All You Need To Know About Keratin Treatments

Can a keratin treatment be performed on any type of hair? How long does the treatment last? If I have bleached or dyed hair, will the treatment damage the color?

Indeed, there is no doubt that keratin hair treatments have exploded in popularity recently. The sleek, shiny results and immediate elimination of frizz have brought people to the salon chair for this intensive smoothing procedure. The results can be dramatic and worth it for some – freeing even the tightest curls, transforming them into sleek, elegant tresses that will turn heads.

For this reason, and before you drive yourself crazy by twisting your brain in all directions, we went to Brazilian hairstylist Andressa Santana – who runs her trendy salon in Madrid – for advice.

What Is a Keratin Treatment?

Keratin, as we understand it, is a treatment to smooth hair. In fact, keratin is a protein that humans and animals produce to create hair, nails, horn, feathers… And a hair is composed mostly of keratin. It nourishes it, balances its structure and protects it from external aggressions. And, in general, we damage it by misusing our straighteners, a color, a hair dryer or other.

By abusing our hair, it loses its shine and becomes porous. That’s how the experts came up with the idea of a keratin treatment. It rehydrates the fiber, “keratin restores proteins and vitamins to the hair, it regenerates and gives it back its shine,” explains Andressa Santana.

There are many treatments available today to restore the keratin in your hair, including the keratin protein treatment. This treatment involves adding artificial keratin to your hair to make it shiny and soft. In simple language, this treatment involves rebuilding the hair by restoring the missing proteins artificially in your hair. This treatment is gaining popularity among both men and women.

It should be added in your mind that the keratin treatment process uses a mixture of keratin proteins and straightening agents in which your hair is soaked for about 20 minutes. After that, you go through an intense blow dry and flat ironing session to help lock the hair into the style. The treatment can last 3 months when done correctly. All of this can happen in one appointment, making it a great choice for those looking for long-term results.

Keratin treatments are not for everyone. Many versions of the treatment may contain harsh chemicals that release formaldehyde gas when activated, which could harm your health with prolonged exposure. Unfortunately, it is necessary to help achieve the flat-removed look that is associated with a keratin hair treatment. For this reason, it is important to do your research and ask what types of chemicals are in the treatment that your stylist recommends. Also, always read reviews and do your research before committing to such a drastic procedure to ensure that you protect yourself.

The process also involves significant downtime. You won’t be able to touch your hair for three days after the treatment – something to keep in mind if you’re getting ready for a big event. No washing, no cutting and no ponytails where you risk an irreversible bump. If you opt for a keratin hair treatment, it’s important to feed your hair regularly to keep it smooth and frizz-free after your visit to the salon.

Read also on takediy:

• How To Moisturize Your Hair So That It Is Always Silky And Shiny

the dangers of keratin treatment for hair?

Keratin has a bad reputation because of the chemicals that are sometimes used and that severely damage the hair when subjected to very high heat.

To be clear, keratin treatments can have consequences not only on the hair but also on the health. During the treatment, the hair is subjected to a pause under a heating device. According to experts, keratin releases a toxic substance called formaldehyde or formaldehyde during high-temperature hair treatment. This is also what happens with the Brazilian straightening technique. Formaldehyde is a possible carcinogen and an irritating allergen for the skin, throat and eyes.

Other side effects have also appeared following a hair treatment with keratin: nosebleeds, dry throat, eye irritation, hair loss, allergic reactions … Fortunately, there are other ways to deeply nourish and repair your hair.

But, according to Andressa Santana, this practice is over: “We have now replaced formalin with products that do not attack the hair. On the contrary! The modern keratin rehydrates the hair “and repairs it completely, above all! The stylist adds that this new keratin is now applicable to all hair types.

Benefits of Keratin Therapy

People who receive this treatment claim to have some of the following benefits for keratin therapy:

• Hair is easy to control and shine.
• The hair is shiny and full.
• It also makes curly hair less frizzy and manageable.
• Hair looks straight.
• Styling can be done easily.
• Protects hair from the harmful effects of the sun and environmental damage.
• Hair is less prone to breakage and serum damage.
• Significantly reduces drying or styling time.

The benefits of keratin treatment can vary from person to person. It can also depend on the health, thickness and condition of your hair.

When is the best time to do a keratin treatment?

Although the answer to this question could have been “any time”, Andressa Santana has a special tip on the subject: always do a keratin smoothing after a cut or color. This ensures that the ends are tight and strong, and they respond better to the treatment. If, however, the keratin is already done, “it’s better to wait 15 days to add color over it and a month for highlights, so as not to break the effect of the keratin.

How long does the effect of keratin last?

A quality keratin treatment can be effective for up to 3 or 4 months, and should therefore be repeated on average 3 times a year.

Andressa has another secret to share with us on this subject: “If you repeat a treatment only two months (or two and a half months) after the first one, you prolong its effects for two more months.” In short, with two keratin treatments close enough together, your hair is guaranteed to shine for the entire year!

Here are some side effects of the keratin treatment:

• You will be asked to use special styling products, shampoo and conditioner, especially for your hair type.
• Your hair will be straight and sometimes it may look limp and short. You may miss your bouncy bottom.
• Your hair may become greasy and oily very soon because there may be no wrinkles.
• You will not be able to wash your hair for a few days.
• The treatment is expensive and can be heavy on your pocket. Also, the effect may not last long (3 to 5 months).
• You may need to take extra precautions if you want to go swimming because your hair cannot come into contact with water.
• Keratin treatment usually contains formaldehyde, which can cause nausea, skin irritation, eye irritation, etc

What kind of keratin?

There are several different types of keratin, and several different forms of treatments, tailored to the hair type. Some build their formula with argan oil – ideal for normal to dehydrated hair – others use cocoa-based components, a perfect option for fine or very damaged hair.

Treatments vary not only in terms of components but also in terms of intensity. Andressa today introduces us to nanokeratin, the “most intense hair treatment to date, which is composed of several chemicals and therefore must be applied to perfectly healthy hair.” And at the other end of the spectrum, there are gentle treatments like the keratin bath, keratin mask or keratin effect mask to extend and strengthen the treatment, or simply restore the hair’s natural shine.

Here are some things to consider before receiving a keratin treatment:

• This treatment is especially suitable for people with curly hair. If you have soft or limp hair, you can skip this treatment.
• Consult your hairdresser before choosing a treatment, as the hairdresser will guide you to the best formula for your hair. The keratin treatment is not created equally for everyone as different hair needs different treatment, so it is important to talk to a hairdresser.
• Talk to yourself and learn all about the treatment ahead of time.

Can we do keratin treatments at home?

Indeed, you have already seen on Google some household items are available to treat keratin. The trick is to choose the right products and use the right techniques to achieve the desired results. Since this is a lengthy process, it would be a good idea to ask a friend or someone else for help. Make sure you don’t rush through the treatment and invest the right time to get the best results. Also, be sure to use formaldehyde-free products to minimize the harmful effects on your hair.

But, and there is a big but, according to Andressa Santana: “Keratin treatment can only be done in a salon, by a professional who knows how to handle the right tools for this type of treatment.” And here’s why: to prepare for keratin straightening, you must first apply a special alkaline shampoo, which opens the hair cuticle. Only then is the keratin applied using a professional technique adapted to the type of hair and its condition, and without touching the scalp, which must not be sensitized. Finally, a single, precise pass with the straightener should close the cuticles. This is a very sensitive step, as using a 230ºC straightening iron can be dangerous if not properly controlled. Here again, a professional is perfectly trained to do this without worry.

How long should you wait to wash your hair after a keratin treatment?

“It depends on what you want from it,” warns the stylist. “For a more powerful straightening, it’s best to wait 3 days. For a simple anti-frizz that strengthens the hair, you can wash it straight after the treatment.”

Our hair always needs attention. That’s why we consider the keratin treatment, and why it’s best to use a sulfate-free shampoo or, once a week, a repairing mask to be left on for 20 minutes to an hour. You won’t believe your mirror!

How do I take care of my hair after a keratin treatment?

“It’s actually very easy to maintain,” Andressa enthuses. With a sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoo, hair can stay moisturized. Next, it’s still important to choose the right styling accessories. “A good hair dryer, with power and heat control, and a professional straightening iron if you want to give the hair movement without damaging it.”

Since hair also needs to stay well hydrated, it’s a good idea to use a serum or mask regularly for an effective beauty routine.