Are you considering getting a keratin treatment?
If so, you’re not alone. Keratin treatments are becoming increasingly popular because they can make the hair look shinier and smoother. Keratin treatments involve using a form of a protein called keratin to temporarily straighten and smooth the hair.
Keratin treatments can be a great option for people with curly or frizzy hair. However, it’s important to understand that there are risks involved in getting a keratin treatment, and not all salons offer quality services. In this blog post, we will discuss the truth about keratin treatments: what they are, how they work, and the potential risks involved.
The main thing to avoid is over-processing, which can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and break easily. If you’re considering getting a keratin treatment, be sure to go to a salon that has a lot of experience and offers quality services.
What is keratin?
Keratin is a protein that is naturally made in the body and is found in both your hair and nails. Keratin serves as a protective protein in your hair, preventing breakage and heat damage.
Keratin is a protein that is often found in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. Although shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks with keratin are available in stores and online for at home use, expert keratin treatments are more effective and can provide spectacular results even after a single application.
Often, these treatments are seen as a miracle cure for all of your hair. However, what many people don’t know is that keratin treatments can be quite damaging to your hair. In theory, the heat applied to the hair is supposed to open up keratin bonds in your hair, then fill them with artificially derived keratin. This should make your locks stronger and straighter, but this can also damage the cuticle of your hair strands as well.
By now you're probably wondering, "If keratin treatments are so bad why do people get them?"
Personal speaking, I got my first keratin treatment after getting tired of trying to maintain my hair and my three daughter’s hair. I thought it would be an excellent way to make managing hair. I read about the many benefits of keratin treatments, such as:
- Keratin smooths the hair strands, making it straight, glossy, more manageable, and less frizzy. The therapy can also help to prevent split ends by temporarily reconnecting the hair strand.
- Results that last. If the hair is properly cared for, for example by using sulfate and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners, and washed no more than 2-3 times a week, the effects of a keratin treatment might endure for quite some time.
- Improved hair strength. Keratin treatments can aid in the healing of damaged hair, making it stronger and less prone to breakage.
Our hair was smooth and straight, but at what cost? Our curls were now lifeless. We couldn’t do a proper wash and go, twist, or braid out when our new growth came in because we had two different curl patterns. My middle child’s hair started to fall at the nape of her neck. It was like getting a bad perm. All those years we spent growing out our beautiful hair, lost, and we were back at the drawing board.
Needless to say, we only got one keratin treatment. After I realized the damage it caused, my main goal was to fix it. I decided to go back to maintaining our hair. Our routine consisted of using the LOC method, protective styles, deep conditioning, hot oil treatments, and trims to get rid of the dead ends and transition.
What are the risks of keratin treatments?
Many treatments use formaldehyde or other aldehydes as part of their keratin treatment. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and should be avoided if possible. Some formaldehyde treatments also have high levels of other harmful chemicals, such as formalin or methanol.
- Formaldehyde is recognized to induce skin irritancy and allergic dermatitis. Repeated exposure to formaldehyde-based components might cause scalp irritation and rashes, as well as significant hair loss.
- Additionally, formaldehyde is a cancer-causing chemical that can irritate the eyes and nose. Formaldehyde is an EPA carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to induce cancer in some individuals. Even if they do, some manufacturers obscure this information by using phrases like “formalin” or “methylene glycol.” Look for labels that mention formalin
- Cost. Keratin treatments might be costly. At-home versions are less expensive, but the effects generally don’t last as long.
- Maintenance. To maintain hair health and extend the effects, a few measures should be taken. Chlorinated water or salt water (such as a pool or the sea), when swam in, may prematurely destroy the results of a keratin treatment. Because sodium chloride and sulfates can remove the effects of treatments, use shampoos and conditioners that are labeled “sulfate-free” and “chlorine-free.” Sun can also fade the treatment, so use a hat or scarf when outside on days that you know will be sunny. Avoid using hot tools (like a straightener) for at least 72 hours after your treatment.
My Biased opinion on Keratin Treatments
Your best bet is to avoid keratin treatments altogether. If you do decide to go ahead with one, make sure that you choose a salon that uses all-natural ingredients in its treatments, if possible. And be sure to ask lots of questions about what the treatment will involve and how it is performed. The last thing you want is to damage your hair further by going through a keratin treatment at an unprofessional salon.
If you’re looking for a way to straighten your hair without resorting to harsh chemicals, try using a good-quality flat iron instead. Flat irons heat isn’t as high as what is used in keratin treatments, and they won’t damage your hair the way that those treatments can. So, if you’re looking for a safer and more natural way to straighten your hair, consider using a flat iron instead of going through with a keratin treatment.
Of course, this is my biased opinion based on my experience alone. Please do not take it at face value because although my girls and I had a bad experience with keratin treatments doesn’t mean you will. On the other hand, your hair may love the treatment. Just be sure to do plenty of research to see if getting a keratin treatment is right for you.
Had a keratin treatment before? Share your experience in the comments below!