Just like Kylie Jenner’s make-up line, keratin treatments keep trending in the beauty world.
If blowing out your strands feels more like playing tug-of-war, you could benefit from the smoothing results of keratin treatments. “Keratin treatments are the only smoothing treatment that can be customised to achieve sleek and straight results. The benefit is that you can wear your hair both straight or natural if you choose to,” says a Windhoek based stylist. It is also known for significantly reducing drying and styling time for up to 12 weeks.
“First things first, determine if your hair type is right for the service. Curly and frizzy textures will see the most benefits, whereas fine, straight strands should avoid it altogether,” she adds.
In this issue, we take a crash-course on everything you need to know before getting the treatment, and most importantly, how to keep it intact long after your salon appointment.
How do keratin treatments differ from relaxers?
After tresses are cleansed with a clarifying shampoo, the treatment is applied, washed out and then sealed in with the heat of a blow-dryer and flat iron.
Keratins will typically fade out of the hair in three to five months and your texture will return to its natural state. While Relaxers permanently change the bonds of your hair, so in order to see your natural texture, you have to grow out the chemically treated locks.
How can curly textures benefit from keratin?
Most curly hair is naturally drier and, therefore, more susceptible to frizz. Keratin treatments will help combat it while maintaining your curl. The treatments come in different strength. Try the medium-strength or intense smooth version to keep your curl pattern while eliminating frizz.
Can you apply keratin over a relaxer or color?
You can do a keratin treatment over a relaxer as long as the relaxer is non-acidic. There are no negative effects when using keratin on color-treated hair, but you should do it two weeks before, two weeks after or on the same day you color to ensure optimal results.
What are some misconceptions about keratin treatments?
A big one is that they damage the hair. The opposite is true when the process is done correctly, as the keratin will help seal the cuticle and make your tresses look and feel healthier. Damage occurs when stylists improperly flat-iron the hair or choose the wrong formula for their client.
There have also been concerns about the formaldehyde in these treatments. Rather avoid treatments have formaldehyde and rather use natural keratins instead.
Our favorite picks
- Paul Mitchel’s Awapuhi Wild Ginger range is infused with natural keratins. It repairs hair from the inside out and seals damaged strands, while simultaneously balancing moisture for manageable and shiny hair. Watch review
- Amazon series The One treatment restores hydration and shine all while gently softening curl volume. This 30 minute service is formaldehyde free, keratin free, smoke free and uses nature’s valuable AHA solution to give you the hair you’ve always dreamed of. Watch application
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