Everything Important to Know About Keratin Hair Treatments

Keratin—the protein that fortifies hair to forestall breakage, danger from extreme heat, and frizz—is essentially significant for keeping up solid and sound hair. The best of Keratin treatments being given by an expert hairstylist, in a hair salon, is often regarded as a hallmark way to reap full benefits.

However, there are still some technical things or two which everyone must need to know about a Keratin treatment. To get the breakdown of all about keratin treatments, we sourced NatureLab Tokyo’s brand ambassador Andrew Fitzsimons and celebrity hairstylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor. Here's the beginning and end you need to know from the renowned authorities on the Keratin subject.

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a primary protein found in our hair, skin, and nails. It's additionally found in hair care items to help fortify hair—however, the term keratin treatment is a misnomer:

"Keratin treatments are a semi-permanent hair straightening treatment that soothes and adds shine to frizzy hair," mentions Fitzsimons.

To make hair smoother and straighter, a fix containing a formaldehyde derivative or (a lot more secure) glyoxylic acid is worked through the hair to break the bonds and reseal them in a straighter position. The fix is then blow-dried and sealed with a level straightener, and the outcomes can last somewhere in the range of three to six months.

According to Fitzsimons, the treatments function admirably on most hair types and recommend it for any individual who needs to trim out blow-drying or straightening their hair consistently, decrease frizz, or add shine.

How Does a Keratin Treatment Differ for Those with Natural Curls?

Taylor concurs with Fitzsimmons that keratin treatments function admirably on most hair types. For wavy hair specifically, it will streamline frizz and add more sparkle.

"Curly hair reflects light less easily than straight hair, so you'll notice more shine after your keratin treatment," says Annagjid Taylor.

Another additional advantage is that it will keep newly colored hair dynamic. She advises discussing with your hairstylist or beautician about getting your shading refreshed just before your keratin treatment. The treatment seals in the shading, making it last more and seem more brilliant.

Is It the Same as A Japanese Treatment or Relaxer?

While like other hair fixing treatments, keratin treatments are still unmistakably extraordinary. Taylor clarifies that keratin treatments are a less brutal choice than other fixing treatments like relaxers.

"Keratin is great for those who have frizzy hair and want long-term straight and smooth hair," she says. "The chemicals with keratin are a little less harmful than those found with other straightening treatments, like a relaxing treatment, which is very harsh."

Japanese hair treatments and conventional relaxers may break your hair's bonds utilizing ammonium thioglycolate and sodium hydroxide—making them undeniably more dangerous on curly hair. The developing outcome will likewise be more exceptional than with a keratin treatment since there will be a line of demarcation when your regular texture comes back.

How Long Do Keratin Treatments Last?

The cardinal standard of keratin treatments is to avoid water and ponytails for at any rate three days. You would prefer not to hazard making a curve in your recently fixed hair. Fitzsimons says the way to keep up your treatment for as far as might be feasible is utilizing a shampoo without sulfate when you wash your hair.

For those with natural curls, Taylor says not to wet your hair for three days. She additionally suggests utilizing sodium sans chloride hair items and to envelop your hair with a silk or satin scarf (or pillowcase) to keep the moisture secured in your hair as the treatment can make your hair dry out quicker. She says that treatments can last if a half year, yet alerts that it may affect your curl pattern permanently.

In any case, above all, Fitzsimons says to think about a couple of key things before booking that arrangement.

"There are so many effective ways to smooth the hair while keeping it protected these by using the right products and techniques—so a keratin treatment might not even be the right option," he adds. "Depending on your hair’s particular texture, a different treatment, such as a chemical relaxer, might make more sense for you."