Curly hair is stunning, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges like frizz, tangles, and difficulty managing. Keratin hair treatments have gained popularity as a solution for taming and enhancing curly hair while maintaining its natural texture. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about keratin treatments for curly hair, from the basics to aftercare.
What is a keratin hair treatment?
Keratin is a natural protein found in hair, nails, and skin. It helps to keep hair strong and healthy. Keratin hair treatment is a chemical process that involves applying a keratin solution to your hair, followed by heat sealing with a blow dry and flat iron. It acts as a protective coating on the hair strand, reduces frizz, and makes hair humidity-resistant.
How is it done?
Consultation:
Consult with a professional hairstylist or read the instructions on the product carefully before proceeding. Different treatments may have varying application techniques and requirements.
Preparing the Hair:
Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup and open up the hair cuticles, allowing the treatment to penetrate better. Towel-dry your hair, but ensure it’s not dripping wet.
Applying the Treatment:
Divide your hair into sections to ensure even application. Put on gloves and apply the keratin treatment solution using an applicator brush, starting from the roots and working your way down to the tips. Make sure to saturate each section of hair. Comb through the section with a fine-tooth comb to ensure even product distribution. Continue this process until all sections of your hair are coated with the treatment.
Processing Time:
Follow the recommended processing time mentioned in the product instructions. This usually ranges from about 20 minutes to an hour.
Heat Application:
After processing, the hairstylist may use a flat iron set to a specific temperature to seal the keratin into the hair strands. This helps to straighten the hair and make the treatment effective. The flat ironing process involves passing thin sections of hair through the iron multiple times to lock in the keratin.
Cooling Down:
Allow your hair to cool down for a few minutes.
Final Steps:
If rinsing is required, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to wash out the treatment. Towel-dry your hair gently and avoid vigorous rubbing. Apply a keratin-infused leave-in conditioner or serum, if recommended by the product.
Post-Treatment Care:
Avoid washing your hair for the duration mentioned in the product instructions (usually around 72 hours) to allow the treatment to set properly. Use sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free hair care products to prolong the effects of the treatment. Limit exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and direct sunlight, as these can affect the longevity of the treatment.
Aftercare tips
Taking care of your hair after getting the keratin treatment is essential. There are certain things to be paid attention to, like-
- Switching the shampoo and conditioner for keratin-treated hair. Make sure to opt for a sulfate-free shampoo
- Use silk pillow covers. Cotton fabric can end up damaging your hair by making it weak.
- Do not wash your hair often; washing can affect the treatment by washing it off the strands.
- Try keeping your hair dry
- Blowdry your hair right after workout sessions
- Do not tie your hair or use water for at least 50 hours after the keratin hair treatment.
Benefits
- It helps reduce frizz and makes your hair manageable.
- Curly hairs tend to be frizzy, and keratin treatment helps reduce frizz.
- The keratin penetrates the hair shaft and helps to repair any damage that has occurred.
- Keratin treatment brings back the lost moisture of the hair strands.
- Additionally, a keratin treatment can help make your hair look shinier and healthier, which can be a great confidence booster.
Things you should know
Keratin treatments may not be suitable for everyone. In case of damaged or thin hair, you can find your hair even more fragile and prone to breakage. We need to be very careful with the keratin solution and keep it from touching the scalp, as it ends up causing dryness and dandruff.
Moreover, if you have very curly hair, you may find that the keratin treatment can make your hair look straight and flat. This treatment is a chemical process that can damage hair incorrectly. This is why trying it at home and getting it done by a professional is not recommended.
Another important consideration when getting keratin treatment is the cost. This can be expensive, especially if you go to a high-end salon. The treatment may take more than 2 hours, depending on the length and texture of your hair.
Disclaimer– Find a salon that offers quality treatment at a reasonable price with quality products.
You should choose high-quality products; otherwise, they might destroy your hair.
Conclusion
Keratin hair treatment can bring a drastic change for curly-haired people. The uncoiled curls and the frizz-free hair are the best ways to tame the tresses and let go of the flyaways. It works by penetrating the hair’s cuticle, and it helps your hair gain back the lost shine. It also makes your hair look fuller and healthier. Now, style and manage your unruly curly hair with a keratin treatment.
