You've probably heard the buzz around keratin, and for good reason. This powerful protein is the very foundation of your hair. But over time, heat, processing, and even the environment can strip it away, leaving your hair frizzy, weak, and unmanageable. A professional keratin treatment hair service is the ultimate reset button. It works by refilling and sealing each strand, restoring its smooth, strong surface from the inside out. We'll walk you through the science, what to expect at the salon, and how to keep that silky, manageable feeling going long after your appointment.
The key benefits of a keratin treatment:
- Added shine
- Frizz elimination
- Repel humidity
- Improve overall manageability
- Speed up blow-dry, ironing & overall finishing time
To better understand the benefits of keratin treatments, make sure to read our guide below.
What Can a Keratin Treatment Do for Your Hair?
Safeguard Your Natural Curl Pattern
Those with curly hair can receive various benefits when they receive a keratin treatment and use keratin-based products. Curly hair can be difficult to manage and become brittle after attempts to straighten it.
A keratin treatment, though, helps to make curly hair manageable. Depending on your preference, you can simply try to loosen some of your curls or go for a blowout/hair straightening. Either option will make your hair easier to handle each morning.
Keratin treatments also last longer than other methods, such as the blowout. This adds value to the treatment, as you won’t need to return for a new treatment as quickly as you would otherwise.
As a keratin treatment requires heat as part of the process, you’ll find that afterward, you’ll need to apply less heat each day as part of your daily routine. This further helps protect your hair, as extended periods of direct heat can dry out hair and turn it brittle.
Finally Tame Unwanted Frizz
No one likes frizz. It can make the most well-cared-for head of hair look messy and tangled. Unfortunately, frizz is somewhat familiar, especially during cold and windy, or hot and humid seasons.
Keratin treatments help eliminate frizz for long periods, often up to six months.
When receiving a treatment, you should ask your stylist about the products they’re using. Each one should be designed to promote healthy hair and prevent dryness or brittleness.
Of course, once your hair becomes frizz-free, the styling options truly open up. You’ll find your hair sleeker and easier to manage. If you’re struggling with frizzy hair, keratin-infused products can help reduce the stress you face every morning as you try to detangle your hair.
Build Stronger, More Resilient Hair
We put our hair through a lot. Whether it’s blow-drying, sunshine, or just the typical climate of where we live, our hair is often on the receiving end of damaging elements. However, whether you have curly hair, straight hair, or natural hair, you’ll find that keratin treatments add strength to your locks.
Often the weakest part of our hair strands is their connection to the root. When this connection becomes damaged or weak, these strands of hair will begin to lose their structural integrity and fall out.
Keratin treatments and products help strengthen these bonds between your roots and your hair follicles with resilient proteins’ help. When this connection is strong, you’ll find that your hair will remain healthier for longer periods of time. Some people also discover that after a keratin treatment, their hair grows faster than it did previously.
Shield Your Hair from Damage
As these bonds between hair follicles and roots grow stronger, you’ll also find that your hair can withstand our environment’s damaging effects, with hearty durability.
After you receive your keratin treatment or start using keratin products, you’ll find that your hair can keep its shine even in harsh environments. Whether it's smog, wind, or dry heat, your hair will maintain its strength.
Fight Off Winter Hair Woes
The autumn and winter seasons add a variety of obstacles on the daily road to great hair, and it’s rarely addressed. Cold and windy conditions can wreak havoc on your hairstyle, but keratin products and treatments help to protect your hair from the moisture-sucking weather. Even if briefly exposed to light flurries of rain or snow, keratin-treated hair can generally remain frizz-free.
These seasons also bring different fashions to your wardrobe, and with that, unexpected hairstyle impedances. Hats, beanies, and even scarves often crimp and bend hair, ruining your hard-earned daily style once you get back indoors. Keratin treatments will help reduce this as long as you carefully follow any post-treatment care instructed by your treatment specialist.
Speed Up Your Styling Routine
There’s a lot that can go wrong when it comes to blow-drying your hair. The intense heat can damage hair follicles and turn them dry and brittle. From a simple logistics standpoint, the amount of blow drying you do may cause you to wake up earlier and leave for work later.
As keratin strengthens and protects your hair, as well as keeps your hair soft, silky, and manageable, you’ll find that you’ll spend less time each morning blow-drying your hair after your treatment.
How Does a Keratin Hair Treatment Work?
During a keratin treatment, keratin is artificially added to the hair to make it look smooth, shiny, and frizz-free. These treatments fill in the porous spots in your hair, which materialized due to loss of keratin. Overly-porous hair causes frizz, tangles, and breakage.
A keratin treatment is rebuilding the hair by putting back the lost protein into your strands.
The Salon Process Explained
A keratin treatment, sometimes called a Brazilian blowout, is a chemical process you get in a salon to make your hair look smoother and straighter for up to six months. According to Healthline, the treatment involves applying a formula rich in keratin—the same protein naturally found in your hair—and then using heat to seal it into the hair shaft. This process smooths down the overlapping cells of your hair cuticle, which is what gives your hair that glossy, frizz-free finish. It’s a fantastic option if you're looking to reduce daily styling time and finally get control over humidity-induced frizz, leaving your hair much more manageable.
How It Affects Color-Treated Hair
If you color your hair, it’s smart to know how a keratin treatment might interact with your shade. The process can sometimes lighten your hair by one or two levels. To avoid any surprises, it's a good idea to schedule your appointments strategically. Experts at Davines recommend coloring your hair at least two weeks before or two weeks after your keratin treatment to get the best results for both. To keep your color looking fresh after the treatment, using a color-safe, keratin-infused conditioner is key. Our Color Protect Conditioner is formulated to do just that, helping to lock in your shade while extending the smooth, sleek results of your treatment.
How Often Can You Get a Treatment?
While the smooth, shiny results are amazing, you can have too much of a good thing. To protect the health and integrity of your hair, stylists generally recommend getting a full keratin treatment no more than three times a year. Spacing out your appointments helps prevent the hair from becoming over-processed and brittle over time. The secret to making your results last longer is a solid at-home care routine. Using products specifically designed to replenish keratin can help you prolong the smoothness and shine. Incorporating a keratin-infused shampoo and leave-in treatment into your routine helps maintain your hair's protein levels, keeping it strong and manageable between salon visits.
Is a Keratin Treatment Right for You?
Before leaving for your keratin treatment appointment, you should take the proper steps to prepare and understand the process. For instance, some brands of keratin products may contain ingredients that may adversely affect your health. Make sure you thoroughly discuss which products will be used, and how they may affect you.
You should also check the reviews of the salon you’re visiting. If you know people who’ve visited it or have had their own keratin treatment done at that establishment, ask them for their opinion. A keratin treatment changes the texture of your hair, so it’s ideal to choose a salon that specializes in this type of treatment and has the requisite experience to handle a wide variety of hair types.
Who Should Reconsider a Keratin Treatment?
While keratin treatments offer incredible benefits for many hair types, they aren’t a universal solution for everyone. It’s important to consider your personal circumstances before booking an appointment. For example, experts generally agree that keratin treatments are not recommended for pregnant people due to the chemicals involved. If your hair is extremely fine or has significant damage from previous chemical processing, a consultation with a trusted stylist is essential. They can assess your hair's integrity and determine if it can withstand the high heat required for the treatment without causing further breakage. A professional can guide you toward the right service or suggest alternative strengthening routines to get your hair ready first.
Potential Risks and Considerations of Salon Treatments
Going to a salon for a keratin treatment can deliver smooth, manageable hair, but it's wise to be fully informed about the process before you commit. The main point of concern with many traditional salon treatments centers on their chemical formulas. While the goal is to smooth the hair cuticle, some of the ingredients used to achieve that pin-straight, long-lasting effect come with health considerations you should be aware of. Understanding these potential risks allows you to ask your stylist the right questions and make a choice that feels right for you and your health.
Understanding Formaldehyde Exposure
One of the most discussed ingredients in some keratin treatments is formaldehyde. According to health experts, formaldehyde is the chemical that actually makes the hair straighter and locks it into place. However, it is a known carcinogen, and inhaling the fumes can be dangerous. This is a risk for you, but also for the stylists who work with these chemicals daily. It's also important to know that some products marketed as "formaldehyde-free" may contain ingredients like methylene glycol or formalin, which release formaldehyde gas when heated during the flat-ironing stage of the treatment. Always ask your stylist for a detailed ingredient list of the products they plan to use.
Links to Health Concerns
Beyond the immediate risks of chemical exposure, some studies have pointed to potential long-term health concerns associated with the frequent use of chemical hair straighteners. For instance, a 2019 study noted a higher risk of breast cancer among women who used these products frequently. More recently, a 2022 study connected the use of chemical straighteners with a significantly higher risk of uterine cancer. While these studies cover a broad category of straighteners and more research is needed, it's valuable information to have when weighing the pros and cons of repeated chemical treatments over many years.
Other Possible Side Effects
Aside from the more serious health considerations, some people experience other, less severe side effects after a keratin treatment. A common complaint is a strange or musty smell that lingers in the hair for several washes after the service. In some cases, if the treatment is applied incorrectly or if the heat setting on the flat iron is too high for your hair type, it can lead to damage and breakage. This is why choosing an experienced, certified stylist is so important—they have the training to properly apply the treatment and protect the integrity of your hair throughout the process.
The Cost of Professional Keratin Treatments
A professional keratin treatment is an investment in your hair and your time, and the price reflects that. Depending on the salon's location, the stylist's experience level, and the length and thickness of your hair, you can expect the service to have a significant cost. On average, each treatment can cost between $300 and $800, not including a tip for your stylist. Because the results are temporary, lasting anywhere from three to six months, this can become a recurring expense. Understanding the financial commitment upfront helps you decide if it fits your budget or if exploring at-home smoothing systems might be a more suitable path for you.
Aftercare: Making Your Keratin Treatment Last
Once you've invested the time and money into a salon keratin treatment, you’ll want to make the results last as long as possible. Proper aftercare is not just a suggestion; it's essential for maintaining that smooth, frizz-free finish. The way you wash, style, and protect your hair in the weeks and months following your appointment will directly impact the longevity of the treatment. Following a few key rules can mean the difference between enjoying your sleek hair for six months or finding frizz creeping back in after just one.
The First 72 Hours
The first few days after your treatment are the most critical, as the keratin solution is still settling into your hair. Most stylists will advise you to wait three to four days before washing your hair or getting it wet. During this time, you should also avoid tying your hair up with elastic bands, using clips, wearing a hat, or even tucking it behind your ears. Any of these actions can create dents or kinks in your newly straightened hair that can become permanent. It’s best to leave your hair down and straight to ensure the treatment sets perfectly.
Choosing the Right Hair Care Products
The products you use at home are your first line of defense for protecting your treatment. It is absolutely crucial to use shampoos and conditioners that are free of sulfates and sodium chloride. These ingredients are harsh cleansing agents that can strip the keratin coating from your hair, drastically shortening the life of your treatment. Opt for gentle, nourishing formulas designed to replenish moisture and protein. Using a complete system, like our keratin-infused Moisture Collection, ensures that every step of your routine, from washing to conditioning, is working to preserve and enhance your smooth results.
Lifestyle and Washing Habits
Beyond your product choices, a few lifestyle adjustments can also help. To make your treatment last, try to wash your hair less frequently—aim for two to three times a week if possible. The less you wash, the longer the keratin will stay bonded to your hair. If you’re a swimmer, be mindful of chlorine and salt water, as both can quickly degrade the treatment. Before taking a dip, wet your hair with clean water and apply a protective leave-in conditioner. This creates a barrier that prevents the harsh chemicals or salt from penetrating the hair shaft.
Types of Smoothing Treatments
The term "keratin treatment" is often used as a catch-all for various hair smoothing services, but there are differences between them. From intensive, long-lasting salon applications to gentle at-home masks and sprays, the world of smoothing treatments is diverse. The right choice for you depends on your hair type, desired results, budget, and comfort level with the ingredients and process involved. Understanding the landscape of available options will help you have a more productive conversation with your stylist or choose the right products for your at-home routine.
Salon Treatments vs. At-Home Care
The primary difference between smoothing treatments comes down to where they are performed. Salon treatments are applied by a professional, which typically yields the most dramatic and long-lasting results. However, they come with a higher price tag and a longer time commitment. On the other hand, at-home treatments offer convenience and are more affordable. While they may not produce the same pin-straight effect as a powerful salon service, products like our KeratinFIXX 20-in-1 Leave-In can significantly reduce frizz, add shine, and improve manageability without the intensity or cost of a full professional treatment.
Other Professional Straightening Options
In addition to traditional keratin treatments, many salons offer other professional smoothing services. You might hear about options like the Brazilian Blowout or Hair Botox, which are all designed to deeply nourish and smooth the hair cuticle. Each service uses a slightly different formulation and process to achieve its results. For example, a Brazilian Blowout often allows you to wash your hair sooner than a traditional keratin treatment, while Hair Botox is typically a deep-conditioning treatment aimed more at repair than aggressive straightening. The ideal way to decide is to consult with an experienced stylist who can analyze your hair and recommend the service best suited to your specific needs and goals.
Finding At-Home Keratin Hair Products
Keratherapy offers a diverse line of keratin-infused products that are perfect for those who want to add keratin to their hair without undergoing full treatment. Our lineup of products includes shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, creams, and styling foams.
To find out which product is best for you, take our online hair quiz. By answering a few questions, we can help get you on your way to stronger, healthier, more manageable hair.
Featured Image: Dmitriy Rybin / Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a keratin treatment make my curly hair permanently straight? Not necessarily. A keratin treatment is versatile; it can be used to achieve a straighter, smoother look, but it can also simply loosen your natural curl pattern to make it more manageable and less frizzy. Unlike a permanent chemical straightener, the effects are temporary and will gradually fade over several months, allowing your natural texture to return.
How can I make the results of my salon treatment last as long as possible? Proper aftercare is everything. The most important step is to switch to a shampoo and conditioner that are free of sulfates and sodium chloride, as these ingredients can strip the treatment from your hair. It also helps to wash your hair less frequently, maybe two or three times a week. Finally, if you swim, protect your hair from chlorine and salt water by wetting it and applying a leave-in conditioner beforehand.
Are keratin treatments safe, especially with the concerns about formaldehyde? It's smart to be informed about what's being used on your hair. Some traditional keratin treatments use formulas that contain formaldehyde or ingredients that release it when heated, which can pose health risks. The best approach is to have an open conversation with your stylist. Ask about the specific products they use, request an ingredient list, and ensure the salon is well-ventilated.
I color my hair. When is the right time to get a keratin treatment? Timing is important for getting the best results for both your color and your treatment. Because the keratin process can sometimes lighten your hair shade slightly, the general rule is to schedule your appointments about two weeks apart. You can either color your hair at least two weeks before your keratin service or wait until two weeks after.
What's the difference between a professional salon treatment and using keratin products at home? A professional salon treatment is an intensive service that uses chemicals and heat to smooth the hair cuticle for dramatic, semi-permanent results that last for months. At-home keratin products, like our shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments, are designed for daily maintenance. They replenish protein, fight frizz, and add shine, making them perfect for extending the life of a salon service or simply improving your hair's health and manageability on your own.
Key Takeaways
- Restore Hair for Lasting Smoothness: A professional keratin treatment infuses protein back into porous hair strands, which smooths the cuticle to fight frizz, repel humidity, and make your daily styling routine much faster.
- Protect Your Results with Proper Aftercare: To make your treatment last for months, it's essential to use sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free hair products. Washing your hair less frequently and protecting it from chlorine and salt water will also preserve the effects.
- Strengthen Hair with At-Home Products: You can get the smoothing, strengthening benefits of keratin without a full salon service. Incorporating keratin-infused leave-in treatments, shampoos, and conditioners into your regular routine helps maintain your hair's health and manageability.