Keratin Treatment Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide

MAY 16, 2023

Keratin is a natural structural protein in our hair strands, skin, and nails. It's responsible for giving hair its strength and resilience. Over time, due to various factors such as heat damage, chemical treatments, and environmental aggressors, our hair loses keratin, leading to damaged hair and a lackluster appearance.

A keratin treatment, often called a Brazilian keratin treatment, is a salon treatment designed to replenish this lost keratin, resulting in stronger and healthier hair. It involves applying a keratin product to the hair, sealing it with a flat iron, and leaving it on for a certain period before washing it out. 

This process allows the keratin to penetrate the hair shaft, strengthening the hair fiber from within and smoothing the outer layer of the hair cuticle.

To truly understand the value of keratin treatments, it's essential to delve into the science behind them. Human hair is primarily composed of keratin, a protein with a robust and durable structure. 

Keratin is responsible for the strength and resilience of our hair. Still, over time, due to exposure to environmental factors, heat styling, and chemical treatments, the hair can lose its natural keratin. This loss is often evident through symptoms like dullness, frizz, and susceptibility to damage.

Keratin treatment works to replenish this lost keratin. The process begins with the application of a keratin product onto the hair. This product contains keratin-based particles designed to mimic the hair's natural keratin. 

The stylist then uses a flat iron to seal in the product, a process that involves high heat and pressure. This heat 'activates' the product, allowing it to bond with the hair's natural keratin.

This bonding is a temporary process, meaning the treatment results will gradually wash out over time. But while it lasts, the additional keratin serves to strengthen the hair, fill in gaps in the hair cuticle, and create a protective barrier against future damage. 

The result? Hair that is not only visibly smoother and shinier but also stronger and healthier from within.

The primary keratin treatment benefits include:

1. Smooth and Frizz-free Hair: One of the most noticeable keratin treatment benefits is its ability to eliminate frizz, leaving your hair smooth and silky. Keratin treatments fill in the porosities in your hair cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine.

2. Strengthens Hair: Keratin treatments strengthen hair by restoring lost protein to your hair strands. This can help protect your hair from future damage, making it a great option for those with damaged or weak hair.

3. Reduces Blow Drying Time: A keratin hair treatment can drastically reduce hair drying and styling time. After a treatment, you'll find that your hair dries faster, reducing the need for prolonged heat exposure and the associated risk of heat damage.

4. Suitable for All Hair Types: Whether you have fine hair, thick hair, or somewhere in between, a keratin hair treatment can be beneficial. It can improve your hair's texture, making it smoother and easier to manage, regardless of hair type or length.

5. Long-lasting Results: The effects of a keratin hair treatment can last up to six months with a proper haircare routine. This means less time spent on daily styling and more time enjoying your smooth, frizz-free hair.

6. Versatility: Another benefit of keratin treatments is their versatility. You can opt for a full treatment for straighter hair or a keratin express treatment for less permanent results. You can also customize your treatment based on your hair goals - whether you want to straighten hair, add volume, or simply improve your hair's health.

While the benefits of keratin treatments are impressive, it's essential to consider a few points before diving in. Firstly, the traditional Brazilian keratin treatment often uses formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Elevated formaldehyde concentration can also lead to serious health issues. Therefore, it's critical to ensure your salon uses a formaldehyde-free formula or a formula with safe formaldehyde levels.

Other considerations include the cost and maintenance of the treatment. Keratin treatments are not cheap; maintaining the results requires a specific haircare routine.

For example, you need to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, avoid sodium chloride, and limit the use of harsh chemicals. Therefore, factor in these aspects before opting for a keratin treatment.

No treatment is without its potential drawbacks, and keratin hair treatments are no exception. We've touched on the risk of formaldehyde exposure, which is a legitimate concern. Symptoms can range from skin irritation and allergic reactions to more serious respiratory issues, particularly if you're in an area not well-ventilated during treatment.

Haircare brands are aware of this issue and have begun offering alternatives. For instance, some salons now offer formaldehyde-free or low-formaldehyde keratin treatments. These often use glyoxylic acid instead of formaldehyde and offer similar benefits without the associated risks.

Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid keratin treatments due to the potential risks associated with chemical exposure.

Lastly, while keratin treatments can strengthen hair, overuse can lead to an excess protein buildup, potentially making your hair brittle and prone to breakage. Therefore, it's crucial to follow your stylist's advice regarding the frequency of treatments.

The answer to this question largely depends on your hair type, hair properties, and personal preferences. If you struggle with frizzy hair, spend a lot of time blow drying and styling, or have damaged hair, a keratin treatment could be a game-changer. It can make your hair more manageable, reduce styling time, and improve your overall look and feel.

However, if you're pregnant, sensitive to formaldehyde or other chemicals used in the treatment, or enjoy your hair's natural structure without changing it, a keratin treatment may not be the best fit for you.

Remember, like any other treatment, a keratin hair treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's always wise to consult a professional stylist who can assess your hair's condition and guide you on the best action.

Towel dry your hair until it is damp. For curly hair textures, you may want to use a cotton T-shirt to dry your hair instead of a terry cloth towel. This will prevent friction damage. 

Gently massage the hair mask into your hair with your fingers making sure to cover all hair. You may use a wide tooth comb to ensure the product is spread throughout the hair evenly.

Allow your hair to dry and then style. You will immediately notice a significant improvement in your hair's texture and manageability. 

There are several types of keratin treatments, each with its own set of features and benefits. These include:

Brazilian Keratin Treatment: This is the most common type of keratin treatment. It's known for leaving hair super straight, smooth, and frizz-free for up to six months.

Hair Botox Treatment: This treatment is designed to restore, rebuild, and rejuvenate any hair type. It's formaldehyde-free and offers a more natural-looking finish, preserving some of your hair's natural wave or curl.

Japanese Treatment: This is a more permanent solution compared to Brazilian treatments. However, it uses sodium hydroxide, which can cause skin irritation and is generally more damaging to hair.

Choosing the right keratin treatment for you requires careful consideration of various factors. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

Your hair type and condition should guide your choice of treatment. For example, if you have fine hair prone to frizz, you might benefit from a light keratin treatment that tames frizz without weighing down your hair. A more intense treatment might be suitable if you have thick, curly hair and desire a straighter look.

What do you hope to achieve with the keratin treatment? Are you looking for smoother hair, reduced frizz, less blow-drying time, or all of the above? Defining your hair goals will help you choose a treatment that meets your specific needs.

Different types of keratin treatments are available, from Brazilian keratin treatment to hair botox treatment and more. Research each option, understanding its unique features, benefits, and potential side effects.

Your lifestyle can also influence the best treatment for you. For example, if you swim frequently or live in a humid climate, your treatment might not last as long due to frequent washing or exposure to moisture.

Finally, consult with a professional hairstylist. They can assess your hair's condition, consider your hair goals, and recommend the best treatment. Remember, while keratin treatments can be transformative, they should always be performed by a trained professional to ensure the best results and minimize potential risks.

To maximize the benefits of keratin and prolong the results, you should follow a specific post-treatment haircare routine. After the treatment, you should avoid getting your hair wet for 48 hours to allow the keratin to penetrate your hair shaft fully.

For shampoo and conditioner, opt for sulfate-free products, as sulfates can strip the keratin from your hair. Avoid salt water and chlorine, which can also damage the treatment. When styling your hair, use a heat protectant to prevent heat damage, and try to limit the use of harsh styling products.

Keratin treatments can be a game-changer for your hair, offering many benefits ranging from smoother, frizz-free hair to reduced styling time and strengthened hair strands. However, to maximize these benefits and maintain your hair's newfound health and beauty, the right aftercare routine is essential.

Keratin treatments are an investment in the health and vitality of your hair. To protect this investment, it's crucial to care for your hair properly post-treatment. This involves using the right hair care products designed specifically to prolong the effects of the keratin treatment and keep your hair looking its best.

As a brand specializing in keratin treatment aftercare, we are your trusted friend in this journey. Our range of products is expertly formulated to complement and enhance the results of your keratin treatment. From sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to heat-protectant sprays and styling products, Damila offers everything you need to maintain the integrity of your treatment and ensure your hair remains strong, healthy, and gorgeous.

The decision to get a keratin treatment is more than just a one-time event; it's a commitment to a new level of hair care. With the right treatment, professional application, and dedicated aftercare, you can enjoy the transformational benefits of keratin treatment for months to come. Consult with a professional stylist and make an informed decision that suits your hair type, lifestyle, and hair goals. Your journey to healthier, shinier, and more manageable hair may be a keratin treatment and the right aftercare routine away!