There is a lot of hype about these Keratin treatments, to get straight, smooth and frizz-free hair. And people who have got it claim that straightening, blow drying and managing the hair is much easier for them now. But we also hear things like, they have a lot of harsh chemicals in them and with time they damage the hair. SO here I am with all the facts about Keratin for you to know and decide if you want to go for it or not.
What is keratin hair treatment?
Keratin treatment is a semi-permanent, hair-smoothing, curl-softening professional chemical treatment that makes the hair straighter, shinier and even healthier. The treatments are usually made up of a chemical like formaldehyde (which creates the long-lasting smoothing effect), conditioners, and some keratin (a protein our hair is made of to add strength).
How does a keratin hair treatment differ from Japanese straightening?
The Japanese hair treatment changes the internal structure of your hair, removes all the curls and makes them pin-straight and may damage hair. This doesn’t fight frizz or cut blow dry time in half
On the other hand Keratin hair treatments only last three to six months (depending on your products and lifestyle), they only soften curls, eliminate frizz and can make hair healthier over time.
What does the keratin treatment involve?
Your hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo and blow dried before the treatment to be applied section by section, and combed through the hair. Then, you may sit for a about an hour or so with the treatment on your hair before the stylist blow dries your hair a second time and seals the treatment onto your strands using a flat iron. The whole process takes about 3-4 hours.
Who should opt for keratin and who should not?
If you have curls that you want to loosen, or if you have have frizzy hair that lacks shine, you’re likely a good candidate.
If you are pregnant or have severely damaged hair from too much bleaching, bleached hair that’s super fine, stick straight fine hair or have just slight waves, you should avoid this treatment.
Are these treatments safe?
There is a lot of controversy, that these treatments involve chemicals that can result in cancers like leukemia.
But the amount of chemical that is used in the treatment is safe according to OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) especially when proper protection and ventilation are used. And this is also in regards to the stylists who do a lot of treatments on weekly basis.
Key ingredients: Biformyl, Hydrolyzed Keratin
Average cost: 8k-9k (depending in your hair length)
Results last: 3 to 5 months (depending upon the hair care routine)
Post-care requirements: You must wait 72 hours before washing hair or securing hair in bands or clips. Sodium chloride and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are also recommended.
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