Keratin treatments can be good for the hair. When done properly, a keratin treatment won’t damage your hair, rather your strands will appear shinier, healthier and less frizzy. The treatment will fade over time and the chemicals used on the hair are less harsh than those in a relaxer or a Japanese straightening treatment.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Keratin Hair Treatment?
If your hair is significantly damaged or very fine in texture, the process of a keratin treatment is lengthy and involves sealing the hair with the chemical formula and using heat to lock in the mixture, which can be damaging if your hair is already vulnerable. Repeated keratin treatments can also pose a threat to the integrity of your hair so space out your treatments every four to six months if possible.
As we mentioned before, many keratin treatments have a formaldehyde-based formula. According to research by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, in some cases unacceptably high concentrations of formaldehyde might be used in these treatments, which can be damaging to your strands. Additionally, formaldehyde is a carcinogen and poses a threat when it’s inhaled, according to the NCBI.
So again, it’s super important that you do your research and work with a professional who knows what they’re doing, and that includes having a space with proper ventilation or opting for a formaldehyde-free formula.
Can You Do a Keratin Treatment at Home?
While there are at-home keratin treatment kits on the market and you may save yourself some money, we strongly advise against attempting to chemically straighten your strands at home. Since keratin hair straightening involves restructuring your hair’s natural bonds, your best bet is to go to a professional. You’ll also want to keep in mind that the formulas in at-home kits aren’t as potent as those used in the salon, so the results won’t be salon-quality.
How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last?
The amount of time your keratin treatment lasts depends on how well you care for it. Typically, you can expect this type of hair treatment to last for up to six months but it’s also worth noting that as your hair grows out, your roots will no longer be treated. How fast your hair grows can definitely play a role in the lasting potential of your keratin treatment, especially if you rely on it to tame wavy or curly hair texture.
How to Take Care of Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment?
Any time you apply strong chemicals to your hair, whether it be when you dye your hair with permanent hair color or when you receive a keratin treatment, it's incredibly important to take extra steps in your hair care routine to keep your strands looking healthy after the fact. This includes switching out your regular shampoo and conditioner and using a system that includes a hair mask and a leave-in product on the regular.
Via: Lorealparisusa.com
