smoothing treatments<\/strong> like relaxers. \"Keratin is excellent for those who have frizzy hair and want smooth, straight hair for the long term.<\/p>\nChemicals with keratin are slightly less damaging than those found with other straightening treatments, such as a relaxing treatment, which is very harsh.<\/p>\n
\"The main difference between a keratin treatment<\/strong> and a straightener<\/strong> is how long straighten hair<\/strong>\". \"A treatment of keratin straightening<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nStraighteners break molecular bonds in the hair.<\/strong> and straightens it out. Because the Japanese hair treatments<\/strong> 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 straightening<\/strong>There will be a demarcation line when your natural texture grows back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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<\/span>How long does a keratin straightening treatment take?<\/span><\/h2>\nThe 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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/span>How long do keratin straightening treatments last?<\/span><\/h2>\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/span>Why do some hairdressers not perform keratin treatments?<\/span><\/h2>\nPart 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 straightening<\/strong>because 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.<\/p>\nIn 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.<\/p>\n
The so-called \"treatment of keratin straightening<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n