As someone who has struggled with frizzy, unmanageable hair for years, you can attest to the transformative power of keratin.
This protein treatment has become increasingly popular over the years, and for a good reason - it can completely revolutionize the look and feel of your hair.
In this article, we'll dive into what keratin is, what a keratin treatment entails, the benefits of keratin for hair, and everything else you need to know about this game-changing hair treatment.
What is Keratin?
Keratin is a protein naturally found in our hair, skin, and nails. It's a crucial component of our hair's structure, providing strength and resilience to each strand. However, heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors can cause our hair to lose keratin over time. This can lead to dryness, breakage, and an overall lackluster appearance.
What is a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment is a salon service that involves applying a keratin-infused formula to the hair. The procedure is typically left on the hair before being blow-dried and straightened with a flat iron. The heat from the flat iron helps seal the keratin into the hair, making it smoother, shinier, and more manageable.
Benefits of Keratin for Hair
The benefits of a keratin treatment are numerous. For starters, it can dramatically reduce frizz, making it a godsend for those with curly or wavy hair. It can also make hair more manageable, reducing styling time and making it easier to achieve a sleek, polished look. Keratin can help to strengthen hair, making it less prone to breakage and split ends.
The biggest benefit of keratin is how it can transform your hair's texture and appearance. After a keratin treatment, hair looks and feels smoother, shinier, and more lustrous. It can take years off your hair, making it look healthier and more youthful.
What Does Keratin Do for Hair?
Keratin fills in gaps in the hair shaft, which can occur due to damage or wear and tear. This helps smooth the hair, making it less prone to tangling and frizz.
Keratin can help to coat the hair, providing a protective barrier against heat styling, UV rays, and other environmental stressors.
Keratin can also help repair hair damage, such as split ends and breakage. Strengthening the hair from the inside out can help prevent further damage and keep hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Different Types of Keratin Treatments
Several types of keratin treatments are available, each with its unique benefits. Some of the most popular types include:
- Traditional Keratin Treatment: This is the original keratin treatment known for its ability to transform the hair completely. It typically lasts several months and can require a bit of downtime (you'll need to avoid washing or styling your hair for a few days after the treatment).
- Express Keratin Treatment: This treatment is a faster, more affordable alternative to the traditional keratin treatment. It typically lasts 4-6 weeks and doesn't require downtime.
- Formaldehyde-Free Keratin Treatment: Formaldehyde is a controversial ingredient sometimes used in keratin treatments. This type of treatment uses a formaldehyde-free formula, making it a safer option for those concerned about exposure to this potentially harmful chemical.
Best Keratin Treatments on the Market
Countless keratin treatments are available on the market, each with its unique formula and benefits. Some of the most popular and highly-rated treatments include:
- Brazilian Blowout: This is one of the most well-known keratin treatments on the market. It's known for its ability to completely transform even the most unruly hair, leaving it smooth, shiny, and easy to manage.
- Keratin Complex: This brand offers various keratin treatments, each with its unique formula and benefits. Their treatments are known for strengthening and smoothing hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthier than ever.
- Cezanne: This formaldehyde-free treatment is an excellent option for those concerned about exposure to harsh chemicals. It's known for reducing frizz and making hair more manageable without compromising on safety or effectiveness.
Does Keratin Treatment Damage Hair?
One of the biggest concerns people have about keratin treatments is whether or not they can damage hair.
While there is always some risk of damage with any chemical treatment, a well-done keratin treatment should not cause any harm to the hair.
Many people find that keratin treatments can help repair damage and improve the overall health of their hair.
That being said, choosing a reputable salon and stylist when getting a keratin treatment is important.
A poorly-done treatment can cause damage to the hair, so it's important to do your research and choose a salon with experience with keratin treatments.
Is Keratin Treatment Good for Hair?
Keratin treatments can be an excellent choice for those looking to improve the look and feel of their hair. While they may not be right for everyone, they can be a game-changer for those with frizzy, unmanageable hair. A well-done keratin treatment can leave hair looking and feeling smoother, shinier, and more lustrous than ever before.
Keratin Treatment Aftercare and Maintenance
After getting a keratin treatment, it's important to take proper care of your hair to ensure the results last as long as possible. This may include using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, avoiding heat styling as much as possible, and getting regular touch-ups.
Your stylist can provide you with more specific aftercare instructions based on the type of treatment you received.
Other Keratin Hair Products and Their Benefits
In addition to keratin treatments, a variety of other keratin-infused hair products are available on the market. These products can help maintain the results of a keratin treatment, or provide some of the benefits of keratin without needing a salon visit. Some popular keratin hair products include:
- Keratin-infused shampoo and conditioner: These products can help to maintain the results of a keratin treatment, and keep hair looking and feeling smooth and healthy.
- Keratin hair masks: These deep conditioning treatments can help repair damage and strengthen hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthier.
- Keratin leave-in treatments: These products can help to reduce frizz and make hair more manageable, while also providing added protection against environmental stressors.
Keratin vs Other Hair Treatments
While keratin treatments are a popular choice for those looking to improve the look and feel of their hair, they're not the only option out there. Other popular hair treatments include:
- Olaplex: This treatment is designed to repair and strengthen hair, particularly after chemical treatments like coloring or bleaching.
- Japanese straightening: This treatment permanently straightens hair and can be a good option for those with curly or unruly hair.
- Perms: A perm may be a good option for those looking to add curls or waves to their hair.
Ultimately, the best hair treatment for you will depend on your hair type, concerns, and desired results. It's always a good idea to consult with a stylist before deciding.
Conclusion
If you're looking to transform the look and feel of your hair, a keratin treatment may be just what you need. This protein treatment can help reduce frizz, improve manageability, and leave hair looking and feeling smoother and shinier than ever. Whether you opt for a traditional keratin treatment, an express treatment, or a formaldehyde-free option, the results can be truly transformative.