Keratin Treatments for Curly Hair: Everything You Need to Know
Keratin treatments have been advertised for years as an effective solution for curly hair problems. Think dry hair, frizzy hair, or dull hair; these and many problems can, according to advertisers, be solved with a simple treatment using keratin products. You’ve probably even seen keratin treatment for curly hair before and after photos and videos. How effective are they? Let’s discuss.
Here is a short answer before we go too far. Yes, keratin treatments can help people with curly hair in many ways. For instance, if you have curly hair, you can use a keratin treatment to tame frizz and make it easier to style. There are many other benefits associated with keratin treatments for curly hair that we shall now get into in detail.
Why Do Keratin Treatment on Curly Hair?
Keratin treatments for curly hair involve a smoothing process where keratin-rich hair products or specially formulated keratin solutions are applied to curly hair. The treatment is then sealed using high heat, mostly from a flat iron. Keratin treatment is effective because It coats your hair’s surface temporarily with keratin proteins.
The main benefits of a keratin treatment for curly hair include:
Reduced Frizz
If you have naturally curly hair, you probably know how frizzy it can get especially if you avoid washing it for an extended period. Keratin treatment is the only proven method for dealing with excess frizz on curly hair. The keratin formulation creates a protein layer on each hair strand thus creating a barrier against humidity.
Humidity is the biggest culprit for frizz formation on all hair types but its effects on curly hair are more. Your hair does have natural keratin which serves the same purposes but years of washing, styling, and chemical treatment can reduce it. Keratin treatments replenish it and make your curly hair structure smoother and more controlled even in humid climates.
Softer Curly Patterns
Keratin treatments infuse keratin proteins into curly hair to relax and soften tight and soften coarse structures. Your rigid and unwieldy curls end up more defined and manageable especially if you plan to style them at a professional salon immediately after. The treatment does not interfere with the hair’s natural texture or movement.
Straight Hair and A More Polished Look
High heat application in the keratin treatment process helps break down natural bonds in curly hair to create a straighter and more polished look. This does mean getting rid of the curls entirely; it helps you create a sleeker look that is long-lasting and appears salon-styled. It is an alternative method if you have curly hair and crave a more professional hairstyle.
Healthier and Fuller Hair
One of the main benefits of regular keratin treatment is to keep curly hair healthy and fuller. The products used in keratin treatments replenish your hair’s healthy protein structure. Remember hair can lose its natural proteins through regular blow drying, environmental damage, and chemical treatment. Regular treatment for curly hair improves its elasticity and creates a fuller, more voluminous appearance.
Finer Hair Easier for Blow Drying
Lastly, if you like to blow dry your curly hair, you need to keratin-treat it from time to time. Keratin treatment creates a smoothing effect and relaxes tough curl patterns for a more uniform hair structure. Generally, any professional hair stylist will tell you that keratin-treated hair is easier to style with a blow dryer.
5 Key Steps for Keratin-Treating Curly Hair
Most people prefer to get their keratin treatments at a professional salon because they have a wider array of keratin products. The process usually involves these steps:
Consultation
Meet a professional hair stylist and let them assess your hair and decide what keratin products will work for you. They will also help you decide when to do the treatment and additional steps to take to prepare.
Cleaning Your Hair
Before treating your hair, the stylist will need to clean your hair a couple of times using special shampoo to remove dirt, residue, and oils. It is a deep cleaning process that will allow the keratin to penetrate your curly hair.
Applying Keratin Formulation
After the deep cleaning, your stylist will go ahead and apply the special keratin formulation or product to your hair starting at the roots. They will ensure every strand and section is covered with the product and in a uniform way,
Sealing with Heat
After applying the keratin products, the stylist will go ahead and use a temperature iron to seal the formulation to your hair cuticle. Heat helps the proteins to bond with your hair and create a smooth protective layer.
Post Keratin Treatment
As a last step, your stylist might advise you on how to take care of your treated hair or ask you to come back for follow-up treatment and styling.
Some Tips to get the most out of keratin treatments for curly hair
Ensure the stylist uses sulfate-free and sodium-chloride-free keratin hair products. This will ensure your treatment is more effective.
Use keratin shampoo to wash your hair after a keratin treatment
Don’t tie your hair after treatment as it can create creases. You can start tying it after three days.
In conclusion
Keratin treatment for curly hair is an effective method of improving your hair structure and keeping it healthy. Your hair is always exposed to the elements which damage it so you need to treat it from time to time. Remember to consult a professional hair stylist for the best results when keratin-treating curly hair.