The keratin hair treatment, commonly known as the Brazilian keratin treatment or a Brazilian blowout, has been gaining popularity despite its high cost and lengthy procedure because it can produce silky-straight hair with significant lasting power.
“The keratin treatment is the first thing I recommend when people ask me about the best tools or items I have ever used or experienced. For anyone looking to control or smooth down frizzy, curly, or wavy hair, it is a dream come true, according to hairstylist and Charles Ifergan Salon founder Charles Ifergan.
We consulted professionals to help us dissect all the information you require to achieve and maintain this high-luster, low-maintenance look, from initial expenses to aftercare.
A Keratin Hair Treatment: What Is It?
Frizzy or damaged hair can be smoothed and straightened with a keratin hair treatment. The body naturally manufactures keratin, a fibrous protein that serves as a barrier against dampness, which is what causes frizz. Keratin is lost from the hair over time because to many factors such as sun exposure, style, and chemical services. In essence, keratin treatments restore the missing keratin, giving hair a more youthful appearance and feel.
Regarding the procedure itself, Soekoro notes that a hairstylist would usually start a keratin hair treatment by thoroughly cleaning the client’s hair to get rid of any residue that might prevent the formula from fully saturating the hair.
Depending on the type of treatment utilized, the product is applied to either wet or pre-dried hair. While milder, water-based treatments that do not lift color are typically used on processed hair where clients are looking to reduce frizz, acidic treatments, which frequently lift the color shade of the hair and can be drying to the cuticle, are typically used for virgin, non-processed hair where clients are looking for very straight results, he says.
According to Soekoro, water-based treatments are usually applied to dry hair and left in, while acid treatments are usually applied to wet hair and washed off. Finally, to get the desired results for the client, hair is flat-ironed.
What Are The Outcomes?
Experts believe you can usually profit from manageable, lustrous, smooth hair that lasts three to four months with the right procedure and care.
“After the first shampoo, you will notice a difference in the texture of your hair,” adds Metzger. “Then, after about 12 weeks, you will usually notice that some of the frizz has returned and the hair is a little less smooth, at which point you might want to consider doing the treatment again.”
With every shampoo, a small amount of the keratin liquid that is trapped inside the hair is removed. It is possible to prolong the treatment’s effectiveness by using softer formulas and shampooing less frequently, says Ifergan. “On the other hand, a portion of the keratin solution will probably stay in your hair; the cumulative effect of each application is higher.”
For whom is a keratin hair treatment appropriate?
Ifergan states that “those who desire to remove frizziness and lower the volume caused by these elements” would benefit most from a keratin hair treatment.
“I suggest it to customers who wish to de-frizz their hair without sacrificing its inherent curl pattern,” says Pancho Soekoro, the hairdresser and Panca Salon founder. It is excellent for anyone searching for a low-maintenance look or going through the growing phase after getting a terrible haircut.
What Is the Price of a Keratin Treatment?
“The cost of treatments might differ depends on the salon you visit and your location,” says Deaundra Metzger, a celebrity hairstylist and former salon owner in Atlanta. “Treatments often range from $300 to $600.”
Soekoro continues, saying that prices may go down when focusing on specific regions “such the bangs, crown area, facial frame, and so on,” or up if length and thickness are increased.
Is It Possible to Get Rid of Keratin at Home?
Indeed, but do not anticipate salon-caliber outcomes. Additionally, exercise caution when choosing a treatment; just because a treatment contains the word “keratin,” it does not mean that it is a “keratin treatment.” Make sure the product you are using—such as Keratin Research Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatment ($40; amazon.com)—is meant to be used as a true keratin treatment and not just a regular keratin conditioning product. Additionally, bear in mind that benefits from non-professional products will probably fade within a few weeks (while professional treatments can last for several months).
How Should a Keratin Treatment Be Taken Care of?
Metzger suggests avoiding harsh washes in the days before your treatment to maximize the benefits of your therapy because they can strip hair of essential nutrients and cause drying out of the hair. For instance, clarifying shampoos may remove natural oils to provide the appearance of being “squeaky clean.” Additionally, you should refrain from using conditioner for the two days before your treatment because it leaves a covering that could obstruct the keratin treatment.
According to Metzger, you should wait to wash your hair right away or use any hair products after the procedure to give the keratin product time to work.
“If possible, wait three days before shampooing, and use a sulfate-free product. In order to prevent denting, you should also refrain from touching, styling, or using hair accessories. Additionally, you should stay away from products that contain alcohol or salt, since these can dehydrate and breakdown the keratin in your hair, advises Metzger. “Taking proper care of your hair will help you prevent additional damage.”
Additional Things to Think About
To guarantee the best results, like with any hair service, our experts suggest speaking with a licensed hairstylist with specialized training and experience in applying keratin hair treatments, particularly for damaged or treated hair.
According to Ifergan, “very bleached or color-treated hair may demand a milder solution with gentler flat iron usage and lower heat settings.”
For those who are attempting to get pregnant or are already pregnant, Soekoro also suggests against the therapy due to the usage of chemicals, notably formaldehyde. Additionally, the treatment should only be carried out outside, in an area with carbon filtration, or in an atmosphere with a negative pressure exhaust system. If not, the formaldehyde gases may linger in the atmosphere for several hours.