If you don’t know by now (no shame, we’re here to educate), Keratin smoothing treatment is a process that involves applying a keratin-based solution to the hair to create a protective coating. This coating helps to reduce frizz, add shine, and make the hair more manageable. The treatment can also improve the overall health and appearance of the hair by strengthening and smoothing it.
What is Keratin Smoothing Treatment?
Keratin treatment is beneficial for several reasons. The primary advantage lies in its ability to strengthen and smooth the hair by heat sealing it with a protective layer of keratin protein. This protein is a natural component of human hair, so the treatment helps to replenish and repair damaged hair strands, due to chemical colouring, excessive hot tool usage, or daily wear and tear. By creating a protective barrier around each hair strand, the treatment effectively reduces frizz, making the hair more manageable and less prone to static and tangling.
By fortifying the hair's structure, the treatment can improve its elasticity, reducing the likelihood of breakage and split ends. This results in hair that not only looks smoother and shinier but also feels stronger and more resilient.
Should You Prepare For Keratin Treatment?
Yes, preparing your hair before a keratin treatment can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure the best possible results.
Colour Your Hair Prior to Keratin
While both colouring and keratin treatments involve chemicals, doing them in the right order minimizes the damage. A keratin treatment works by sealing the hair cuticles shut. Applying colour before the treatment ensures that the colour is locked into your hair, resulting in a more vibrant and long-lasting colour. If your keratin treatment is done before your next colour appointment, you will have to wait upward of 2 weeks due to the chemical reaction.
Clear Your Schedule
The process for keratin is lengthy, starting with washing and blow drying your hair, followed by taking small sections of hair to apply the solution, then sitting for a period of time while the solution penetrates your hair, then passing a flat iron through small sections of hair, a few times, depending on your hair density. The average appointment time is around 4 hours, so if you have thick, long, or coarse hair, expect your appointment to be a long one.
Check The Weather & Plan Accordingly
The nature of the treatment doesn’t allow your hair to get wet, or to be tied up after the treatment for up to 3 days. The first 72 hours after the treatment are critical for allowing the keratin to bond properly with your hair. If the hair gets wet during this period, it can interfere with the bonding process, potentially leading to uneven results or reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.
How To Care After Keratin Treatment
Caring for your smoothing treatment is essential to prolong the benefits, and maintain the longevity of your hair's smoothness and shine. Here are the most important steps to follow post treatment:
Keep Hair Dry And Straight
Expect your hair to be flat, and pin straight after the treatment. The appearance of your hair can be quite different from your usual style, and it’s crucial not to bend, tuck, or style your hair in any way during this initial period. This helps ensure that the keratin treatment sets properly and fully absorbs into your hair. This means during these three days, avoid getting your hair wet, including keeping it safe from rain, sweat, and even high humidity. Any moisture can interfere with the treatment and potentially diminish its effectiveness.
Use Only Keratin Safe Shampoo (No Sulfates)
Sulfates have the tendency to strip away natural oils and any treatments from the hair shaft. This includes the keratin treatment, which relies on these oils to maintain the smooth and straight texture it imparts to your hair. When you use shampoos containing sulfates, they can effectively strip this keratin coating away, reducing the longevity and effectiveness of the treatment. By using a sulfate-free shampoo, you help to maintain the keratin coating on your hair for a longer period. Sulfate-free products are formulated to cleanse your hair without the harsh detergents that compromise the keratin treatment. This ensures that the benefits of the treatment last their full intended lifespan, keeping your hair sleek, smooth, and manageable for a more extended time.
Avoid Salt Water
You should avoid salt water for at least two weeks after a keratin treatment. Salt water causes hair to swell, opening the cuticles that can strip away the keratin coating and reduce the longevity of the treatment (hence sulfate free shampoos). By steering clear of salt water during this two-week period, you allow the keratin to fully bond with your hair. This precaution helps ensure that the results of the treatment remain optimal.
Invest In Silk Pillowcases
Silk pillowcases help to reduce friction, which can decrease the likelihood of hair breakage and maintain the smooth texture provided by the keratin treatment. Silk is less absorbent than cotton, helping to retain the natural oils in your hair and keeping it hydrated and shiny. This can be particularly useful in extending the longevity of the keratin treatment, as it ensures less moisture loss and less disruption to the keratin layer.
Takeaway
The key to growing strong and healthy hair lies in dedicating time and effort to proper care and maintenance. By adopting these practices, you'll keep your hair vibrant, manageable, and frizz-free well beyond your keratin treatment.