Introduction to Keratin Treatment
What is Keratin?
Keratin is a structural protein naturally found in hair, skin, and nails. It provides strength and resilience to hair strands, making them less prone to breakage. Over time, factors like heat styling, pollution, and chemical treatments can deplete keratin, leading to frizz, dryness, and dullness.
What is a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment is a semi-permanent hair straightening and smoothing procedure that infuses keratin back into the hair. This treatment restores lost protein, reduces frizz, and makes hair shinier and easier to manage. Unlike rebonding or chemical straightening, keratin treatments focus on smoothness rather than permanent straightening, preserving some natural texture.
Benefits of Keratin Treatment
1. Smoother and Shinier Hair
Keratin treatments tame unruly locks, leaving hair sleek and polished. The shine is undeniable, giving your hair a healthy, glossy finish.
2. Frizz Reduction
If humidity is your worst enemy, keratin treatments can save the day. They significantly reduce frizz, making your hair more manageable in all weather conditions.
3. Easier Styling
With keratin-treated hair, you can cut your styling time in half. Blow-drying becomes quicker, and you can often skip the flat iron altogether.
4. Long-Lasting Results
Depending on the type of treatment and aftercare, results can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
5. Suitable for All Hair Types
Whether your hair is curly, wavy, straight, or chemically treated, keratin treatments can work for you.
1. Brazilian Blowout
- What It Is: The Brazilian Blowout is a versatile keratin treatment that smoothens the hair while retaining some natural volume and movement.
- Ideal For: Individuals who want frizz control without completely straightening their hair.
- Key Features:
- Customizable results (straight or wavy finish).
- Short application time compared to other treatments.
- Wash your hair the same day.
2. Soft Keratin Treatment
- What It Is: A gentler treatment, ideal for those with fine, delicate, or thin hair.
- Ideal For: Individuals looking for a natural, lightweight finish without weighing down their hair.
- Key Features:
- Less heat exposure during the process.
- Results are subtle, focusing on softening texture and reducing frizz.
3. Express Keratin Treatment
- What It Is: A quick version of the traditional keratin treatment, offering shorter application time and results lasting 6-8 weeks.
- Ideal For: Those seeking short-term results or trying keratin for the first time.
- Key Features:
- Faster application process.
- Affordable compared to long-term treatments.
4. Formaldehyde-Free Keratin Treatment
- What It Is: An alternative for those avoiding formaldehyde, known for its health risks.
- Ideal For: Pregnant individuals, people with sensitive scalps, or those prioritizing safety.
- Key Features:
- Uses glyoxylic acid or other natural compounds.
- Results may not last as long as treatments with formaldehyde.
5. Japanese Keratin Treatment
- What It Is: A hybrid treatment combining keratin with Japanese straightening techniques for long-lasting, pin-straight hair.
- Ideal For: Those with extremely curly or unruly hair seeking a sleek, straight look.
- Key Features:
- Permanent results until regrowth.
- Requires careful maintenance to avoid over-processing.
Who Should Consider a Keratin Treatment?
1. Frizzy or Unruly Hair
- Individuals with persistent frizz or flyaways, especially in humid climates, will benefit greatly from a keratin treatment.
2. Curly or Wavy Hair
- If you want to reduce curl patterns without completely straightening your hair, keratin treatments offer a great middle ground.
3. Chemically Treated or Damaged Hair
- Keratin can help repair the damage caused by coloring, bleaching, or chemical straightening by replenishing lost protein.
4. Busy Lifestyles
- Those looking to reduce their daily styling time will appreciate the low-maintenance nature of keratin-treated hair.
How is a Keratin Treatment Done?
Here’s a detailed look at the professional process of getting a keratin treatment:
Step 1: Hair Preparation
- Wash the hair 1 to 3 times with a gentle shampoo free of conditioning agents or coating properties. Ensure the hair is completely clean.
Step 2: Drying the Hair
- Dry the hair thoroughly using a hairdryer.
- For curly hair, use a blow-dry technique to ensure the hair is 100% dry.
Step 3: Application of the Treatment
- Shake the product bottle well before use.
- Divide the hair into sections, then use a brush and comb to apply the treatment evenly to small sections (approximately finger-width), maintaining a 1 cm distance from the roots.
- Leave the product on the hair for 45 min. to 90 min. to activate.
Step 4: Rinsing and Drying
- Gently rinse the hair with water to remove excess and all visible products while ensuring the treatment is not completely stripped off.
- Blow-dry the hair 95%-100%, using a paddle brush to maintain straight motion.
Step 5: Flat Ironing
- Straighten the hair with a high-quality titanium-plated flat iron.
- Hair Type: Thick, Curly, Wavy, Coarse, Virgin, Heena, Dye.
- Iron Temperature: 210°C to 230°C
- Iron Each Section 10-15 times.
- Hair Type: Coloured, Highlighted, Rebonded, Normal to Wavy
- Iron Temperature: 190°C to 210°C
- Iron Each Section: 10 – 12 times.
- Hair Type: Over Processed, Over Prelight, Burn.
- Iron Temperature: 150°C to 170°C
- Iron Each Section: 8 to 10 times (light Pressure)
Step 6: Final Rinse and Aftercare
- Allow the hair to cool completely before rinsing with water.
- Apply a hair mask to nourish the hair. Use a mild shampoo if necessary.
- Finish with a high-quality hair serum for added shine and protection.
Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance
Proper aftercare is essential to maximize the longevity and effectiveness of your keratin treatment.
Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners: Harsh sulfates can strip keratin, reducing the treatment’s lifespan.
Minimize Washing: The less frequently you wash your hair, the longer the results will last.
Protect Hair: Use a silk pillowcase and avoid excessive heat styling.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last?
The longevity of a keratin treatment depends on several factors:
1. Typical Duration
- Results last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the treatment type.
2. Factors That Affect Longevity
- Frequency of Washing: The more you wash your hair, the faster the keratin fades.
- Hair Type: Coarser or thicker hair may retain keratin longer.
- Aftercare Routine: Using the right products and minimizing harsh treatments extend results.
Keratin vs. Other Hair Treatments
1. Keratin vs. Rebonding
- Keratin Treatment: Smoothens and tames frizz while retaining some natural texture.
- Rebonding: Chemically straightens hair permanently but can leave it flat and less natural-looking.
2. Keratin vs. Hair Smoothening
- Keratin Treatment: Protein-based, focused on repairing and protecting hair.
- Smoothening: Uses chemicals to straighten and reduce volume but may be harsher.
3. Keratin vs. Hair Botox
- Keratin Treatment: Provides smoothing and shine but uses chemicals for sealing.
- Hair Botox: Focuses on deep conditioning and hydration without formaldehyde.
Conclusion
Keratin treatments offer a fantastic way to transform frizzy, unmanageable hair into smooth, shiny locks. Whether you’re looking for a long-term solution to frizz or simply want an easier styling routine, a keratin treatment could be the perfect option. However, choosing the right type, following proper aftercare, and understanding the potential risks are crucial for getting the best results.
Invest in your hair—it’s the crown you never take off!
At Herb Elementz, we are a leading manufacturer of innovative hair care products. Our mission is to offer high-quality, effective, and sustainable products that meet the highest quality standards. If you’re interested in developing hair care products, kindly contact us to explore how we can help you bring your vision to life. Our team of experts is committed to helping you create customized products that reflect your brand identity and meet your customers’ needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it smoothens curls without completely straightening them, maintaining a natural look.
Keratin treatment results can last up to 3-6 months, depending on hair type and maintenance.
Yes, keratin treatment is safe for color-treated hair and can even help protect the color.
Keratin treatment can relax curls, but it’s less likely to affect natural curl patterns than other hair straightening treatments.
Yes, keratin treatment is particularly beneficial for damaged hair, as it repairs and restores the hair’s natural structure and health.
Keratin treatment is suitable for most hair types, including curly, wavy, straight, and color-treated hair. However, it’s essential to consult with a professional stylist to determine the best course of treatment for individual hair needs and preferences.
