Keratin Hair Treatment Uses, Benefits & More

Do you spend a major part of the A.M., struggling to set your hair in place? Yes, we’re talking about frizzy, unruly and knotty hair. Well, you can continue with the struggle or do something different this time. Give your hair what it has been begging for – a good dose of protein. How? Keratin hair treatment. Naturally found in your hair, nails, and skin, keratin protein creates a protective layer around each hair strand and fills in damaged areas.

Keratin treatment works as a smoothing treatment by infusing keratin proteins in your hair strands and making them more manageable, and that’s just the beginning of the advantages of keratin treatment. They are designed to straighten the hair and reduce frizz to help you achieve silky smooth hair. Unlike regular chemical relaxers that can damage the hair, keratin is semi-permanent and lasts for a few months.

It works great on all hair types and textures and is especially effective for those with curly, wavy, or frizzy hair. One of the key benefits of a keratin hair treatment is that it can be formulated for specific needs. While some define curls or simply straighten the hair, others reduce frizz. So, if you too have been intrigued about this treatment, read on as we decode all you need to know in this comprehensive guide. What you are about to read has the potential to make your whole life easier. Ready?

What Is Keratin Treatment

Also known as Brazilian blowout, the keratin treatment is a hair straightening or smoothing treatment in which artificial keratin (protein) is added to your hair. Why keratin? Well, because your hair loves this kind of protein. When your hair lacks a sufficient amount of naturally occurring keratin, it tends to turn frizzy and coarse.

How Does Keratin Hair Treatment Work

1. The stylist will wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner to get rid of any buildup, grease or impurities.
2. In the next step, your hair will be blow-dried vigorously to draw out all the moisture.
3. Section by section, the keratin product will be applied with the help of a brush and blow-dried again to seal in the treatment. This will be followed by a waiting period to allow it to settle.
4. After the product completely settles in the strands, your hair will be straightened with a flat iron. It is in this step that the keratin is sealed in the strands. The aim is to not miss a single strand, so this means meticulous ironing with at least five passes for every section. Phew!
5. Your hair is now super-smooth!

P.S. We recommend you zero in on a movie to watch before you sit for the treatment, as this process could take anywhere between 2 hours and 4 hours to finish.

Pros And Cons Of Keratin Treatment

If you are still on the fence about whether keratin treatment is good for hair, we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you arrive at a concrete decision.

Benefits Of Keratin Treatment

• Tired of wrestling with your hair every time you try to brush it? Keratin treatment alters the bonds of your hair to improve its texture and feel. The result? Smooth and manageable tresses. Trust us, this will definitely cut down the time you spend to get ready in the morning!
• If you can’t stand frizzy strands ruining your look anymore, consider this smoothing treatment. It works by sealing the hair cuticles with a layer of protein that imparts softness and eliminates frizz. This means that, humid or not, your hair will stay neat and not add to your problems.
• Imagine entering the salon and emerging with a look that stays for almost half a year. Sounds like a good deal, right? The results of this treatment last for up to 6 months as long as you don’t wash your hair too often and take good care post-treatment.
• Don’t know what you would do without your straightener? Well, relying on the straightener daily means exposing your hair to heat every day. This can be damaging in the long run. Instead, consider keratin treatment as the result lasts much longer and spares your hair from constant exposure to heat.
• The coating of protein on every strand ensures strengthened hair that is less prone to breakage. Thus, it seems like your hair is growing faster as there is minimal breakage compared to the growth. Plus, as wavy or curled hair is smoothened, it uncoils and thus, appears longer in terms of overall length – double whammy.

Keratin Hair Treatment Disadvantages

• Exposure to Formaldehyde in this treatment may cause allergic reactions in certain cases.
• Although the strands turn smooth, the overall hair volume may appear less. This is because your tresses will remain straight and will lack the natural bounce.
• The obvious downside to the keratin treatment is that it requires aftercare maintenance. This includes, not washing your hair too frequently, not exposing your hair to chlorinated water (the swimsuit will have to wait) and using only sulphate-free shampoo or conditioners.
• The results are dreamy but they come at a cost. Depending on the hair length, texture and thickness, a keratin treatment can cost anywhere between 4k and 10k.

Keratin Treatment Aftercare

Keratin treatments are designed to straighten the hair and make it feel silky smooth. However, you must take proper precautions for aftercare to ensure long-lasting effects and keep your hair frizz-free and sleek. Follow these steps to ensure you are giving your hair the best possible care:

1. Avoid Heavy Styling Products

First things first, consult with your hairstylist about the products to use after your keratin treatment. If you missed having the talk, stick to lightweight styling products that are free from silicones, alcohol, fragrances, or heavy oils. Heavy products will weigh your hair down and make it oily, ruining all the goodness of your treatment. There are also several sprays and serums formulated specifically for keratin-treated hair to help you manage your hair without the greasy feel.

2. Sulphate-Free Shampoo

Sulphates are used in shampoos to deeply cleanse the hair but they tend to be over-drying. Moreover, sulphates strip away the keratin and cause the effects of the treatment to wear off faster. You should ideally use shampoos and conditioners free of sulphates, parabens, alcohol, and fragrances. They should also be specifically designed for treated hair.

3. Be Gentle

Being kind and gentle to your hair is of utmost importance after keratin treatment. Wash your hair only 2 to 3 times a week with gentle products. You can use dry shampoo to absorb excess oils. Additionally, avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails or buns that can damage the hair roots. You should also avoid braids to prevent dents from forming in the hair. If you want to detangle your hair, use a wide-toothed comb to reduce breakage. Using a silk pillowcase and scrunchie also helps maintain the smooth texture.

4. Limit Exposure To Heat

Damage from heat can dry your hair and reverse the effects of your keratin treatment. No matter how tempting a blowout sounds, heat can really damage keratin treatments. Along with heating tools, it is essential to reduce exposure to humidity and moisture.

5. Regular Touch-ups

To ensure your hair looks fresh and smooth, you must schedule touch-ups depending on how long the effects of the treatments last. Keratin treatments will usually last between 4 to 6 months depending on your hair type. It is best to consult your hairstylist about how often you need to get touch-ups.

Shampoos For Keratin Treated Hair

Here’s a lowdown on the best shampoos for keratin-treated hair. Go ahead and take your pick.

1. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo

Keeping up with keratin-treated hair means counting on a sulfate-free hair care regimen. OGX Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo enriched with an exclusive blend of Coconut Oil, Keratin Proteins, Avocado Oil and Cocoa Butter flattens the cuticles for frizz-free strands. This paraben-free and hydrating formula adds shine to dull and dry hair. The result? Glossy and smooth tresses.

2. SP Luxe Oil Keratin Protect Shampoo

The last thing fine hair needs is a product that further weighs it down. SP Luxe Oil Keratin Protect Shampoo with its lightweight formula and luxurious lather works as a gentle yet effective formula to cleanse hair. Keratin and Panthenol penetrate the hair to anchor water molecules with hair proteins for strength and hair reconstruction. Plus, it is infused with Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil for deep conditioning.

3. Pilgrim Patua & 10X Keratin Smoothening Shampoo For Dry & Frizzy Hair

Who says post-treatment maintenance has to be pricey too? Enter Pilgrim Patua & 10X Keratin Smoothening Shampoo For Dry & Frizzy Hair. Omega-9-rich Patua, sourced from the Amazon rainforest, strengthens the hair and makes dry, frizzy hair more manageable. Bonus points for the built-in pump to ensure controlled usage.

4. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo for Straighter Shinier Hair with Argan Oil Nourishes Dry Hair

Keratin-treated hair could do with some extra love that’s bottled in the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo replete with a cocktail of keratin protein and natural argan oil. The infused keratin protein works at taming frizz and smoothing the coarsest of hair. The best bit? It’s free from any of those sketchy ingredients like parabens.

5. Biotique Eggplex & Keratin Shampoo

For times when your hair needs a boost of protein to restore the strength of strands, try this mending shampoo. The Biotique Eggplex & Keratin Shampoo penetrates deep into the hair, fortifies follicles, and prevents breakage. You are sure to have hair that looks fresh, thicker, and shinier after using this one!

Parting Thoughts

Keratin treatment is a hair straightening and smoothing method that adds artificial protein to the hair to improve its texture and make it easy to manage and maintain. The benefits of a keratin hair treatment include smoothness, manageable tresses, and a longer-lasting look. It is also great because you can just step out in the morning without worrying about styling your hair. However, keratin-treated hair requires aftercare and maintenance to maintain its effectiveness. This includes avoiding excessive styling products, avoiding heat, and being gentle on the hair.

FAQs On Keratin Hair Treatment

1. How long does keratin hair treatment last?

   The results of a keratin treatment can last anywhere between 3 and 6 months. This entirely depends on the texture of your hair and the after-care measures. To ensure the results last longer, wash your hair less frequently as this will keep the keratin locked in your hair for a longer duration. Also, opt for sodium and sulfate-free shampoos.

2. Do I really need to wait 3 days to wash hair after keratin treatment?

   Yes. It is advisable to allow time for the keratin product to settle completely in your hair. Washing your hair immediately may drain all the efforts taken to infuse the keratin in your strands. Hence, it is best to wait for at least 3 days before you pick a shampoo and wash your hair.

3. Which serum is best for keratin-treated hair?

   The following serums and oils work well to preserve the results of keratin treatment on thin hair and thick hair as well.

   1. SP Luxe Oil Reconstructive Elixir For Keratin Protection
   2. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Anti-Frizz Hair Serum
   3. Oxyglow Herbals Keratin Hair Serum

4. Is Keratin hair treatment damaging?

   The high heat and chemicals used during keratin treatments can cause damage. However, it can be managed with the right aftercare, which includes using sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners.

5. Does keratin have side effects?

   Formaldehyde is released during the keratin treatment process and may cause irritation for some people.

6. Is Keratin in hair permanent?

   Keratin treatments for the hair are semi-permanent. Its smoothening effects will last for a few months depending on your hair type.