You’ve probably heard whispers about it from your stylish co-worker, or maybe your Instagram feed is bombarded with glossy, sleek hair transformations, all thanks to this wonder treatment. But what is this hair treatment, and is it right for you? That’s what we’re here to find out.
What is a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatments, in simple terms, are like a super-charged conditioning session for your hair. They’re designed to inject your hair with keratin, a protein that’s naturally found in your hair but often depleted due to heat styling, chemical treatments, or just the general wear and tear of life. The result? Hair that’s smoother, shinier, and easier to manage.
Does Keratin Treatment Require a Lot of Time?
If you’re thinking about getting a keratin treatment, you’ll need to clear your schedule. The process can be quite time-consuming, typically taking anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
The process involves washing, drying, applying the treatment, letting it sit, rinsing it out, drying it again, and finally, sealing it in with a high-temperature straightener. It’s not a quick fix, but many find the results worth the time investment.
Benefits of Keratin Treatment For Different Types of Hair
One of the fantastic things about keratin treatments is that they’re not exclusive to one hair type. Whether you’re rocking curls, waves, or straight strands, there’s a good chance you could benefit from a keratin treatment.
- Curly Hair: If you have curly hair, you know the struggle with frizz is real. Keratin treatments can help reduce that frizz, making your curls more defined and easier to manage. It won’t completely straighten your hair, but it will give your curls a smoother, shinier appearance.
- Wavy Hair: For those with wavy hair, a keratin treatment can enhance your natural wave pattern while combating frizz and adding a hefty dose of shine. It can make your waves more consistent and reduce the time you spend on styling.
- Straight Hair: You might be thinking, “I have straight hair, why would I need a keratin treatment?” Well, even straight hair can benefit from the added smoothness and shine a keratin treatment provides. It can also help with those annoying flyaways and give your hair a healthier appearance.
- Chemically Treated Hair: If your hair has been chemically treated, whether dyed, permed, or relaxed, a keratin treatment can be a game-changer. It can help repair damage, reduce breakage, and make your hair feel softer and healthier.
- Coarse, Thick Hair: Those with coarse, thick hair often struggle with manageability. Keratin treatments can help by softening the hair texture and making it easier to style.
Things to Consider Before Your Keratin Hair Treatment
Before you book your keratin treatment, there are a few considerations.
- Your Lifestyle: Keratin treatments require a bit of upkeep. For the first few days post-treatment, you’ll need to avoid getting your hair wet or using hair ties. Think about your daily routine and whether you can accommodate these changes.
- The Cost: Keratin treatments can be a bit of an investment. Plus, you’ll need to get sulfate-free hair products to maintain the treatment.
- Your Expectations: Remember, a keratin treatment won’t completely straighten your hair. If you’re expecting pin-straight locks, you might be disappointed. The treatment is designed to make your hair smoother and more manageable, but it won’t alter your natural hair texture.
Things to Ask Your Stylist
Here are some questions you can ask your stylist about keratin treatment.
What products do you use?
This is particularly important if you’re concerned about the use of formaldehyde.
How long will the treatment last?
Most keratin treatments last anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on your hair type and how often you wash it.
What should I expect during the process?
Ask your stylist to walk you through the process so you know what to expect.
How should I care for my hair post-treatment?
You’ll need to avoid certain things, like washing your hair or using hair ties for a few days. Your stylist can give you a detailed rundown of the do’s and don’ts.
What type of results can I expect with my hair type?
This will give you a realistic idea of what to expect, which can help avoid disappointment.
Tips for Post-Treatment Care
Here are some essential tips for post-keratin treatment care:
- Wait to Wash: This is arguably the most critical step in maintaining your keratin treatment. You’ll need to wait at least 72 hours before washing your hair. This gives the treatment adequate time to set in.
- Use the Right Products: After a keratin treatment, your hair requires a little extra TLC. Invest in sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free shampoo and conditioner. These ingredients can strip away the keratin, shortening the lifespan of your treatment.
- Avoid Salt Water and Chlorine: If you’re a beach babe or poolside diva, this one might be tough. Salt water and chlorine can strip the keratin from your hair, so try to limit exposure where possible.
- Limit Heat Styling: One of the perks of keratin treatments is reduced styling time, so take advantage of it! The less heat you apply to your hair, the longer your treatment will last.
- Regular Touch-ups: To keep your hair looking its best, you’ll need to get touch-ups every few months. This will depend on how quickly your hair grows and how well you take care of it post-treatment.
Common Misconceptions About Keratin Treatments
Like many beauty treatments, keratin hair treatments have been surrounded by a cloud of misconceptions. Let’s play myth-busters and tackle some of the most common misunderstandings.
Keratin Treatments Damage Hair
This is a half-truth. Yes, the heat used during the treatment can cause damage, especially if your hair is already in a fragile state. However, when done correctly by a professional, the damage can be minimized. Plus, the keratin can actually help repair your hair by filling in porous spots.
Keratin Treatments are a Straightening Treatment
While keratin treatments do reduce frizz and give hair a smoother appearance, they’re not designed to straighten hair. If you have wavy or curly hair, you’ll still have waves or curls post-treatment—they’ll just be smoother and shinier!
Keratin Treatments are Only for Curly or Frizzy Hair
While those with curly or frizzy hair might see the most dramatic results, keratin treatments can benefit a variety of hair types. Even those with straight hair can enjoy the added shine and manageability a keratin treatment provides.
When to Schedule Your Next Treatment
Typically, a keratin treatment can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on your hair type, how often you wash your hair, and how well you care for it post-treatment. However, this doesn’t mean you should rush back to the salon as soon as your treatment starts to fade.
In general, it’s recommended to wait at least 8 to 10 weeks between treatments. This gives your hair a chance to breathe and recover from the heat and chemicals used during the process.
Can Men Do Keratin Treatment?
Absolutely! Keratin treatments aren’t just for the ladies. Men can also benefit from the smoothing and defrizzing effects of a keratin treatment. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly popular among men seeking to improve their hair’s appearance and manageability.
Whether you’re rocking a long mane or a shorter style, a keratin treatment can make your hair softer, shinier, and easier to style. It’s particularly beneficial for men with curly or wavy hair who want to reduce frizz and achieve a sleeker look.
Where to Get Keratin Treatment in Ridgewood?
If you’re in Ridgewood and considering a keratin treatment, you’re in luck! One of the best places to get a keratin treatment is Artists and Architects Salon.
With a team of experienced stylists who are experts in their field, you can rest assured that your hair is in good hands. We’re up to date with the latest techniques and products, ensuring you get the best treatment possible.
Final Thoughts
We’ve covered it all, from understanding what a keratin treatment is, to knowing how to care for your hair post-treatment. We’ve busted some myths and discussed the benefits of different hair types.
Remember, a keratin treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to consider your hair’s health, your lifestyle, and your expectations before diving in. But when done right, a keratin treatment can be a game-changer, transforming frizzy, hard-to-manage hair into smooth, shiny, and easy-to-style locks.
