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? This guide helps you decide honestly — and also explains how to bridge the gap right now, because System I is currently unavailable in the German shop.

System I and System II — one goal, two weights

Both systems use nature-based, smoothing formulas and are meant as a coordinated routine. 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 — otherwise it quickly looks flat and greases up sooner.
• Medium to thick hair: This is where System II plays to its strength. Strong hair "drinks up" more care and still stays in shape.

When System I is currently unavailable

System I is currently sold out in the German shop — that belongs in an honest answer. But if you have fine to medium hair, you don't have to wait: the individual Smoothing Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Smoothing Anti-Frizz Deep Conditioner are both in stock and can be used as a pair, like a small routine. That gives you the smoothing care for lighter hair until the full system is back. If you have medium to thick hair, System II is the more fitting — and currently available — 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 doesn't replace your daily routine, it complements it.

When neither one is right

Smoothing care solves a frizz concern — not every concern. Be honest with yourself here:

• 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.

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 (or, right now, the individual Smoothing products); medium to thick points to System II.

What do I do while System I is sold out? With fine to medium hair, you can use the Smoothing Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Deep Conditioner individually as a pair. Both are in stock.

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.

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Not sure whether your hair wants light or rich care? Our free hair quiz asks a few targeted questions about structure, condition and daily life — and gives you an honest read on which version suits you, with no obligation at all.