Keratin treatments offer sleek, frizz-free hair that is easy to manage. These treatments infuse keratin into the hair shaft, smoothing cuticles and reducing styling time. After the keratin treatment, however, you need a proper hair care routine to ensure the results don’t fade prematurely. In the sections below, we have discussed practical tips you can implement to extend the life of your keratin treatment.
How Long Does Keratin Treatment Last?
On average, a keratin treatment lasts about three to five months. The longevity of the treatment depends on factors like your hair type, treatment quality, and care routine. Proper maintenance and regular touch-ups also help to prolong the results.
Hair Care Routine for Keratin-Treated Hair
A proper hair care routine is necessary to preserve the benefits of your keratin treatment. This often means using products like sulphate-free shampoos, conditioning regularly, and avoiding practices that can strip the keratin.
After the treatment, you can expect softer, more manageable hair, but remember to maintain consistent care. You should also invest in the best products for keratin-treated hair and adopt a diligent after-keratin treatment care regimen to enjoy lasting results.
Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are non-negotiable for keratin-treated hair. Sulfates are known to strip the keratin coating, which reduces the longevity of your treatment. You want to opt for a sulphate-free shampoo for keratin-treated hair that will gently cleanse your scalp without compromising the treatment. You can also incorporate a hydrating conditioner and some of the best hair growth products, like hair serums, to grow healthy and voluminous locks.
Rely on Dry Shampoo for Freshness Between Washes
Washing your hair too often causes the keratin treatment to wear off. A solution is to use dry shampoo to help extend the freshness between washes. Unlike regular shampoos, dry shampoos absorb excess oils and leave your hair smelling fresh.
During application, spray dry shampoo at the roots, massage lightly, and comb through for a clean look. This helps maintain your keratin treatment and keeps your hair feeling light and refreshed.
Condition Regularly to Keep Hair Hydrated
Conditioning is essential for keeping keratin-treated hair smooth and hydrated. Focus on the ends of your hair, where moisture loss is most common. Your choice of hair conditioner should match your hair type, so always be careful when selecting.
For those with frizzy strands, the best shampoos and conditioners for curly hair can help lock in moisture while maintaining your treatment. Deep-conditioning treatments once a week can also help repair damage and maintain your hair’s elasticity.
Protect Hair with a Heat Protectant
While keratin treatments reduce the need for heat styling, occasional use may be necessary. Heat protectants serve as a barrier that preserves the keratin coating and helps reduce the risk of heat damage. A rule of thumb is to always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from high temperatures. This ensures your hair stays healthy and glossy.
Environmental Protection Tips for Keratin-Treated Hair
The environment significantly impacts keratin-treated hair. Exposure to sunlight, chlorine, saltwater, and humidity can break down the keratin and leave your hair dull and frizzy. With proper precautions, you can protect your treatment and maintain that salon-fresh look. Check out our keratin treatment before and after ga uide to learn what you need to do at every stage of the treatment and how external factors influence results.
Avoid Sun Exposure and Use UV-Protective Products
Sun exposure is one of the factors that weakens keratin-treated hair, causing dryness and fading. UV-protective sprays and leave-in conditioners will shield your strands from harmful rays. You can also wear a scarf or hat during extended sun exposure to provide an additional barrier. The goal is to maintain hydration through protective products so your hair stays soft and shiny for longer.
Minimise Chlorine and Saltwater
Chlorine and saltwater are harsh on keratin-treated hair. These elements strip away the keratin layer and have been shown to reduce the treatment’s longevity. Before swimming, rinse your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a protective barrier. Limiting how often you wash your hair after exposure can prevent excessive dryness.
Use a Shower Cap to Protect from Humidity
High humidity levels can cause keratin-treated hair to revert to its natural texture. This is why you should use a shower cap during showers to prevent exposure to steam and moisture. For extra protection, use a lightweight leave-in product designed for humidity resistance. Your product choice should be light to avoid too much weight on your strands.
Styling Tips to Extend Keratin Treatment Results
Styling habits play a significant role in maintaining keratin-treated hair. You always want to minimise damage from styling tools and instead choose the right accessories to ensure your hair stays smooth and healthy. Below are some styling tips to keep in mind if you are to maintain your treatment intact for the long haul:
Avoid Excessive Heat Styling
Regular heat styling is the last thing you want for your keratin-treated hair. You simply need to minimise the use of flat irons and curling wands, as overuse can result in weak and dull hair. Repairing hair with heat damage is often a lot of work and may require significant investment in special conditioners, sprays, and shampoos. What you need is to embrace air-drying or low-heat settings when styling.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb for Tangle-Free Hair
Brushing your keratin-treated hair is often not recommended. Instead, it would help if you switched to a wide-tooth comb that will gently detangle your hair without causing breakage. This approach preserves the keratin coating and maintains your hair’s sleek finish.
Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases are synonymous with hair breakage due to excessive friction. After your keratin treatment, opt for a silk or satin pillowcase to help reduce strain and tangling while sleeping. This is especially helpful if you are trying to repair damaged hair, as this prevents unnecessary stress on your strands.
Use a Microfiber Towel to Dry Hair Gently
If you want to maintain smooth hair after a keratin treatment, consider using a microfiber towel to pat it dry after every wash. Traditional towels can rough up the cuticle of keratin-treated hair, worsening frizz and causing breakage.
Let Us Help With Your Keratin Treatment
If you are considering a keratin treatment, it is best to first schedule a session with your stylist, who will assess the health and form of your hair before recommending the ideal treatment. At Ladyandthehair, we work with clients to deliver the best hair care results. When you schedule a session with us, we will inspect your hair and discuss your hair goals before developing a holistic keratin treatment that is personalised just for you. Contact us today, and we’d love to walk with you every step of the way to ensure your hair is smooth, vibrant and healthy.
