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Keratinis the protein that helps to strengthen hair to prevent breakage, heat damage and frizz, it is vital to maintain strong and healthy hair. But the keratin straighteningor salon treatments that promise silky smooth hair, have long been associated with major health problems.

To get the breakdown of everything you need to know about the keratin treatmentsI have prepared this article so that you know the most important points to pay attention to.

What is a keratin treatment?

Keratin is a structural protein found in our hair, skin and nails. It is also commonly found in styling products to help strengthen hair, but the term keratin treatment is actually a misnomer.

Many people confuse this treatment with the hair botoxThe two are very different as their compounds are totally different and, moreover, the botox provides hydration and nourishment unlike keratin which aims to combat frizz and frizz.

"Keratin treatments are semi-permanent treatments for the treatment of straightening hair that smooth and add shine to frizzy hair," says Fitzsimons. However, the way the treatments work is not through the use of keratin. To straighten hair, a solution containing a formaldehyde derivative or (much safer) glyoxylic acid is applied through the hair to break the bonds and reseal them in a straighter position.

The solution is then blow-dried and sealed with a flat iron, and the results can last for three to six months. The treatments work well on most hair types, and I recommend it for anyone who wants to reduce frizz, increase shine, or eliminate blow-drying or blow-drying. hair straightening on a regular basis.

Can a keratin treatment help with hair growth?

The benefits of the treatment may make hair appear to grow faster, but it's actually about strengthening it. "Keratin helps add shine, reduce frizz and reduce the appearance of split ends by temporarily binding the hair together." All of these effects can help strands look and feel longer and stronger, "but [ultimately] they grow at the same rate".

In other words, reducing breakage helps give the illusion of more hair growth. "The treatment makes hair more manageable by smoothing the cuticle and sealing it, which helps prevent frizz. "This can make your hair appear to grow faster because the ends don't split, allowing it to retain its length . ."

Can you have a keratin treatment if you have natural curls?

The keratin straightening treatments work well on most hair types. For curly hair in particular, it will completely smooth out frizz and add more shine. "Curly hair reflects light less easily than straight hair, so you'll notice more shine after your hair treatment. keratin straightening".

Can you have a keratin treatment if you have coloured hair?

Another added benefit is that it will keep freshly coloured hair vibrant, even if you have a balayage highlights which is a more aggressive technique. I always recommend that you talk to your stylist and colourist on how to refresh your colour just before your hair colour treatment. keratin straightening. The treatment seals the colour, making it last longer and look brighter.

Is keratin the same as a Japanese treatment or a relaxer?

Although it is similar to other hair straightening treatmentsThe keratin treatments are still clearly different. The treatments of keratin straightening are a less harsh option than others smoothing treatments like relaxers. "Keratin is excellent for those who have frizzy hair and want smooth, straight hair for the long term.

Chemicals with keratin are slightly less damaging than those found with other straightening treatments, such as a relaxing treatment, which is very harsh.

"The main difference between a keratin treatment and a straightener is how long straighten hair". "A treatment of keratin straightening temporarily loosens the curl pattern and fades over time. The texture of your hair will eventually return to its natural state. With a straightener, that's not the case at all.

Straighteners break molecular bonds in the hair. and straightens it out. Because the Japanese hair treatments and traditional relaxers permanently break the bonds of your hair with ammonium thioglycolate and sodium hydroxide, they are much more effective for curly hair, but also more damaging. The growth phase will also be more intensive than with a keratin straighteningThere will be a demarcation line when your natural texture grows back.

How long does a keratin straightening treatment take?

The treatment lasts a few hours, although it varies depending on the length and type of hair. "Depending on the texture and density of your hair, you can expect this treatment to take two to four hours. "Your hairdresser will first wash your hair, then apply the keratin treatment on damp hair, where it will sit for about 30 minutes; however, some stylists may dry the hair first and then apply the treatment". "Finally, since the treatment is heat-activated, the stylist will flat iron the hair in small sections to seal it.

How long do keratin straightening treatments last?

The cardinal rule of keratin treatments is to stay away from water and ponytails for at least three days. You don't want to risk creating a kink in your newly straightened hair. The key to maintaining your treatment for as long as possible is to use a sulphate-free shampoo on the days you wash your hair.

For those with natural curls, I personally recommend not getting your hair wet for three days. I also recommend using hair products without sodium chloride and wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf (or pillowcase) to keep moisture trapped in your hair, as the treatment can make your hair dry faster. Treatments can last up to six months, but could affect your curl pattern permanently.

But most importantly, there are a few key things to consider before you schedule that appointment. "There are so many effective ways to straightening hair and keep it protected by using the right products and techniques, so a keratin treatment might not be the right choice," he adds. "Depending on your particular hair texture, a different treatment, such as a chemical straightener, might make more sense for you.

Why do some hairdressers not perform keratin treatments?

Part of the concern about keratin treatments revolves around one of the ingredients found in most traditional salon formulas: formaldehyde. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines it as a strong-smelling, colourless gas that is generally used to manufacture building materials, household products such as glue and fibreboard, and is used as a preservative when dissolved in water.

In keratin straightening treatments, it is responsible for locking the hair into that new smooth, sleek position for months. But these treatments don't actually contain formaldehyde because, well, it's a known carcinogen. What they do contain instead are ingredients such as methylene glycol, formalin, methanal and methanediol, which release the carcinogenic compound when mixed with water during treatment. So while the formula might technically be formaldehyde-free, it is not mixed with water even once.

This represents a potential risk not only for you, but also for the salon technicians who perform the treatments over and over again in enclosed spaces. "Some stylists refuse to do hair treatments for keratin straighteningbecause there is research showing that continued use of formaldehyde over time can have some serious consequences". "The risks can be as mild as watery eyes and skin irritation to as serious as cancer and respiratory disease.

In fact, the CDC lists common side effects of formaldehyde exposure that include sore throat, nosebleeds and itchy eyes. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warns about the potential health risks to those exposed and notes that formulas and products claiming to be natural, organic or formaldehyde-free may not be entirely accurate. The FDA encourages people to always read the label, ask hair professionals for a list of ingredients and report any negative reactions.

The so-called "treatment of keratin straightening can also do a lot of damage to the hair over time. Fitzsimons says that because these treatments require high temperatures to lock the hair in place, he wouldn't recommend them for people with super-fine or damaged hair. If you're looking for a less damaging and truly formaldehyde-free treatment, ask your salon if they use a treatment containing glyoxylic acid instead. They don't straighten hair as dramatically (they're more for boosting shine and fighting frizz), but they're also much safer.

Can you have a keratin straightening treatment?

The short answer is yes, but it won't be as effective as a professional treatment. "Home treatments coat the hair, rather than penetrate the hair shaft, so the results will only last for about a week.

And whatever you do, use only treatments intended for home use. "Don't buy professional-grade products for home use because they require an expert to apply them correctly". Even when using a formaldehyde-free formula, "always remember to read and follow the instructions carefully and use in a well-ventilated area". While the products may not give you salon-level results, "it will get the job done without ruining you".

From my experience over the years, I always recommend that before considering this type of treatment yourself, you should first consult your doctor. stylist trustworthy.