Keratin for hair has become one of the most popular hair care treatments in recent years. This procedure promises not only to improve the appearance of the hair but also to restore its structure, making the strands smooth, shiny, and healthy. However, before visiting a salon or trying keratin products at home, it’s important to understand what keratin is, how this treatment works, and what benefits and risks it carries. In this article, we will explore all aspects of using keratin for hair.
What is Keratin?
Keratin is a natural protein that is the main building material of our hair, nails, and skin. It protects the hair from external damage and provides strength and elasticity. However, due to negative factors such as chemical treatments, high heat during styling, UV radiation, and pollution, the amount of keratin in the hair can decrease, leading to brittleness, dullness, and split ends.
How Does Keratin Treatment Work?
Keratin hair treatment is a salon procedure during which a special formula containing liquid keratin and other components is applied to the hair to help integrate it into the hair structure. After applying the formula, the hair is straightened with a flat iron, which allows the keratin to be sealed inside the hair. As a result, the hair becomes smooth, manageable, easier to comb, and has a healthy shine.
Benefits of Keratin Hair Treatment
- Smoothness and Shine: After a keratin treatment, the hair gains incredible shine and smoothness. This procedure is perfect for those with frizzy, curly, or unruly hair.
- Protection from External Factors: Keratin forms a protective barrier on the surface of the hair, which helps protect it from sun, wind, pollution, and chemical agents.
- Easy Styling: The hair becomes more manageable, easier to comb, and less prone to static, significantly simplifying the styling process.
- Long-Lasting Effect: The result of a keratin treatment can last from 2 to 6 months, depending on the hair type and aftercare.
Possible Risks and Drawbacks
Despite numerous benefits, keratin hair treatment also carries some risks that should be considered:
- Formaldehyde Content: Some keratin formulas may contain formaldehyde—a chemical used to fix the keratin in the hair. Formaldehyde can be harmful to health, causing eye and respiratory irritation, so it’s important to choose formaldehyde-free formulas.
- Temporary Effect: Keratin treatment is not a medical procedure but a temporary solution to improve the hair’s appearance. After the effect wears off, the hair may return to its previous condition.
- Special Aftercare Required: After a keratin treatment, special care is needed—using sulfate-free shampoos, avoiding washing the hair for the first few days, and not making tight hairstyles to avoid damaging the hair structure.
Who is Keratin Treatment Suitable For?
Keratin treatment is especially recommended for those who have:
- Curly or frizzy hair that is difficult to style and gets tangled easily.
- Damaged hair after coloring, chemical perm, or frequent use of flat irons and hair dryers.
- Dry and brittle hair that needs extra hydration and protection.
How to Care for Hair After Keratin Treatment?
To keep the results for as long as possible, it is important to follow certain care rules:
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Sulfates can wash out keratin from the hair, so it’s important to use gentle shampoos that do not contain these harsh components.
- Avoid Moisture in the First Few Days: Do not get the hair wet for the first 48-72 hours after the treatment to allow the keratin to fully set.
- Minimize Use of Styling Products: After keratin treatment, the hair is already smooth and shiny, so there is no need to burden it with extra styling products.
Keratin for hair is an effective way to make hair smooth, shiny, and manageable, especially if it is damaged or difficult to style. However, it is important to understand that this procedure is not a cure-all and has its risks and specifics. Before opting for keratin treatment, it’s best to consult a specialist and choose a quality formula to avoid negative consequences for hair health. Proper aftercare will help maintain the effect for a long time and allow you to enjoy healthy and beautiful strands.
