Does Keratin Treatment Cause Hair Fall? Busting Hair Fall Myths
Hair loss fears and concerns affect millions of people worldwide. With the rising popularity of keratin treatments, many ask, “Is keratin treatment good for hair loss?” This question has sparked many debates and myths in the beauty industry.
In brief, while keratin treatments promise smoother, more manageable hair, you need to know their actual impact on hair health and potential hair fall. This knowledge will allow you to make informed decisions about your hair care routine.
Keratin and Its Role in Hair Health
To address the “hair fall” question, we first need to understand what keratin is and what keratin does to hair.
Keratin is a natural protein that forms the structural foundation of our hair, skin, and nails. It’s responsible for hair strength, elasticity, and overall health. When hair becomes damaged through environmental factors, heat styling, or chemical treatments, the keratin structure can become compromised, leading to weakness and breakage.
What Is Keratin Therapy?
Professional keratin treatments coat the hair shaft with keratin proteins, thus temporarily filling in gaps in damaged hair cuticles. This process creates a protective barrier that smooths the hair surface, making it appear shinier and more manageable. The treatment replaces natural keratin lost over time due to various damaging factors.
What is the Science Behind Keratin Treatments and Hair Fall?
The relationship between keratin treatments and hair fall is more complex than many realise. When performed correctly by experienced hair professionals, keratin treatments don’t cause hair loss. However, the process and aftercare can influence hair health in several ways.
During the treatment process, hair undergoes significant manipulation, including washing, applying the keratin solution, blow drying, and using a flat iron to seal the treatment. This intensive process can stress already weakened hair strands and potentially lead to breakage in severely damaged hair.
It’s also important to distinguish between hair breakage and actual hair loss from the follicle. True hair loss occurs when hair falls out from the root, while breakage happens along the hair shaft.
Common Myths About Keratin and Hair Loss
One persistent myth suggests that keratin is bad for your hair in general. This misconception often stems from confusion about different types of treatments and their ingredients.
Traditional keratin treatments, especially those like the Brazilian blowout, face more scrutiny due to formaldehyde content. However, many modern formulations are formaldehyde-free, addressing previous health concerns while providing effective results.
The myth that keratin treatments cause permanent hair damage has been largely debunked by hair care professionals. When applied correctly to appropriate hair types, these treatments can help reduce frizz and improve hair manageability without causing long-term damage. The key lies in proper application techniques and choosing the right treatment for your specific hair condition.
Side Effects and Considerations
While keratin treatments are generally safe, there are potential side effects to consider. Some people may experience temporary hair fall immediately after treatment. This is often attributed to removing loose or damaged hair during intensive styling. This differs from treatment-induced hair loss and typically resolves within a few weeks.
Keratin treatments containing formaldehyde have raised health concerns, as these chemicals can release formaldehyde vapours when heated during the styling process. This is why many salons now offer formaldehyde-free alternatives that use glyoxylic acid or other safer ingredients. These newer formulations provide similar smoothing benefits without the associated health risks.
You need to understand how these treatments affect different hair types is crucial. Fine or severely damaged hair may be more susceptible to breakage during treatment. In contrast, thicker, healthier hair typically tolerates the procedure better. Consulting with a professional stylist before undergoing any chemical treatment is necessary for determining suitability and expected outcomes.
The Importance of Proper Application and Aftercare
How keratin treatment works depends largely on proper application techniques and post-treatment care. Professional application ensures that the keratin solution is distributed evenly and that heat styling is performed at appropriate temperatures to avoid excessive damage to hair strands.
Post-treatment care is equally important for maintaining results and preventing unnecessary hair fall. This includes using sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners, avoiding excessive heat styling, and following specific guidelines about when to wash your hair after treatment.
Many professionals recommend waiting 72 hours before the first wash to fully allow the keratin to bond with the hair shaft. Proper hair care for damaged hair becomes even more critical after keratin treatments. This includes using gentle products, minimising heat styling frequency, and using nourishing treatments to maintain hair health between professional services.
Long-Term Effects and Hair Health Considerations
The long-term effects of keratin treatments on hair health depend on several factors, including treatment frequency, hair condition, and aftercare practices. Regular treatments every 3-4 months are considered safe for most hair types. That said, overprocessing can lead to protein overload and potential brittleness.
Keratin treatment’s impact on scalp health is another critical consideration. While the treatment primarily affects the hair shaft rather than the scalp, those with sensitive scalps should discuss potential reactions with their stylist beforehand.
Heat styling practices after keratin treatments also affect overall hair health. While treatments can reduce the need for daily blow drying and flat iron use, eliminating heat damage requires mindful styling practices and regular use of heat-protectant products.
Making Informed Decisions About Keratin Treatments
The evidence suggests that properly performed keratin treatments don’t cause hair loss in healthy people. However, the decision to undergo treatment should be based on individual hair conditions, lifestyle factors, and personal goals. Those with existing hair thinning or loss should consult a dermatologist and an experienced stylist to determine the best approach.
Conclusion
The relationship between keratin treatments and hair fall is complex but not necessarily cause for alarm. When performed by qualified professionals using quality products, these treatments can improve hair appearance and manageability without causing significant hair loss.
As with any cosmetic procedure, informed decision-making and professional consultation are essential for achieving optimal outcomes while maintaining hair health. Consult a professional hairdresser today about keratin treatment for hair health.