If you were born with a head of curly hair, styling it might often seem like more of a curse than a blessing. Over time, using hot tools on your hair like flat irons and blowdryers can leave your hair looking lifeless and fried. In the summer, humidity is a well-known nightmare for curls. A keratin treatment is one great way to give yourself smooth, shiny, healthy hair without the daily use of tools.
Keratin is a naturally-occurring protein that is already found in your hair. It gives hair its strength and resilience, so a treatment essentially infuses your hair with extra strength. Treatments are known to lessen the occurrence of frizz and flyaways. Although there is concern about the presence of formaldehyde in these treatments, it is not proven to be harmful to clients or stylists, and there are options that contain limited to no formaldehyde.
When applied properly, a keratin treatment can last as long as six months. Your stylist will first wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to allow the formula to fully set in, then blow-dry it so the hair is completely free of moisture before the solution is applied. Your hair will then be wrapped up and placed under a plastic cap, then the treatment will be sealed in with a flat iron set at a high temperature. Much like with a perm, you can’t style your hair for 72 hours after treatment to allow it to set straight as the stylist intended. If you take a shower, don’t get your hair wet.
If you’re looking to reduce the time you spend styling your hair, these treatments are a great choice. They work on all types of hair, regardless of if it’s colored or otherwise treated. Your strong, silky and shiny hair will thank you for it.
