Keratin Treatment 101

According to Healthline.com, Keratin is a structural protein that is naturally produced by the body and is the main building block for your skin, hair, and nails. When it comes to your hair, keratin is a protective barrier that seals hair strands, preventing breakage. 

What is a Keratin Treatment?

Many women are unhappy with the texture of their natural hair and face issues with frizz, especially during the warmer months, opting for a keratin treatment. Keratin treatments are a complex mixture of keratin and formaldehyde that are used to control/eliminate frizz, giving hair a shiny appearance and structurally making hair straighter, which in turn makes it easier to style, often requiring less heat. 

Within Keratin treatments is Formaldehyde, which is a very strong gas that is deemed unsafe as it can cause negative side effects to your health when inhaled. Some individuals also complain of itchiness and negative reactions due to skin sensitivities. Even if keratin treatments claim there is no formaldehyde, there are likely other ingredients that create and release formaldehyde. Overall, your decision to get a keratin treatment shouldn’t be teetered as risks associated are very minimal and precautions can be taken with proper ventilation measurements and air purification systems. 

Typically, when you get a keratin treatment, your goal is to have silky straight, frizz-free hair. Treatment is recommended for those with textured, thick hair, and isn’t advised for individuals who have thin, fine, or overly processed hair, as the heat from the process can cause more damage. Individuals with straight hair don’t need it, as keratin treatments wouldn’t change much. For individuals with hair damage unrelated to these circumstances, keratin can be a good way to seal the hair and prevent breakage. 

Should You Get a Keratin Treatment?

When it comes to making a decision, your hairdresser knows you best, so consult with them and ask their opinion on whether a keratin treatment is right for you. If you don’t have a hairdresser, do your research and speak with a trained hair professional.

What to Expect

If you do decide to get a keratin treatment, it should last for about 3 months, give or take, and can be done a maximum of three times a year. Durability can change depending on the individual and how often you wash your hair. The more you wash your hair, the shorter it will last, so it’s best to wash once or twice a week.

When you go for the treatment, your hair will be washed, and then the treatment will be applied. You will then get your hair blow-dried and straightened, which will seal the treatment in place. Hair is sectioned-off to ensure the treatment is sealed across the whole head. Some salons have a built-in air purification system with state-of-the-art purifiers for the drying process that relieves a lot of stress and makes the process safer, which should definitely be a factor when deciding on the treatment.

After a keratin treatment, you have to wait at least 2 days to wash your hair, which will promote longer-lasting results. Keratin treatments won’t result in promoted hair growth, but will make the hair appear healthier, sealing the ends and giving it shine.

Pricing is typically $200 and up. Some individuals may instead choose smoothing treatments, which are pricier but can last up to 8 months. These treatments don’t contain formaldehyde and are often utilized for individuals who want to maintain the texture and shape of their hair but get rid of the frizz and have more shine.

Related