Hair has always been a subject of envy and admiration throughout the world. Having beautiful hair is a boon bestowed upon a lucky few.
While the rest of us struggle with our hair every single day, the chosen few walk the earth, unaffected, swishing their perfect hair and making us green with jealously.
Having said that, it’s high time we do something to our hair. For once, let’s ditch the home remedies and rely on science.
With amazing developments in the beauty industry came another revolutionary procedure for hair, the Keratin treatment.
With a large number of success rate and a huge clientele, this treatment has certainly built itself a loyal fan following.
Want to try this too? Read on further to know why and how it can transform your hair into the silky waterfall you’ve always wanted.
What is Keratin?
Keratin is the major protein which is naturally present in our hair. Not only does the hair contain Keratin, it is also majorly comprised of keratin-associated proteins. It acts as an external protective and internal structural protein to protect your hair and keep them healthy. Due to exposure to external factors like the sun, pollution or chemicals, or changes in your lifestyle, the keratin present in the hair gets depleted. This loss is what leads to dry, damaged and dull hair.
What does a Keratin treatment do? During a keratin treatment, keratin is artificially added to the hair to make it look smooth, shiny and frizz free, thereby making it very popular among women and men. Such treatments fill in the porous spots in your hair which materialized due to loss of keratin. These overly-porous hair cause frizz, tangles and breakage. A keratin treatment is basically rebuilding the hair by putting back the lost protein into your strands.
What to expect from a keratin treatment?
This treatment results in silky smooth hair which gradually fades out after a few months. Keratin treatment is unlike the straightening/rebonding process. Your hair will neither be flattened out completely, devoid of any volume, nor will it make your roots grow in curly and your ends sleek. The ingredient Keratin is basically like a super strong deep conditioner.
The results of the treatment also vary from one person to another. It’s essentially rebuilding those parts of the hair which have been damaged. Shiny, less frizzy and easy to manage hair are some benefits you can expect post-treatment. Someone with extremely curly hair might end up with less curly and mildly straight ringlets. On the other hand, a person with wavy hair would end up with straight and polished hair. The effects of the treatment are going to be different for everyone so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get the stick straight hair you were looking for. A keratin treatment is more about manageable, smooth, fuss-free hair with a salon worthy blow-dry look and less about stick straight, unnatural looking hair.
Pre-treatment
Before you head out to the salon, check whether a keratin treatment would be suitable to your hair. Just because your best friend loved it, doesn’t mean it’s going to suit you too. According to leading hairstylists, hair with curly or frizzy textures are best suited to undergo a keratin treatment. On the other hand, fine and moderately straight hair should avoid the treatment altogether.
Another important point before undergoing the treatment is consulting your hairstylist. It’s a good idea to choose a trusted and experienced hairstylist for your hair. A consultation with the stylist would ensure you get the formula best suited for your hair. This is essential as every keratin treatment isn’t created equally. Also, reading about the treatment beforehand would help as it will give you a good idea about what to expect. Don’t forget to inquire about the price as it varies according to the length of the hair.
The Procedure
Pick a day when you’re free and have ample amount of time to spare because this is one lengthy treatment. The treatment lasts for approximately three hours and consist of the following steps.
Hair wash (Shampoo but not conditioner)
Blow-dry to remove all the moisture
Application of Keratin solution
Hair is left to set
Another round of blow-dry
Followed by a flat-iron to help seal in the solution
All done!
The end result would be smooth, shiny, manageable hair which will last you at least three months with a proper hair care regime. Although this treatment doesn’t have any proven side-effects, its use of formaldehyde has come under the scanner. The chemical has been used in manufacturing of various household products and definitely not considered too safe. Because of this, mild irritation or infection can be caused to the skin and eyes. That’s why, it’s extremely important that the procedure is performed by a trained hairstylist.
Post-treatment
After the treatment, it is recommended to invest in a good dry shampoo as you’re not allowed to wash your hair or tie them back with a rubber band for at least 48 hours. Although your hair becomes more manageable post-treatment, there won’t be a significant change to your hair care regime. You’ll still be required to put in extra effort to take care of your hair. Stylists usually advise sulfate free formula for your shampoo. This would ensure longevity as the shampoo won’t counteract the treatment. Consult your hairdresser about after-care products to maintain your silky smooth hair for a longer period of time.
Is it different from smoothening/rebonding?
In Keratin treatment, the structure of hair is not chemically altered, but hair is made shiner and manageable. And, when it comes to smoothening and rebonding, the treatment changes the composition of hair and make the tresses sleeker. The result also varies as keratin ritual gives you a natural look s compared to rebonding.
What is the cost of Keratin treatment?
The cost of this hair treatment depends on length, texture and thickness of the hair. It also varies on what brand and product will be used for the treatment at different salons. Ideally, it’s less for short length hair and the prices range increases for longer hair.
