Keratin Hair Straightening Treatments: Benefits and Effects

Keratin hair treatment is a popular method for transforming frizzy, broken hair into super-straight, silky hair fit for a runway model.

When performed by a skilled hairdresser, keratin treatments offer many benefits, from better manageability to smoother and shinier hair. However, this de-frizzing method isn’t suitable for all hair types and doesn’t yield the same results for everyone.

Explore the benefits of a keratin hair treatment and some of its possible side effects so you can determine if this procedure is right for you.

What Is Keratin Hair Treatment?

Keratin treatments call upon the benefits of the natural structural protein keratin found in hair, nails, and skin to strengthen your hair and restore its shine.

During the procedure, your stylist treats your hair with a formaldehyde derivative called glyoxylic acid, which helps eliminate frizz and straightens hair. After applying the solution, your stylist blow-dries your hair and seals it with a hot iron treatment.

The process typically takes about 2-4 hours, including hair washing, though the setting time generally lasts 30 minutes. Keratin treatments are semi-permanent and can last up to 6 months if cared for properly.

Several keratin treatments are available, including the Brazilian blowout, the Cezanne, and the Goldwell Kerasilk treatment. The treatments differ in formaldehyde concentration, procedure length, and heat style, but all aim to reduce frizz and improve your hair’s appearance.

5 Common Benefits of Keratin Treatment

Keratin is a protein that provides an array of natural benefits that help strengthen and smooth out frizz. These benefits make keratin treatment an excellent option for those seeking healthy and beautiful hair.

Smooth, Shiny Hair

Certain keratin treatments, such as Brazilian blowouts, can masterfully smooth and straighten frizzy hair. The treatment enters your hair follicles and floods the porous areas with a keratin solution customised to help you achieve your desired look.

Better Manageability

After a keratin treatment, most people find it much easier to manage their hair because it is smoother and less frizzy. If you already straighten your curly hair at home, a keratin treatment can save you substantial time daily on the straightening process and protect your hair from harsh heaters that cause further damage.

Keratin treatments surround your hair strands and encase your follicles in a protective coating, helping you fight against humidity and frizz.

Longer-Lasting Results

Keratin treatments can last several months if you properly care for your hair after the procedure. Appropriate keratin aftercare includes:

• Washing your hair relatively infrequently (two or three times each week) using a sulphate-free shampoo
• Waiting three to four days before washing your hair after treatment
• Avoiding ponytails and braids in the days after treatment
• Curtailing activities that make you sweat excessively in the days after treatment
• Using sodium chloride-free hair care products 

Those with natural curls may want to wrap their hair in silk or satin to increase moisture absorption, which can help prolong keratin treatment. Although the treatment costs between $200 and $500 in the salon, its results are well worth the price.

Soften Curls

Clients who want to eliminate frizz without changing their beloved curls appreciate keratin smoothing treatments like the Cezanne and Goldwell Kerasilk. This treatment can help you maintain your hair’s natural bounce and softness while adding sleekness and smoothness to each strand.

Hair Growth

Keratin treatments can help with hair growth by helping you keep your strands strong and protected. Breakage and split ends hinder hair growth. By getting keratin treatments regularly, you can keep your hair in good condition and see the growth you want over time.

Possible Side Effects of Keratin Treatment

Despite the multiple benefits of a keratin hair treatment, you may experience a few downsides. These often occur when an inexperienced or unlicensed hair stylist performs your treatment. Work with a trained professional at Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing to avoid potential problems.

Hair Breakage

While keratin treatments can strengthen healthy hair, the procedure can cause damage to already weak or damaged hair. If you have permed hair or have damage due to bleaching or colouring, you may opt for an alternative to keratin for your hair.

Keratin treatments use heated irons at the highest setting to smooth your hair. Before beginning your treatment, your stylist should check your hair’s texture and strength to determine if you can benefit from a keratin treatment or if it may damage your hair further.

Chemical Reactions

Keratin treatments contain chemicals like formaldehyde that can cause nausea and discomfort for some people. If you have asthma or another breathing condition, you may be more sensitive to these smells and experience trouble breathing.

To minimise this risk, the stylists at Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing take precautions to make every client as comfortable as possible. If you are sensitive or have breathing issues, we recommend wearing a mask during the procedure. We also use fans to remove potentially noxious odours from the salon for a more comfortable experience.

Poor Quality Treatments

If you visit a low-end salon or unflexed hairdresser, you may run the risk of receiving poor-quality treatment. A 2013 study found that some Brazilian keratin treatments contained formaldehyde in unacceptable concentrations, some with as much as five times the recommended level.

Too much formaldehyde can cause breathing problems or chemical burns. You can avoid this serious issue by visiting reputable salons for keratin treatments. You can also ask for verification that their formula uses the U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recommendations of less than 0.2% formaldehyde.

Strengthen Your Hair With a Keratin Treatment From Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing

Regular keratin treatments can keep your hair soft, smooth, and frizz-free. Opt for a keratin treatment from Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing to add strength and shine to your hair.

We’ve been providing quality hair care in Australia since 1995. Our experienced stylists can work with you to determine the appropriate treatment for your hair type and answer any questions about the procedure.

Subscribe to our newsletter or visit our blog to learn more about healthy hair habits, or schedule your keratin treatment with us today.

FAQs:

How Long Should You Have Keratin Treatment on Your Hair?

Keratin treatment can last from a few weeks to about six months before your hair returns to its natural texture. You can get a keratin treatment up to three times each year. Since keratin treatments are semi-permanent, you can generally reverse the treatment at any point by swimming in chlorinated or salty seawater or using a corrosive shampoo or bleach.

Does Hair Grow Faster After Keratin Treatment?

No. Sometimes hair seems to grow faster following a keratin treatment. This is because keratin helps strengthen and fortify your hair against breakage, which leads to the perception of faster hair growth. Unfortunately, the only way to grow your hair without extensions is to wait for its natural progression.

Can Keratin Cause Hair Loss?

In some cases, keratin treatments can lead to hair loss due to the harsh nature of some chemicals involved, particularly formaldehyde. The substances can sometimes damage and weaken your hair follicles, causing your hair to fall out more easily. Individuals with a sensitive scalp may be particularly susceptible to hair loss.

To protect your hair after keratin treatment:

• Try a scalp massage with high-quality oils that have hair-growing properties, such as castor or coconut oil.
• Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that nourishes your hair, and try to do a deep conditioning once each week. Avoid sulphate shampoos that can strip off the keratin.
• Avoid brushing wet hair, as hair is most fragile when wet.
• Avoid using a sharp-bristle hair brush. Instead, opt for a soft-bristle option or wide-tooth comb.

Does Keratin Change Hair Color?

Your natural hair colour should not change if the keratin is used correctly. However, some hair lightening may be inevitable if you already have colour-treated hair, such as highlights. You may be able to apply toner to restore your hair to your desired colour.

Why is My Hair Still Frizzy After Keratin Treatment?

To ensure a successful keratin treatment, you should consult a stylist with experience doing the procedure on different hair types. Most of the time, those who have frizz after keratin either didn’t follow the instructions correctly or didn’t use the right product. Additionally, when hair is already too damaged, the application of keratin may have little effect.

Is Keratin Good for Thin Hair?

If you already have thin, straight hair, then keratin treatment may not be the right styling choice. Keratin can repair and protect fine hair, but it is more likely to thin your hair than thicken it.

Can I Tie My Hair After Keratin?

Avoid wearing your hair in a ponytail for at least three days after keratin treatment. Wearing a ponytail too early could cause an unattractive bend in your newly-straight hair.