Keratin hair treatments, like Brazilian blowouts, can help tame frizz and provide a silky, shiny texture in just a few hours—lasting for up to six months.These treatments can significantly cut down styling and blow drying time, making them a time-saver. However, keratin treatments are not a universal solution, as the specific chemicals used and hair type can damage hair and health.
READ MORE: Keratin Treatment vs. Brazilian Blowout: The Ultimate Showdown for Silky Smooth Hair
Read on to find out everything you need to know about Keratin hair treatment.
What Is a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin—a fibrous protein in hair (also found in nails), is essential for blocking out humidity and forming its main structure. Over time, hair loses keratin due to sun exposure, hot tools, and chemical processes like bleaching. Depleted keratin can result in dryness, frizz, swelling in humid weather, and lack of protection from the sun and environmental damage. Keratin treatments replace depleted keratin in areas where it has been depleted, enhancing and temporarily strengthening hair. The results can vary depending on the individual’s hair type and treatment, but many find their hair smoother, shinier, and easier to style after receiving a keratin treatment.
Benefits of keratin treatment
Enhances Shine: Keratin smooths hair cuticles and repairs damage, resulting in shiny hair. Salon treatments give more dramatic results, but at-home products can also create healthy, shiny hair.
Strengthens hair: Keratin hair treatment, whether in-salon or at-home, can significantly strengthen hair damaged by chemical and mechanical factors, with research showing that keratin can strengthen strands by 40%, indicating potential benefits for hair health.
Smooths hair and reduces frizz: Products with keratin, usually in the form of oils or serums, can improve the appearance of a mane that is shinier, smoother, and more youthful-looking.
Shortens the drying period: Keratin treatment reduces hair porosity, reducing water trapped in cuticles, thereby reducing blow-drying time.
Reduces the look of split ends: To reduce the appearance of split ends, keratin helps to smooth and strengthen hair cuticles back together. Hair grows more quickly when strands are stronger and break less.
Keratin Treatment Alternatives
Keratin treatment and keratin smoothing treatment are often used interchangeably, but they are technically different. Traditional keratin treatments, such as Brazilian blowouts or straightening treatments, involve coating the hair in a keratin solution to break down bonds, followed by blow-drying and straightening with a high-heat tool. These treatments result in straightened hair with a demarcation line during grow-out. They contain aldehydes that bond keratin to the hair, providing longer-lasting straightening and smoother results.On the other hand, smoothing treatments are formaldehyde-free and do not completely straighten the hair. Instead, they make the hair sleek and frizz-free, offering a more natural look. These treatments are ideal for individuals with allergies or scalp sensitivities. It is crucial to be cautious of products that use keratin as a selling point, as the ingredients may be similar but intended for different purposes. It is recommended to consult with a stylist and conduct thorough research before undergoing any treatment.
Is Keratin Treatment Good For My Hair Type
Keratin treatments, whether at home or in-salon, are beneficial for individuals with dry, damaged, and unruly hair types. They can give a fuller look by binding to thin hair. However, harsh chemicals and heat damage can overwhelm fragile strands, making in-salon treatments a potential risk.
Pro tip: Too much protein can cause hair to feel dry, so avoid using keratin products and opt for moisture-based treatments instead.
Are Keratin Treatments Safe?
Keratin treatments often contain formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical that the FDA is considering banning. A study in December 2022 found that regular use of formaldehyde-containing products doubles the risk of endometrial cancer in women. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause respiratory problems, skin, throat, lungs, and eyes irritation.
Still, it doesn’t mean you have to stay away from at-home keratin treatments. Ultimately, those are far safer because they don’t involve the chemicals and odors that come with in-salon treatments. While “formaldehyde-free” is touted as safer, it’s crucial to be cautious. Look for “formaldehyde, formalin, and methylene glycol” on labels.
What Should I Expect From a Keratin Treatment?
In-salon treatment: the procedure includes the use of a clarifying shampoo to eliminate any product residue, by blow-drying and the application of a keratin formula in small sections throughout the entire head. The hair is then meticulously straightened with a flat iron at a high temperature. While even tightly coiled curls may lose some of their natural bounce, there may still be a slight wave present, particularly with smoothing treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment can vary based on the hair’s porosity and how it is applied, with certain hair types showing a more favorable response to the process.
As a repairing hair mask: A keratin-infused hair mask can be used weekly to repair color-treated or heat-damaged hair, by applying it to wet hair, leaving it in for 5 minutes, then rinsing out and styling.
As a Hydrating oil treatment: Keratin, when combined with other oils, not only smooths and de-defrizzs locks but also moisturizes them and aids in the repair of damaged ones.
As a keratin-infused styling serum: Keratin-infused styling serum, applied while hair is still wet, not only enhances shine and smoothness but also reduces drying time.
As a strengthening shampoo: Keratin, offers both strengthening and smoothing benefits when used in a shampoo.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Take?
An in-salon keratin treatment, whether straightening or smoothing, can take up to five hours or longer, depending on the length and texture of the hair.
Keratin Treatment Aftercare
For a keratin treatment or Brazilian blowout, avoid water for 72 hours and keep hair dry. Use a reusable shower cap and paraben and sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. If wet, dry and straighten affected areas. Some treatments, like Cezanne’s Keratin Smoothing Treatment, don’t require a shower, allowing you to resume your lifestyle without any downtime.
