What to Do Before and After Your Keratin Smoothing Treatment?

Keratin Treatment Process

People with frizzy hair often find keratin treatment an ideal solution that smoothens the strands, making styling manageable and faster. If you are considering getting a keratin treatment, you probably want to know how the process will go and what you need to do before, during and after. This guide discusses practical steps to help you prepare for the treatment and maintain the results.  

What to Do Before Your Keratin Treatment  

Before getting your keratin treatment, there are some things you need to pay attention to. Here’s a quick overview of the pre-treatment steps you should take: 

  • Use a clarifying shampoo to strip any buildup from oil, styling products, or environmental residues. This allows the treatment to penetrate evenly.
  • Stay away from creams, heavy oils or leave-in products during the week leading up to the treatment. You can also contact your hair stylist for a complete list of the things to avoid before a keratin treatment.
  • Do not bleach or chemically process your hair at least two weeks before the treatment. This ensures that your hair remains in optimal condition and is ready to bond with the keratin formula.
  • Wash your hair a day before the treatment. That said, how often you should wash your hair a week or two before the treatment depends on the condition and type of your hair. Generally, you should avoid over-washing or daily shampooing, as this can strip off natural oils, causing the hair to look dull and brittle.
  • If you have split ends, consider trimming your hair before the treatment to ensure it looks sleek and smooth post-treatment.

The above procedures aim to ensure your hair is in the best shape to receive the treatment. If you feel that your hair requires a lot of work, be sure to consult your stylist. This could be the perfect time to discuss your hair type and the desired results. The stylist may recommend using specific products, such as shampoos and conditioners, in the weeks leading to the treatment.

What to Do Before and After Your Keratin Treatment

What to Do Before and After Your Keratin Smoothing Treatment

What to Do Immediately After Your Keratin Treatment  

A hair care routine immediately after a keratin treatment helps lock in the results and maintain smoothness. Below are a few tips to incorporate into your care routine.

  • Avoid washing your treated hair for at least 72 hours. This will give the keratin enough time to bond with the hair strands and ensure long-lasting results.
  • Keep your hair loose to prevent dents or creases. Tying or pinning your hair right away can mess up the hair texture and styling before the treatment sets fully.
  • Avoid activities that can lead to moisture exposure, such as swimming. You should also avoid vigorous physical activities that can lead to sweating, at least for the first three days.
  • Switch to a silk pillowcase to reduce friction while sleeping. Silk is smooth and soft to the touch and will help prevent frizz.
  • After 72 hours, use keratin-friendly products, such as those containing biotin or other hair-strengthening ingredients. If your hair is thin or you struggle to grow fuller locks, consider using products that promote faster growth. These may include hair serums and oils such as argan, castor, and coconut oil.
  • Use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners. As soon as you can wash and condition your hair, you want to get it right from the start. Choose shampoos and conditioners free from sulphates and alcohol, as these ingredients can strip off the keratin and moisture, causing your hair to look dull and brittle.

Long-Term Aftercare for Keratin-Treated Hair

Effective after-keratin treatment care requires a consistent routine to maintain smoothness and prolong results. Follow these steps to make your strands look vibrant for longer:

  • Stick to a low-maintenance aftercare routine for your keratin-treated hair. Minimise heat styling and always handle your hair gently.  
  • Incorporate leave-in conditioners and serums designed explicitly for keratin-treated hair. When searching for keratin aftercare treatment products, pay attention to the ingredients list. Where possible, go for those with natural oils as key ingredients.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and ingredients. Regardless of your hair type, always avoid shampoos with sulphates and parabens. If your natural hair tends to become curly or wavy over time, choose shampoos and conditioners for curly hair. This will ensure you enjoy frizz-free locks without getting rid of the curls.
  • When using heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray that will shield your hair from damage. You should also limit heat styling to avoid weakening the keratin treatment.
  • Avoid contact with chlorine or salt water, as these components can strip away keratin. When swimming, make sure to use a quality swim cap, and if your hair accidentally comes into contact with salty or chlorinated water, rinse it immediately and apply a leave-in conditioner.
  • Use lightweight and keratin-friendly moisturisers for faster absorption when washing your locks.
  • Plan maintenance treatments every 3 to 6 months to keep your hair frizz-free. Regular touch-ups ensure you continue enjoying the benefits while still paying attention to your overall hair health.  

A thoughtful aftercare routine will keep your hair in the best form and shape for months. These steps also promote overall hair health and maximise the value of your keratin treatment. If you need a keratin treatment for your hair or are looking for other services, such as hair colouring and styling, book an appointment with us today. We’d love to help.

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