More often than not, you hear through the hair-grapevine that the secret to a shiny, smooth mane is a keratin treatment. But, what is keratin treatment and is it safe for your hair?
If all you know is that this de-frizzing process continues to grow in popularity because of its many benefits, this guide is for you. Here, we’ll cover the ins and outs of keratin treatments and whether they’re right for you.
Read on below to learn more!
What is a Keratin Treatment?
In short, a keratin treatment is defined as a chemical hair technique that supports frizzy hair in becoming shiny and smooth. This specific type of frizz-taming treatment goes by many names worldwide, including a Cezanne or Brazilian Blowout. While some treatment processes will completely straighten strands, others simply make curls loosen up and relax.
We’ve all been at a point where the frizz in our hair is overwhelming, annoying, and simply inconvenient. The way that our strands become frizzy in the first place is when the outermost layer of our strands begins to lift. When they lift, environmental factors have an opportunity to sink in, which makes hair swell and frizz. When frizzy strands are treated with keratin, the lifted cuticles are smoothed down and sealed, therefore preventing breakage and frizz.
How Long Will The Results Last?
So, how long does a keratin treatment last? Results vary; however, typically they will last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Take?
The answer to this depends on the amount of hair you have and its texture, as well as the formula chosen by the hairstylist working with you. Usually, it takes anywhere from 2-4 hours so block out a morning or afternoon.
What Happens During a Keratin Treatment?
First things first, your hair will be washed. Then, depending on your hair type, your hairstylist will apply the keratin to your strands while they are still wet and leave it to get absorbed for 30 minutes. Lastly, a flat iron will be used to polish off the look and help any coarse strands. Voila, you’re done!
Keratin vs. Chemical Relaxer
So, you know that keratin is a chemical treatment, and it relaxes hair but is it the same as a chemical relaxer? No, it is not. Keratin treatments are temporary and will wash out after a few months. Chemical relaxers are permanent.
Also, chemical relaxers restructure the bonds within curly strands, making them weak and straight. Rather than altering the chemical build of curly hair, keratin treatments simply add protein into the porous parts of hair, making it smoother and shinier. Eventually, it washes out.
Possible at Home?
Keratin treatments are possible to do yourself at home, but they probably won’t come out as great as it would if done by a professional at a salon. Before attempting it on your own, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct products. Try to stay away from professional items, as they are made to be used by trained professionals who know how to apply them safely.
For the best at-home treatment, you’ll want to explore the ingredient list of the products you choose and look for treatments that are intense silicone and conditioning treatments. Then, check out their instructions. Do they clearly explain what to do? If not, it’s probably not a good keratin treatment.
So, keep that in mind when you’re deciding on doing this at home – as well as the fact that salon treatments can last for several months, while at-home ones tend to wash away a few weeks after application.
Is Keratin Treatment Safe?
If you’re asking yourself, “Is keratin treatment safe?” the answer is… it depends. Let us explain.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen used in keratin treatments that is generally unsafe. Although most keratin treatments have previously contained formaldehyde, there are currently many formaldehyde-free treatments on the market. Still, it’s best practice to be direct with your hairstylist and ask them how long they have been performing this treatment, as well as if the one they will be using on your hair is formaldehyde-free.
All in all, it’s best to consider the factors mentioned above before a keratin hair treatment. If you’re after smooth and shiny hair that keeps on growing, don’t hesitate to try natural hair-growth remedies, such as rice water, in addition to hair treatments for healthy results.
Good luck, beautiful!
