Can I Straighten My Hair After Keratin Treatment?

Keratin treatments have transformed the hair care industry, offering an excellent solution for people who yearn for smooth, frizz-free hair. As with any beauty treatment, aftercare is crucial to its effectiveness and longevity. One question many individuals have post-keratin treatment is: “Can I straighten my hair after keratin treatment?”

Learn how to maximise the benefits of your keratin treatment to maintain gorgeous, healthy, straight hair.

What is a Keratin Treatment?

Keratin treatments are salon services designed to smooth and shine frizzy hair. This treatment infuses your hair with keratin, a naturally occurring protein that strengthens your hair and fills damaged cuticles in the hair shaft.

The result is smoother, more manageable hair that can last for up to six months, depending on your hair type and maintenance.

Straightening Hair After Keratin Treatment: The Short Answer

The short answer to whether you can straighten your hair after a keratin treatment is generally yes, but with caution. The long-lasting results of keratin treatment minimise the need for additional straightening.

However, if you still wish to use a straightener, waiting at least three days post-treatment is crucial. During this period, your hair is still absorbing the keratin, and exposing it to the heat of a straightener could disrupt this process and harm your results.

Impact of Heat on Keratin-Treated Hair

Hair straighteners and other heat-styling tools use high temperatures to break down the hydrogen bonds in your hair, allowing it to be reshaped. Heat can be highly beneficial for creating quick styles, but too much heat can also result in damaged strands.

Following a keratin treatment, heat from a straightener can help seal the keratin into the hair shaft, leading to longer-lasting results. However, this heat needs to be applied carefully. Overuse or incorrect use of a straightening iron can lead to hair damage, negating the benefits of your keratin treatment.

Best Practices for Straightening Keratin-Treated Hair

Straightening keratin-treated hair requires patience, care, and certain precautions to maintain the health and integrity of your hair. Here are the best practices for straightening your hair after a keratin treatment:

• Wait for the right time: Most hair care professionals recommend waiting 72 hours after a keratin treatment before using heat styling tools. This gives the keratin ample time to absorb and settle into your hair, setting the stage for long-lasting, smooth hair. Straightening your hair too soon could interfere with keratin absorption, negatively impacting the treatment’s results.
  
• Use the correct temperature: Heat can be beneficial in sealing the keratin into your hair shaft, but it’s vital to ensure you’re using the proper temperature when straightening your hair. Too much heat can lead to damage, while too little might not give the desired effect.

Ideally, you should use a straightener that has adjustable heat settings. The exact temperature will depend on your hair type, but generally, temperatures should not exceed (180-185°C) for keratin-treated hair.

• Apply a heat protectant: Before straightening your hair, apply a high-quality heat protectant spray. This essential step forms a protective barrier, shielding your hair from the intense heat of the straightener and preventing potential heat damage.

Look for heat protectants that contain ingredients like argan oil or silicone, as these help to seal the hair cuticle, reduce moisture loss, and offer added protection against heat styling.

• Choose the right straightener: Invest in a high-quality straightener that evenly distributes heat, ideally with ceramic or tourmaline plates. These materials help prevent hot spots that could damage your hair. You can also find straightener models with negative ion technology to infuse your strands with ions for intense shine.

Also, consider a straightener with adjustable heat settings. This feature allows you to control the temperature accurately, ensuring it is suitable for your specific hair type and condition.

• Section your hair: To make your hair more manageable, divide your hair into 3-5 cm sections before straightening. This ensures that each strand receives equal heat distribution, reducing the need for multiple passes with a flat iron.
• Avoid frequent straightening: While keratin treatments make hair more manageable, excessive heat styling can still cause damage. Limit straightening to a few times a week and opt for other hairstyles, such as a low ponytail with a ponytail holder (not an elastic) or a soft headband on alternate days.
  

How to Maintain Your Straightened Strands

Having achieved that perfectly straight, sleek look after straightening your keratin-treated hair, the next crucial step is to maintain it. Careful maintenance can prolong the life of your straightened strands, leaving your hair feeling healthy and lustrous. Some key tips and techniques to keep your hair looking fabulous long after the straightening iron has cooled down include:

• Do not get your hair wet or wash your hair for at least three days after treatment
• Avoid swimming in chlorinated or saltwater
• Only wash your hair twice a week after the initial setting period
• Use sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner, and do not use clarifying products containing sodium chloride
• Do not use hair bands, hair combs or elastics; these can leave kinks on your hair
• Use claw or alligator clips to keep your hair off your neck
• Blow dry your hair on low to medium heat immediately after working out; moisture due to sweat can disrupt the treatment as it sets
• Keep your hair protected from humidity, sunlight or pollution by wearing a hat or heat-protectant spray with UV protection
• Sleep with a satin or silk pillowcase or protective bonnet to prevent hair tangling
• Trim your  hair every 6-8 weeks to keep your straightened strands looking their best
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins to nourish your hair 

Consult with a Professional Stylist for Hair Straightening Advice

Straightening your keratin-treated hair can enhance the sleek, frizz-free look that the treatment is designed to achieve. However, it’s essential to follow these best practices to maintain your hair’s health and the treatment’s effectiveness. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your hair care routine after a keratin treatment, consult with a professional hairstylist at Intaglio.