What Is a Keratin Remedy?

There are plenty of hair care traits and strategies to maintain up with, however there’s one specifically we’d like to speak about: keratin remedies. If you happen to’re not acquainted, a keratin smoothing remedy is an in-salon remedy that guarantees to ship straight hair with a number of shine and a clean texture—all after only one appointment. Fairly superb, proper? Nonetheless, earlier than you ebook your appointment for keratin hair straightening—there’s some necessary info you must know. For instance, totally different hair textures, from dry hair to curly hair to frizzy hair, can reply in a different way to keratin remedies.

Right here, we’ll stroll you thru what you want to find out about keratin for hair—together with what keratin is, what keratin remedies are, and the best way to handle your hair post-treatment (with the assistance of a keratin shampoo, in fact).

WHAT IS KERATIN?

Very first thing’s first—what, precisely, is keratin? If you happen to’ve ever been interested in what hair is fabricated from, keratin is probably going a time period that’s popped up. Keratin is the principle protein in your pores and skin, and it makes up your hair, nails, and the floor layer of the pores and skin, per the Cleveland Clinic.

WHAT IS A KERATIN TREATMENT?

So, what precisely does a keratin remedy do? Whereas there are totally different variations of keratin remedy formulation, the fundamental premise is that this: An expert hairstylist will use a mix of chemical substances and warmth to straighten and rearrange your hair’s pure bonds, often utilizing glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, in line with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). After the chemical answer is utilized to the hair, the stylist will usually apply a keratin protein conditioner to maintain hair from changing into overly dry and brittle. The tip outcome, if all goes effectively, is straighter, smoother-looking locks. In response to the Nationwide Middle for Biotechnology Data (NCBI), this fashionable kind of hair remedy now goes by all kinds of names, together with Brazilian blowout, acetic acid remedy, and hair botox.

WHICH HAIR TYPES CAN BENEFIT FROM A KERATIN SMOOTHING TREATMENT?

The keratin remedy course of is supposed to loosen up hair, so it typically works greatest on wavy hair. Nevertheless, keratin remedies won’t work on hair that’s tightly kinked as a result of, because the AAD explains, the pure hair bonds are too tight to rearrange. The underside line right here: Earlier than you decide to a remedy, it’s necessary to talk with a hair skilled who can stroll you thru the perfect choices in your particular hair kind and texture.

ARE KERATIN TREATMENTS GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR?

Keratin remedies aren’t essentially good in your hair, however they aren’t dangerous both. When finished correctly, your hair received’t be broken. That being stated, because the NCBI states, as a result of keratin hair straightening impacts the chemical construction of the hair fiber, it’s essential to know the method and the way it can have an effect on your strand’s particular make-up. Additionally noteworthy, in line with analysis by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, in some circumstances unacceptably excessive concentrations of formaldehyde may be utilized in these remedies, which might be damaging to your strands. So once more, it’s necessary to do your analysis and work with an expert who is aware of what they’re doing.

HOW MUCH DO KERATIN TREATMENTS COST?

As with all salon service, the fee varies based mostly in your location and the quantity of expertise your stylist has. That being stated, you’ll be able to typically count on a keratin smoothing remedy to value between $200 and $500.

CAN YOU DO A KERATIN TREATMENT AT HOME?

Whereas there are at-home keratin remedy kits available on the market, and you might save your self some cash, we strongly advise towards trying to chemically straighten your strands at house. Since keratin hair straightening entails restructuring your hair’s pure bonds, your greatest guess is to go to an expert. You’ll additionally need to remember the fact that the formulation in at-home kits aren’t as potent as these utilized in a salon, so the outcomes received’t be as dramatic.

HOW LONG DOES A KERATIN TREATMENT LAST?

The period of time your keratin remedy lasts will depend on how effectively you take care of it (extra on that later). Sometimes, you’ll be able to count on the sort of hair remedy to final for as much as six months. It’s additionally price noting that as your hair grows out, your roots will now not be handled, so how briskly your hair grows may also influence the lasting potential of your keratin remedy.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF HAIR AFTER A KERATIN TREATMENT

Any time you apply sturdy chemical substances to your hair, whether or not it’s once you dye your hair with everlasting hair shade or once you obtain a keratin remedy, it is extremely necessary to take further steps in your hair care routine to maintain your strands wanting wholesome after the very fact. This contains switching out your common shampoo and conditioner and utilizing a system that features a hair masks and a leave-in product on the common. Want a suggestion?

The L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Keratin Caring Shampoo is our greatest shampoo for keratin-treated hair, formulated for chemically straightened locks with none sulfates, salts, or surfactants. Pair the keratin shampoo with the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Keratin Caring Conditioner—even when you’ve got oily roots or strands. Chemically-treated hair requires further nourishment with a view to stay hydrated, so skipping conditioner will get a no from us.

Going past keratin shampoo and conditioner, just a few occasions every week, use a smoothing hair remedy instead of conditioner. Strive the L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Marvel Water Lamellar Hair Remedy, which works in simply eight seconds.

OTHER WAYS TO GET STRAIGHTER, SLEEKER HAIR

After studying all of this, does a keratin hair remedy appear a bit too excessive in your style? No drawback—there are many different methods to get straight locks. For starters, you’ll be able to all the time use your helpful hair straightener. Simply bear in mind, earlier than you attain in your flat iron, remember to use a warmth protectant, such because the L’Oréal Paris Superior Coiffure SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray. When you’ve completed styling and straightening, use just a few spritzes of hairspray to assist lock your look into place. We love the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Treasured Oil Satin Hairspray, which is formulated with argan oil and provides strands a wonderful shine.

Subsequent up: Want a refresher on the best way to use a flat iron? We’ve obtained you lined! Right here’s The right way to Straighten Your Hair with a Flat Iron, and when you’ve mastered that, right here’s The right way to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron.