Keratin hair treatments are an innovative professional chemical solution for straightening and smoothing the locks, leaving them silky-smooth and luxuriously beautiful. Ideal for all hair types.

Keratin treatments differ from traditional relaxers and Japanese straightening in that they do not contain formaldehyde; thus causing less damage to your hair while creating straighter locks.

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a fibrous protein found in your hair, nails and the outer layer of your skin. Additionally, it’s found in horns, hooves and shells as well as internal organs and is extremely tough, making it the go-to material for fingernails and toenails, beaks and feathers.

Your body produces keratin through proteins and vitamins such as biotin and vitamin A. But, if your diet lacks sufficient amounts of these essential nutrients or you suffer from conditions which interfere with its production, hair and nails could become dry and brittle over time.

Steinmetz noted that both in-salon and at-home keratin treatments (in salon or at home) work best on dry or damaged hair, leaving it looking shiny and smooth while reducing frizz – although its results can only be temporary. Many in-salon keratin treatments use chemicals and heat to straighten and smooth your locks – however these could potentially harm fragile strands, so Steinmetz advised sticking to products infused with keratin that won’t expose it to potential chemicals and heat exposure like in an in-salon treatment would.

Benefits of Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments can make your hair appear healthier as smooth strands reflect more light, making your locks shinier and easier to style. But it is essential that you consult with your stylist regarding which treatment would best fit your specific hair type.

Keratin works to reduce frizz and flyaways by smoothing down the cells that overlap to form your hair strands, making your locks appear thicker while sealing out humidity and mitigating damage caused by heat styling or chemicals such as dyes or bleaches.

At-home formulas may fade more rapidly; to prolong their effects for as long as possible it is recommended that after receiving in-salon keratin smoothing treatments you wash your hair less frequently (two or three times weekly) in order to protect them.

Many in-salon keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, which may lead to dryness and breakage of your hair. To protect yourself, seek out salons using formaldehyde-free formulas or ask your stylist to use non-formaldehyde products instead.

Costs of Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments can be costly; they can range anywhere from $200-$400+ depending on the salon and products used, plus any additional services needed like shampooing to achieve optimal results.

An effective keratin treatment typically starts by shampooing with a clarifying shampoo, then applying small sections of keratin product directly onto individual strands, before blow-drying and flat ironing to seal it in. The whole process usually lasts from two to four hours.

Keratin treatments can give the hair a smooth, shiny and frizz-free finish, as well as reduce styling time due to being easier to manage. They may even find that they no longer need to heat style their locks as frequently, reducing damage from repeated exposure to harsh chemicals and heat styling; the lasting results could last for 12 weeks or longer!

How to Get Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments are an excellent way to give your hair an overall more polished and luxurious appearance, eliminating frizz as well. Plus, this process may reduce styling time each day–some may even find they no longer need heat-styling tools at all!

If you’re considering getting a keratin treatment, it’s essential that you discuss it with your stylist in order to select the most effective options for your hair type and texture. At-home treatments may also be used instead of visiting a salon regularly but should only be done so occasionally as this could damage the hair. Furthermore, as some at-home keratin treatments contain formaldehyde gas emissions should also be monitored carefully if used at home or used in an unventilated space.

Use of sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner can extend the effects of your keratin treatment, as well as refraining from frequent swimming and excessive sweating.