You might have read a post on social media or heard someone say that her hair is glowing because of keratin treatment. Or maybe you read on the salon menu that they offer keratin treatment, but you don’t have enough courage to enquire what it is all about. Worry no more because this article will discuss everything about keratin treatment, from what it entails, what it does to the hair, its cost, benefits, side effects, and more.
What Is A Keratin Treatment?
Keratin is a fiber protein found in hair that acts as a humidity-protective shield (the primary cause of frizz). The sun, environment, styling, and chemical services cause the hair to lose keratin over time, forming porous spots. Keratin treatments are smoothing treatments used by professionals. Professional stylists perform all treatments in-salon.
Keratin Smoothing treatments fix damage and breakage, reduce frizz, curl, unruly flyaways, and smooth and healthy-looking hair. They also keep humidity out of the hair, which is the main cause of frizz.
As long as keratin is among the active ingredients in hair treatment, salons can classify it as a “keratin treatment” this includes the Brazilian Blowout (read Brazilian blowout vs keratin relaxer comparison), Keratin Complex, Cezanne, and others.
Pro Tip: The body produces enough keratin to keep your hair and skin very healthy. But as you age, your hair and skin become less vibrant. To boost your keratin levels, you should consume more foods that have keratin to ensure healthier scalp, skin, and nails.
What Does Keratin Do For Hair?
By temporarily bonding the hair back together, keratin adds shine, reduces frizz, and minimizes the appearance of split ends. These effects can help hair strands look and feel longer and stronger, but it grows at the same rate.
What to Expect During a Keratin Treatment?
The shampoo will be applied twice to ensure that it is thoroughly clean, free of buildup, and capable of absorbing all of the product. The keratin solution is then applied to wet hair and combed through. The duration of a keratin treatment is determined by the formula used, your hair texture, and volume. It usually takes between two and four hours. Finally, the hair shape is adjusted with heat.
Benefits of a Keratin Treatment
- Prevent frizz in humid conditions.
- Smoothes the cuticle of the hair.
- It gives a lustrous sheen.
How Much Is A Keratin Treatment?
One of the disadvantages of getting a keratin treatment is that it can be quite expensive. Keratin treatments range in price from $250 to $500, depending on the salon and where you live.
Many hair-smoothing treatments are available at salons for less money, but if you want a true keratin formula, you’ll have to dig deeper into your wallet.
Your hair type and length determine how much product is used which decides the price. As a result, it is critical to conduct preliminary research and determine which service you will use.
Who should avoid it?
Pregnant women should not use keratin treatments. Furthermore, any hair type with compromised, ultrafine, or brittle hair must consult their stylist before getting treatment to ensure they will not harm their hair further.
Things To Consider Before Deciding To Have A Keratin Treatment
1. Understand What You’re Asking For
Many salons use different names for various Keratin Treatments, which can confuse the customer.
2. You Must Make Some Sacrifices.
You will need a lot of patience and sacrifices for any hair treatment.
If you choose a more complex Keratin Hair treatment, you cannot wash your hair for up to 72 hours and must be ready to keep your hair down and straight to help extend the life of your keratin.
3. Select A Good Hair Salon
The stylist performing the service should be fully trained in Keratin services and understand the methods used for the various services.
4. After Treatment, Change The Shampoo
After a keratin hair treatment, you should change your shampoo. Keratin Complex has its line of Sulfate-Free shampoo and styling products. Sulfate-free products are important because sulfate draws keratin out of your hair. So using these products helps your keratin survive longer in your hair.
How long do keratin treatments last?
How you care for your keratin treatment greatly influences how long it will last, but the effects should last four to six months on average.
It is extremely simple to keep your keratin in good condition. When you leave the salon, ensure you get a sulfate-free shampoo because harsh ingredients and styling products will strip your treatment every time you wash your hair. Although saltwater and chlorine do not mix well with keratin treatments, rinse your hair with cold water immediately after swimming.
Side Effects of Keratin Treatments
Keratin treatments are not harmful to the hair, but a hot flat iron can destroy it. When selecting the temperature, always ask a professional about the best titanium flat iron and the optimum temperature for your hair. Start at the lowest recommended temperature and increase only if necessary.
You’d use a lower heat setting on someone with many highlights and do fewer passes than on a virgin-haired client, whose hair won’t be as prone to damage with a higher heat setting.
Read also: The pros and cons of infrared hair straighteners.
The American Cancer Society warns that formaldehyde in keratin treatments is a known carcinogen. This implies that it may cause cancer or aid in cancer growth. It may also cause other health problems.
Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration, formaldehyde, and related chemicals in keratin treatments may lead to headaches, irritation, dizziness, sore throat, cough, wheezing, nausea, chest pain, vomiting, and rashes.
Can You DIY a Keratin Treatment?
Yes, but not more effective than a professional treatment. Because at-home treatments coat the hair rather than penetrating the hair shaft, the results are only temporary.
And, whatever you do, only use at-home treatments.”
Do not purchase professional-grade products for home use because they require an expert application.
Always read and follow the instructions carefully, and use them in a well-ventilated area.
