What are Keratin Treatments and Who Should Get Them?
Keratin treatments have become a popular go-to solution for achieving smoother, more manageable hair. These treatments tame frizz, reduce styling time, and enhance your hair’s overall health and appearance. But what is keratin treatment? How does it work? And who should consider getting it?
Whether you’re struggling with unruly curls or simply want a low-maintenance hair routine, understanding keratin treatments is the first step towards achieving the gorgeous, manageable hair you’ve always desired.
What are Keratin Treatments?
Keratin, a protein naturally found in our hair, nails, and skin, is vital for maintaining the strength and structural integrity of your strands. Heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental damage can deplete the natural keratin levels in your hair, resulting in dry, frizzy, and unmanageable locks.
Keratin treatments are hair-smoothing procedures designed to replenish and restore the lost keratin in the hair shaft, resulting in smoother, shinier, and more manageable strands. These treatments work by using heat and keratin-infused products to seal the hair cuticle, filling in any gaps and repairing damage.
How Do Keratin Treatments Work?
The treatment begins by thoroughly cleansing the hair using a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup or impurities. Once the hair is clean and dry, the keratin treatment solution is applied section by section. This solution usually contains keratin proteins, amino acids, and other nourishing ingredients that penetrate the hair shaft and adhere to the outer layer of the cuticle.
After applying the solution, the hair is carefully combed to evenly distribute the product. After rinsing and blow drying the hair, your technician sets a flat iron to a temperature of up to 232°C and divides the hair into sections. The stylist flat irons each section multiple times. The heat from the flat iron helps seal the keratin into the hair cuticle, creating a protective barrier and locking in the smoothness and shine.
Types of Keratin Treatments Available
Different keratin treatments are available, each catering to specific hair needs and desired outcomes. The most common types include traditional keratin treatments, express or rapid treatments, and formaldehyde-free treatments.
1. Traditional Keratin Treatment
Traditional keratin treatments can last approximately three to six months, gradually fading as your hair grows. These treatments are ideal for individuals seeking long-lasting smoothness and manageability, especially those with thick, curly, or unruly hair.
Some formulations may also incorporate ingredients like natural oils, vitamins, or collagen to further nourish and strengthen the hair during treatment.
2. Express Treatments
The formulas used in express treatments may contain a higher concentration of keratin to accelerate the treatment process. The results of express keratin treatments can last approximately four to six weeks, gradually wearing off as the hair goes through its natural growth cycle.
3. Formaldehyde-Free Treatments
Formaldehyde-free treatments rely on alternative ingredients to achieve similar smoothing effects. These treatments use gentler formulations that may contain ingredients like glyoxylic acid, amino acids, or plant-derived proteins.
Intaglio offers long-lasting formaldehyde-free keratin treatments that can provide a safe way to achieve smoother strands. These treatments can last between two and six months.
Who Should Consider Keratin Treatments?
While keratin can be an excellent option for anyone wanting to revitalise their strands, several groups can benefit the most from this revolutionary treatment.
1. Individuals with Frizzy or Unruly Hair
Frizzy hair can be frustrating for many people, making it difficult to achieve a natural shine and polished look. Keratin treatments combat frizz and transform unruly locks by filling in the gaps and irregularities in the hair shaft, creating a smoother surface. This reduces frizz by preventing moisture from entering the hair shaft and causing it to swell.
Whether your frizz is due to your hair’s natural texture or environmental issues like humidity, keratin treatments provide long-lasting smoothness, making your hair more manageable and easier to style.
2. People with Curly or Wavy Hair Seeking Straighter Results
If you have curly or wavy hair and dream of rocking a smooth and straight style, keratin treatments can help you achieve that desired transformation. While keratin treatments won’t permanently change your hair’s natural texture, they can relax and loosen curls, resulting in a sleeker appearance.
By infusing hair with keratin, these treatments help to temporarily restructure the hair bonds, allowing it to lay flatter and appear straighter.
3. Those With Damaged or Chemically Treated Hair
Chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, and environmental stressors damage your hair, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Keratin treatments offer a revitalising solution for restoring health and strength to damaged strands.
Infusing keratin proteins helps repair and strengthen the hair from within, minimising the appearance of split ends and providing a protective barrier against further damage.
4. People With Limited Time For Hair Styling
If you live a busy lifestyle, juggling multiple responsibilities, you likely have little time for elaborate hair styling routines. Keratin treatment reduces styling time and effort. With more manageable hair, you don’t need to use numerous styling products, blow dry, or style your hair with heat tools. You can allow your hair to air dry and still have soft, flowing locks.
Aftercare and Maintenance
To ensure long-lasting smoothness, ensure you use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated for keratin-treated hair. These gentle products preserve the integrity of the treatment and prevent premature fading.
Also, minimise your use of heated styling tools like blow dryers or flat irons. Try air-drying or using a diffuser on a low heat setting to limit damage to the hair’s cuticle.
Do not use hair products containing harsh chemicals, such as sulphates, sodium chloride, and alcohol, because they can strip away the keratin and compromise the treatment’s longevity. Also, avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater immediately after the treatment, as these can have a drying effect on the hair.
Revitalise Your Hair With Keratin Treatments at Intaglio
Keratin treatments have transformed how we approach hair care, providing a solution for frizz, unruly curls, and damaged strands. Book your keratin treatment with Intaglio today for smooth, shiny hair that is simple to style.