Advantages and Side Effects of Keratin Hair Treatments
Keratin hair treatments are gaining popularity as an effective way to transform damaged or frizzy hair into completely smooth and silky locks. While this salon treatment offers many benefits for frizzy hair, the hair straightening method has many pros and cons. It may not be suitable for all hair types or those with certain chemical sensitivities.
Knowing the advantages and side effects of keratin hair treatments will help you decide if this procedure is suitable for achieving silky, straight hair.
What is Keratin Hair Treatment?
Keratin treatment is a chemical hair straightening method that uses the natural structural protein keratin found in hair, nails, and skin to strengthen and straighten your locks. Keratin’s ability to bind to the hair shaft helps repair damage and restore the hair’s shine.
Keratin treatment works by applying a keratin solution to frizzy or curly hair, then sealing it with a flat iron. Your stylist will brush your hair first and then apply the solution, which typically contains glyoxylic acid, a formaldehyde derivative.
This treatment fills in the porous hair shaft, strengthening the hair. The heat from the flat iron helps to activate the keratin and lock it in, resulting in smooth, frizz-free hair. The process takes about 2-4 hours in the salon. Keratin-treated hair can last up to six months with proper care.
Types of Keratin Treatments
Several keratin treatments are available, including the Brazilian blowout, the Cezanne, and the Goldwell Kerasilk treatment. These treatments differ in formaldehyde concentration, procedure length, drying time, and heat style, but all aim to reduce frizz and improve the hair’s appearance.
The Brazilian blowout treatment typically contains formaldehyde, a chemical that is known to straighten and smooth the hair. The Cezanne treatment is a formaldehyde-free option that uses a different blend of ingredients to achieve similar results. The Goldwell Kerasilk treatment uses heat to activate its keratin ingredient list and may require more time than other treatments.
Speak with your stylist at Intaglio Hair Salon to determine the best keratin treatment method for you. Your treatment method will depend on your hair type, budget, processing time preference, and desired results.
Benefits of Keratin Treatment
Keratin treatments offer multiple benefits for frizzy or unmanageable hair. These include smoother, shinier locks and better manageability, helping you achieve your desired look.
1. Smooth, Shiny Hair
Keratin treatments enter the hair follicles and flood the porous areas with a keratin solution, creating a smooth and straight finish. The hair appears shinier and silkier than before, giving you a polished, professional look.
2. Better Manageability
Keratin treatments make hair easier to manage as it is less frizzy and smoother. The treatment helps fight against humidity and frizz and can save substantial blow dry time when styling. It also prevents heat-related breakage and damage from blow drying and flat ironing your hair.
3. Long-Lasting Results
With proper care, keratin treatments can last several months. Proper aftercare includes washing your hair infrequently, avoiding ponytails and braids, and using sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free hair care products.
4. Soften Curls
Keratin smoothing treatments like the Cezanne and Goldwell Kerasilk can help eliminate frizz without changing natural curls, adding sleekness and smoothness to each strand. This lets you keep your curly hair while minimizing flyaways.
5. Hair Growth
Keratin treatment can indirectly help with hair growth by improving your hair’s overall health and strength. Keratin is a protein naturally present in hair and helps give it structure and strength. When hair is damaged or weakened, it can lead to breakage and stunted growth. The keratin treatment works by adding a protein layer to the hair, which can help repair damage and strengthen the hair shaft.
When hair is stronger, it is less prone to breakage, allowing it to grow longer. Keratin treatment can also help improve the appearance of hair, making it look thicker and fuller. This can give the illusion of faster hair growth.
Side Effects of Keratin Treatment
Although keratin straightening has many advantages, there are also potential side effects of keratin hair treatments, especially if you go to an inexperienced or unlicensed hairstylist. To avoid issues, get your treatment done by a trained professional at Intaglio Hair Salon.
1. Hair Breakage
While keratin treatment can strengthen healthy hair, it can cause breakage in already weak or damaged hair. Keratin treatments use a hot iron set at the highest temperature to quickly smooth your hair. This means the procedure can be unsuitable for those with permed or coloured hair.
Your Intaglio Hair Salon stylist will examine your hair texture and quality to determine if the treatment is right for you.
2. Chemical Reactions
Some keratin treatments contain chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonium thioglycolate and sodium hydroxide, which can cause nausea and discomfort for some people. Those with asthma or breathing conditions may be more sensitive to these smells.
To minimize the risk, Intaglio Hair Salon stylists take precautions to ensure the comfort of every client. We recommend wearing a mask during the procedure for those who are sensitive or have breathing issues. We also use fans to eliminate potentially harmful odors in the salon and create a more comfortable experience.
3. Poor Quality Treatments
Some salons may use low-quality products that contain harmful levels of formaldehyde, causing breathing problems or chemical burns. According to a study conducted in 2013, some salons providing Brazilian keratin treatments were found to have formaldehyde levels exceeding the recommended limit, with some containing up to five times the acceptable concentration.
Working with a trained professional is important to understand the advantages and side effects of keratin hair treatments. Ask your stylist whether the formula adheres to the guidelines set by the U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which require formaldehyde levels to be less than 0.2% before receiving the treatment.
Book Your Keratin Treatment and Achieve Soft, Silky Hair
If you’re ready to achieve straight, frizz-free locks, contact a professional stylist at Intaglio Hair Salon. Our highly trained and experienced hairstylists are passionate about providing the most suitable and contemporary hair-related services and treatments.
With over two decades of loyal customers, you can trust us to deliver exceptional results. Whether you need a keratin treatment, colour, or cut, you’ll experience exceptional service at our salon.
Book your appointment today, and we can explain the advantages and side effects of keratin hair treatments and help you achieve your dream hair.
Keratin Treatment FAQs
How Long Does Keratin Treatment Last?
Keratin treatments are semi-permanent. The effects can last from a few weeks to up to six months, and you can repeat the treatment up to three times per year. The treatment does not permanently affect your hair texture and can be reversed by exposing your hair to chlorinated or salt water or by frequent washing.
Can Keratin Treatment Cause Hair Loss?
In some cases, keratin treatment can cause hair loss due to the harsh chemicals used, particularly formaldehyde. Individuals with sensitive skin are more susceptible to allergic reactions. You can minimize the risk of hair loss with post-treatment care, including gentle sulfate-free shampoo and conditioning, regular scalp massage, and avoiding brushing wet hair.
Does Keratin Treatment Affect Hair Colour?
Keratin treatment should not change your natural hair colour. However, if your hair has already been colour-treated, you may experience some fading. Using a toning treatment formulated for your hair colour can help restore the desired shade.
Why is My Hair Still Frizzy After Keratin Treatment?
Frizziness after keratin treatment is often due to incorrect product use or inadequate application. Always consult a professional stylist before scheduling a keratin treatment; heavily damaged hair may not benefit from a keratin treatment, leaving your hair feeling frizzy.
Is Keratin Treatment Suitable for Thin Hair?
The chemical solution used in keratin treatment can damage hair if it is thin and delicate. If you have thin hair, consult a hairstylist experienced in performing keratin treatments on different hair types.
They can assess the condition of your hair and advise you on whether a keratin treatment would be beneficial. They may recommend alternative treatments better suited for thin hair, such as volumizing or gentle conditioning treatments.
Can I Tie My Hair After Keratin Treatment?
Avoid tying your hair into a ponytail for at least three days after keratin treatment to prevent unwanted bends in your straightened hair.