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Keratin treatments have become an immensely popular way to temporarily straighten wavy, curly, or frizzy hair. The process involves applying a keratin-infused formula to your locks to smooth and relax the cuticles. Results can last 2-5 months.
While keratin treatments offer longer-lasting smoothing compared to a blowout, the process does come with risks if not done properly. As with any chemical service, technique is everything. When getting a keratin treatment, following certain dos and don’ts is crucial to achieving results safely.
What is Keratin and What Does it Do?
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that makes up a large part of our hair, skin, and nails. It’s what gives hair its strength and structure. The keratin chains bond together forming disulfide bonds which give strands their shape and resilience.
Natural keratin works to nourish and protect your locks from damage. Best Keratin treatments work by depositing concentrated keratin deep into the hair’s cortex via a topical formula. This augments the hair’s own supply for thicker, smoother feel and appearance.
The added keratin fills in cracks in the cuticle for a mended surface. Treatments also often use a flat iron to seal the keratin inside, providing semi-permanent smoothing and straightening lasting 2+ months. Over time, the treatment wears off as the hair is shampooed.
Choosing a Keratin Treatment and Stylist
If you decide to get a keratin smoothing service, choose the treatment formula and salon wisely. Not all solutions are created equal. Professional treatments like Brazilian Blowout, Keratin Complex, and Pravana Perfection Smoothing are popular options using safer formulas.
Beware of generic keratin products with excessive formaldehyde. This chemical can be hazardous when heated. Your stylist should thoroughly learn about your hair goals and condition to suggest the right service. An experienced colorist or hairstylist is best to perform the treatment properly.
The Process
On the day of your keratin appointment, here’s an overview of the step-by-step process:
– Hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup. It must be squeaky clean.
– The keratin treatment solution is brushed through clean, damp hair thoroughly from roots to ends.
– The formula is allowed to soak in anywhere from 15-60 minutes depending on hair type and thickness.
– The stylist then uses a flat iron to heat seal the keratin into the hair, going over small sections at 400°F-450°F.
– After sealing is complete, hair is rinsed to remove excess treatment.
– A blowout and style completes the service, revealing smooth, straight locks.
-Avoid washing the hair for 2-4 days afterwards to allow keratin to fully absorb.The effects last 2-5 months before fading with regular shampooing.
Maintenance and Post-Treatment Care
Once you walk out of the salon with super sleek hair, maintaining those results involves following specific aftercare steps:
– Wait at least 48-72 hours before shampooing post-treatment. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to help keratin adhere.
– Rinse with cool water instead of hot, which can cause treatment to prematurely break down.
– Use a brush over comb when wet to avoid snagging or tugging at hair.
– Avoid chlorine, salt water, sweat, and other contaminants which strip keratin away quicker.
– Follow up with an occasional keratin spray or mask to reinforce smoothing.
– Repeat the full treatment in a few months or as needed, once previous results start wearing off.
Keratin Treatment DOs: Tips for Success
To get the most out of your keratin experience and achieve your smoothest hair ever, keep these dos in mind:
✅ Do get a patch test 48 hours before your full treatment to check for allergies.
✅ Do go to a reputable stylist experienced specifically with keratin treatments.
✅ Do follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions carefully.
✅ Do be patient about avoiding washing or styling for at least 2-3 days afterwards.
✅ Do invest in quality hair products designed to extend keratin smoothness like shampoos, masks, and conditioning sprays.
✅ Do use lower heat tools post-treatment and allow hair to air dry when possible.
✅ Do take biotin supplements if hair tends to be weak to build strength before keratin use.
✅ Do get a trim to remove split ends before treatment for best smoothing effects.
✅ Do repeat the treatment as needed down the line when you notice results fading.
Keratin Treatment DON’Ts: What to Avoid
While powerful for smoothing, keratin treatments do come with cautions. To avoid damage or less than ideal results, avoid:
❌ Don’t overdo the high heat. Use flat irons on lowest effective temperature during treatment to avoid frying hair.
❌ Don’t book a same-day color service. The chemicals can interact and cause damage. Color first, then wait 2 weeks before keratin.
❌ Don’t overapply product near the scalp at the crown. This area heats up fastest and can burn if overloaded.
❌ Don’t get your hair wet or sweat heavily for 48-72 hours post-treatment. Let keratin fully absorb first.
❌ Don’t brush hair when wet post-treatment. Only use wide-tooth combs to avoid tugging at fragile bonds.
❌ Don’t use bleach, other chemical treatments, or straightening methods while keratin is in your hair. Wait for it to fully fade first.
❌ Don’t use clarifying shampoos or anything drying immediately after treatment. Use only sulfate-free moisturizing shampoos.
❌ Don’t scratch or pile your hair up tightly against your head after a keratin service. This can cause frizz and breakage.
While keratin treatments must be done carefully, they can offer months of smoother, frizz-free hair when performed correctly. Talk to your stylist and only get treatments done by a professional who will keep your hair healthy and safe from damage. Follow all pre- and post-care diligently. Done right, keratin can give your locks a major refresh!