Keratin Treatment Aftercare: 10 Golden Rules
You need the proper keratin treatment aftercare routine if you want the benefits of a keratin treatment to last. This includes knowing when to wash your keratin-treated hair, which styling products to use, and maintenance tips to make your keratin treatment last longer. Here are ten golden rules from our stylists on caring for your hair after a keratin treatment.
1. Give It Time to Settle
You should wait at least three days before washing your hair after a keratin treatment. This downtime allows the protein in the keratin treatment to bond with your hair. The result is better-looking hair and long-lasting keratin treatment. At the same time, avoid styling your hair, tying it with tight clips or hair ties to prevent creasing. Sleeping on silk bedding will also prevent friction and damage to your freshly treated hair. Additionally, avoid excessive touching of your hair during this period, as it can disrupt the setting process.
2. Use the Right Products
Use alcohol- and sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners when you’re ready for your first wash after a keratin treatment. Check the ingredients when looking for the best shampoo for keratin-treated hair to rule out sulphates (like sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate), sodium chloride, alcohol, and parabens, which will strip the keratin treatment from your hair. Go for light styling products, as these leave little deposits to your hair, reducing the need to wash your hair frequently. Incorporate keratin-infused products to reinforce the treatment and extend its benefits.
3. Be Careful With Your Styling Tools
While heat is beneficial in sealing keratin to your hair, it can damage your hair if used incorrectly. Wait at least 72 hours post-treatment before straightening your hair to avoid disrupting keratin absorption. Afterwards, keep your styling tools under 180℃ and use a high-quality heat protectant when straightening hair after a keratin treatment.
4. Swim Smart
Swimming after a keratin treatment can be hard on your hair, whether you swim in the ocean or a pool. Chlorine and saltwater strip the keratin from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle.
Therefore, you should protect your keratin-treated hair before swimming to ensure your treatment lasts longer. Start by saturating your hair with fresh water, and wear a swim cap to protect your hair.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water at the end of your swim, then wash and condition with a keratin shampoo and conditioner.
5. Protect from UV Rays
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays will dry out your hair, making the keratin treatment last a shorter time. You can take several measures to protect your hair from the sun:
- Use a sulfate-free leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized
- Wear a scarf or hat to protect your hair if you’ll be in the sun for prolonged periods
- Use a UV-protecting spray to protect your hair from sun exposure
6. Avoid Salt Sprays and Beachy Textures
Avoid using salt sprays and texturising products post-keratin treatment. These products break down keratin bonds, thus shortening the longevity of your keratin treatment. You can use a curling iron to add gentle waves to your hair – just make sure you’re using a heat protectant and low heat.
7. Gentle Handling is a Must
Gentle handling post-keratin treatment will protect your hair from damage and improve the treatment’s longevity. Here are some tips on handling your hair after a keratin treatment, from the right hair-drying techniques to the products to use:
- Avoid styling your hair when wet
- Gently dry your hair with a microfiber towel or an absorbent t-shirt – avoid rubbing or wringing your hair.
- Air dry your hair if you have the time
- Avoid touching your hair too often to prevent dirt and product build-up
- Use a wide-tooth comb to brush your hair
- Avoid harsh products, including clarifying shampoos, as they can strip away the keratin treatment.
8. Invest in Silky Bedding
Invest in silk bed sheets and pillowcases to elevate your keratin treatment aftercare routine. Silk bedding is smooth, thus reducing friction when you sleep and preventing breakage. It’s also less absorbent, ensuring your hair remains as moisturized and frizz-free as it was when you went to bed.
9. Regular Deep Conditioning
Keratin is an effective treatment for frizzy hair, but even keratin-treated hair requires regular deep conditioning to moisturize and soften it. Deep condition your hair every few weeks to protect it from breakage and frizz while adding a natural shine and lengthening the longevity of your keratin treatments.
10. Get Regular Keratin Touch-ups
Keratin touch-ups are necessary every two to three months to maintain the benefits of a keratin treatment. During a retouch, your stylist will treat new hair growth and re-do the mid-lengths and ends where previous treatment has diminished. During the touch-up session, your stylist can incorporate other hair maintenance services, such as trimming split and dead ends, to keep your hair healthy.
Keratin Treatment Aftercare Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my hair after a keratin treatment?
Caring for your hair after a keratin treatment involves choosing keratin-rich shampoos and conditioners, using heat styling tools sparingly, sleeping on a silk pillow, getting regular keratin touch-ups, and protecting your hair from UV, chlorine, and salt water.
Can you shower after a keratin treatment?
No, you should avoid washing or wetting your hair for at least 72 hours to allow the treatment to set properly.
How often should I wash my hair after a Keratin treatment?
We recommend waiting three days before the first wash after a keratin treatment and 2-3 times a week afterward. Overwashing your hair reduces the longevity of keratin treatment and strips it of natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy.
How long does keratin treatment last?
Keratin treatments typically last up to six months. Deciding when to get a keratin retouch depends on your hair type, texture, manageability, and other treatments you’ve had. Consult a professional to ensure you’re prioritizing your hair’s health.