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ToggleKeratin treatment has become a go-to solution for those looking to achieve smooth and frizz-free hair. This semi-permanent treatment coats your hair strands with keratin, leaving them straighter and healthier. In this guide, you will learn how keratin treatment works and how suitable it is for your specific hair type. You will also find answers to common questions, including whether it is right for your colour-treated or damaged hair.
What Is Keratin Treatment?
A keratin hair treatment is a smoothing technique designed to straighten and tame frizzy or damaged hair. This treatment works by coating each strand with a protective keratin layer, leaving the hair smoother, shinier, and more manageable.
Keratin treatment is ideal for people with curly or frizzy hair as it provides great results that can last for months. The treatment does not permanently alter the hair structure. In fact, your natural hair texture will gradually return as the coating wears off.
Benefits of a Keratin Treatment
Besides offering smoother and healthier-looking hair with less need for daily styling, keratin treatment has several other advantages. These include:
- Long-lasting results. If you are considering this procedure, the question is, how long do keratin treatments last? Typically, results last three to five months, depending on the hair type and your maintenance routine.
- Remedy for damaged hair. Keratin treatments can help repair split ends. This seals the cuticle and improves the condition of brittle strands.
- It is suitable for all hair types. Regardless of your hair type, keratin can always improve hair texture and eliminate frizz or flyways.
Can a Keratin Treatment Help With Hair Growth?
While keratin treatments do not directly stimulate new hair growth, they can create an ideal environment for healthier strands. By smoothing and strengthening the hair shaft, the treatment minimises breakage. This allows existing hair to grow longer without splitting. To understand how keratin can promote overall hair growth, here is how you can use the treatment with different hair types:
- Keratin treatment for damaged hair. Use this treatment to repair weak and brittle strands. The goal is to ensure fewer breakages, which improves the integrity of your hair structure and enhances full growth.
- Use it with hair products that enhance hair growth. Incorporate nourishing oils, serums, and hair growth shampoos in your aftercare routine to boost hair strength and density.
- Keratin treatment for frizzy hair. Use keratin treatment alongside shampoos and conditioners, which are ideal for frizzy hair. This will help enhance your looks and prolong the treatment results.
Before seeking a keratin treatment, it is best to consult a professional hair stylist, who will advise you on how best to approach your hair treatment and which products to use. Sometimes, your hair stylist may recommend a pre-keratin treatment, such as deep conditioning a week before and avoiding harsh treatments some days leading up to the treatment.
These pre-treatment procedures may drive up the total cost of keratin treatment, which typically ranges between $350 and $600.
Can You Get a Keratin Treatment If You Have Colour-Treated Hair?
The simple answer is yes. Keratin treatments can benefit colour-treated hair by sealing in moisture and reducing frizz. This leaves the colour more vibrant. The treatment will also enhance the texture of the coloured hair, which improves its manageability. However, timing is crucial. Experts recommend getting the keratin treatment after colouring to lock in the pigments.
That said, you should be aware of the short-term side effects of keratin treatment. Some people may experience slight dryness or colour fade initially, especially if the treatment is not followed with proper moisturising products. To avoid this, it is important to use the right aftercare products for keratin-treated hair.
Read more: What to do before and after keratin treatment?
Keratin Treatment Process
The keratin treatment process involves several steps that ensure the treatment penetrates deeply and locks in the smoothness. Each step, from washing to ironing, plays a role in achieving the best results. Understanding how often you should wash your hair post-treatment and using the right products ensures lasting benefits.
Step 1: Double Shampoo and Blow-Dry
The process begins with a double shampoo to remove any product buildup, dirt, and oils. For the best results, always choose a shampoo that is sulphate and alcohol-free. Depending on the condition of the hair, you may need to use a clarifying shampoo at first, followed by a moisturising shampoo.
Blow-drying after the second shampooing is done to remove excessive moisture. Completing this first procedure correctly ensures that the hair is free of residues and dry, making it more absorbent for the keratin formula.
Step 2: Apply Treatment
Your stylist will section the hair and apply the keratin formula evenly from root to tip, ensuring each strand is coated for optimal absorption. The treatment will then sit for about 15 minutes to penetrate the hair shaft and prepare it for the next stage.
Step 3: Blow-Dry Again
Once the treatment has been applied evenly to your strands, the hair is blow-dried to activate the keratin formula. This step helps remove excess moisture and ensure that your hair is ready for the heat-sealing process. The other benefit of blow-drying your hair the second time is that it ensures smoother results.
Step 4: Flat Iron
The next step is to lock the keratin into the hair shaft. This is done using a flat iron heated to around 232°C or 450°F. The heat-sealing process is essential for achieving the silky and straight finish keratin treatments are known for. Each section of hair is ironed several times to ensure even distribution and long-lasting smoothness. While this step may seem daunting at first, especially for first-timers, it is actually safe and perhaps the most important of the entire keratin application procedures.
Step 5: Shampoo, Seal, and Blow-Dry
After the flat ironing process, the hair is rinsed, and a sealant is applied to lock the treatment in. Using after-keratin treatment care products such as sulphate-free shampoos ensures the treatment lasts.
If your hair needs an extra boost, you may consider a hair gloss treatment to help with shine. The best hair gloss treatments often contain conditioning ingredients, which help nourish and hydrate your hair. Your stylist will then perform a final blow-dry to reveal sleek, smooth hair.
After completing the treatment, the stylist may recommend specific hair products that will work best with your hair type. Typically, it is best to stick with these recommendations and regularly do an evaluation to see if your overall hair health is improving.
At Ladyandthehair, we offer professional hair treatment services, from colouring and styling to keratin treatment procedures. Contact us today, and we’d love to discuss your hair goals and see how a keratin treatment process will help rejuvenate your hair’s texture and vitality.
FAQs
1. What are the potential risks or side effects of keratin treatments?
Keratin treatments are generally safe but may cause:
- Chemical sensitivity: Formaldehyde exposure (or its substitutes) can irritate eyes, skin, or breathing.
- Hair damage: Overuse of heat or improper application may lead to dryness or breakage.
- Scalp issues: Sensitive scalps might experience irritation.
- Colour fading: Light-colored hair may fade if improper aftercare products are used. Choose formaldehyde-free options, consult a stylist, and use sulphate-free products to minimize risks.
2. How often should keratin treatments be repeated?
Treatments last 3 to 5 months. Wait at least 4 to 6 months before repeating to prevent overexposure to heat and chemicals. Use sulphate-free, keratin-friendly products to extend results.
3. Are keratin treatments safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
Most keratin treatments are not recommended due to potential exposure to formaldehyde fumes. Safer alternatives, like deep-conditioning treatments, should be considered after consulting a doctor.
4. Can I do a keratin treatment at home, or is it better to go to a professional?
Professional treatments are better for:
- Expert application: Ensures even coating and reduces damage risk.
- Product quality: Salon products deliver longer-lasting results.
- Safety: Professionals follow safety protocols for chemical use. At-home kits are less effective and risk uneven results.
5. How does keratin treatment compare to other hair-smoothing techniques?
- Keratin: Reduces frizz, smooths hair for 3–5 months, ideal for maintaining natural texture.
- Hair Botox: Repairs damage, nourishes hair, lasts 1–3 months, good for restoring brittle strands.
- Straightening: Permanently alters structure, offers sleek results but risks significant damage. Choose keratin for smoothing, Botox for repair, or straightening for a sleek, long-lasting look.