Have you ever desired for hair that is lustrous, frizz-free, and smooth like it really just left the salon? If so, you might be familiar with the keratin treatment. In recent years, this hair treatment has grown in popularity as a way to control unruly hair and get a smooth, straight appearance. So what is keratin therapy exactly, how does it function, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? In this blog post, we will cover all the details you require to understand keratin treatments.
What is a keratin treatment?
The outermost layer of the hair, skin, and nails is made up of a protein called keratin. Keratin treatment is a hair straightening and smoothing treatment that involves applying a keratin-based solution to the hair and then sealing it with heat. The treatment is designed to penetrate the hair shaft and infuse the hair with keratin, which helps to repair and strengthen damaged hair. It also helps to treat hair that is damaged due to overuse of hair color. The heat is used to seal the keratin into the hair, creating a protective barrier that helps to keep hair looking shiny, smooth, and frizz-free.
Keratin Procedure:
A protein coat (keratin) will be applied to your hair during keratin therapy by your stylist using a combination of potent chemicals. In order to stop moisture from moving in and out of your hair strands, this procedure seals the cuticle, the outside, protective layer, of your hair. Your hair will first receive a rough dry from your hairdresser before being flat ironed to activate and seal the coating. According to the length and thickness of the hair, the complete process could take a few hours. Some salons may also offer a pre-treatment or post-treatment, such as a conditioning mask or a leave-in serum, to help maintain the results.
Key fact: The course of treatment typically lasts three months and lasts one to three hours. It lasts just till your hair grows out, unlike chemical smoothing or hair relaxing.
Advantages of Keratin Treatment:
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Best manages curly hair
When someone with curly hair has a keratin treatment or uses keratin complex based products, they can get a variety of advantages. Curly hair can become brittle and difficult to manage after attempts to straighten it.
Yet, These treatments make curly hair easier to handle. You can choose to get a blowout or hair straightening, or you can just try to release some of your curls. Your hair will be simpler to manage every morning with any choice.
Moreover, These treatments endure longer than alternative techniques like the blowout. The treatment will be more successful as a result because you won’t require additional treatment as quickly.
While a keratin treatment involves using heat, you’ll discover that subsequently, you’ll need to do so less frequently as part of your everyday regimen. This provides additional hair protection because prolonged exposure to direct heat can dry your hair and make it fragile.
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Frizz control
Nobody enjoys frizz. Even the most well-groomed head of hair might appear untidy and knotted due to it. Regrettably, frizz is a common problem, particularly in the winter and windy months and the summer and humid months.
During extended periods of time, frequently up to six months, keratin treatments assist to reduce frizz. You should enquire about the products your hairdresser is using before getting a treatment. Every single one should be made to encourage healthy hair and guard against dryness or brittleness.
Of course, when your hair gets frizz-free, the styling options completely open up. Your hair will be smoother and simpler to manage. Keratin-infused hair products can ease the stress you experience every morning as you strive to untangle your hair if you struggle with frizzy hair.
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Strengthen hair
We frequently go through our hair. Our hair is frequently exposed to damaging elements, whether it be from blow-drying, sunlight, or simply the local temperature. Yet, keratin treatments will strengthen your hair regardless of whether it is curly hair, straight, or natural.
Our hair strands’ attachment to the root is frequently their most fragile section. These hair strands will start to lose their structural integrity and fall out if this link is weak or broken.
With the support of strong proteins, keratin products aid in strengthening these links between your roots and their hair follicles. Your hair will stay healthier for a longer amount of time when this link is strong. Some people also find that their hair grows more quickly than it did before after receiving a treatment.
Drawbacks of Keratin Treatment:
- Keratin treatments use formaldehyde, a chemical found in many products that is harmful and damaging to the scalp and fiber of the hair if used long-term. The acquisition and sale of goods with a significant amount of formaldehyde in their ingredients have been outlawed in various nations. The prolonged use of this type of treatments may cause allergies, skin rashes, or scalp flaking.
- As the straightening treatment is harsh and can damage hair or cause split ends, it is ideal for thick, voluminous hair.
- The procedure is pricey, and it will cost significantly more if you get it done in a beauty parlor. The price may also change based on the kind of treatment you wish to use.
- It is also very time-consuming. This treatment can take several hours to complete, and you may need to take time off work or rearrange your schedule to accommodate the appointment.
- It ends you up with limited Styling Options. While keratin treatment can help to create a sleek, straight look, it can limit your styling options. After the treatment, you may not be able to curl or style your hair as you normally would, as heat styling can undo the effects of the treatment. Therefore, it is essential to consider your styling preferences before getting a treatment.
- Also, it requires maintenance to maintain its results. You may need to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners and avoid swimming in chlorinated water or exposing your hair to excessive heat, which can cause the keratin to break down and your hair to revert to its natural texture.