is your individual strand?

What this means at MONAT

MONAT chooses smoothing care by your strand thickness, not by the degree of frizz alone. System I and System II are two weights of the same goal, and the right level decides whether your hair falls supple or looks weighed down. Both are meant as a coordinated routine of cleanser and conditioner. Where the Smoothing line sits alongside the other MONAT systems is shown in the overview MONAT systems compared.

System I and System II, one goal and two weights

Both systems work with nature-based, smoothing formulas. They aim to make hair more supple, calm flyaways and leave the surface looking better cared for.

System I is the lighter version. It smooths without weighing hair down and keeps the roots feeling airy. Fine to medium hair stays movable and doesn't lie flat against the head.

System II is the richer version. It coats the fibre more intensively and is made for medium to thick hair that can take more care without going limp. Coarser, more unruly lengths can look more defined and calmer with it.

In short: both smooth. System I holds back, System II is generous.

The most important question: how thick is your hair?

What matters isn't how much hair you have, but how thick the individual strand is. A simple test: take a single hair between your fingers. If you can barely feel it, it's fine. If it feels distinct, almost wiry, it's thick.

• Fine to medium hair: System I is usually the right fit here. Fine hair reacts sensitively to heavy formulas, and it otherwise looks flat quickly and greases up sooner.
• Medium to thick hair: this is where System II plays to its strength. Strong hair takes up more care and still stays in shape.

When System I isn't available

Should the full System I set ever be unavailable, you don't have to wait if you have fine to medium hair. The individual Smoothing Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Smoothing Anti-Frizz Deep Conditioner can be used as a pair, like a small routine. That gives you the smoothing care for lighter hair even when the set isn't there as a whole. If you have medium to thick hair, System II is the more fitting choice anyway.

As an optional addition, whichever system you use, you can reach for the Intensive Deep Treatment once a week. It's meant as an intensive care moment for the lengths and complements your daily routine rather than replacing it.

When neither one is right

Smoothing care solves a frizz concern, not every concern. A calm look is worth it:

• If you have curls or waves and want to keep them, a smoothing line is the wrong path. Curls need a defining curl routine, not smoothing.
• If your hair is breaking or has split ends, say after bleaching or frequent heat styling, damage care comes first. Bond care is the better approach here.
• If your hair is actually balanced, you don't need a smoothing system just because it exists.

Often frizz comes down mainly to missing moisture and the wrong drying technique. You'll find what's behind it in our guide on frizz, and how to blow-dry without creating new frizz in our guide on blow-drying done right. The smoothing base also draws its effect from a clean wash, which is where the guide how to wash your hair fits in.

Quick questions

How do I know whether System I or System II suits me?

By the thickness of your individual strand. Fine to medium points to System I, medium to thick to System II.

What do I do if System I isn't available right now?

With fine to medium hair, you can use the Smoothing Anti-Frizz Shampoo and the Deep Conditioner individually as a pair and get the same smoothing care.

Do I also need the Intensive Deep Treatment?

No, it's optional. As a weekly addition it can give the lengths a more intensive care moment.

Does the system help with curls?

No. A smoothing line works against the natural curl. If you want to keep your curls, a curl routine is the better choice.

---

Not sure whether your hair wants light or rich care? Our free hair analysis asks a few targeted questions about structure, condition and daily life. You see your profile straight away, and which version suits you is then matched by a personal advisor from our team, with no obligation at all.