Gone are the days where we have to struggle with frizzy hair. Today we have so many options on how to treat our hair. It is almost as though you get to choose how you want your hair to look. If you’re tired of taking care of your dull hair and want to pack a protein punch for it, then keratin treatment may be your answer.
What is keratin? And why is it suddenly everywhere?
Keratin is a protein found in your hair, nails and your skin. It is a naturally occurring protein that protects the hair and keeps it healthy. Our natural keratin stock reduces as our hair gets damaged by the environment, the sun, pollution and other factors. A lack of keratin can make your hair look unhealthy, dry and frizzy.
What does a keratin treatment entail?
A keratin treatment involves replenishing your hair’s lost keratin supply by artificially adding more keratin to it. But how do they do this? The primary aim of a keratin treatment is to straighten the hair semi-temporarily. In salons, they use something known as a formaldehyde-releasing solution to coat your hair. Your stylist will keep this on for a stipulated amount of time after which, your hair is blow-dried and then straightened with a hair iron. Once they finish this process, your hair appears frizz-free, healthy and needle straight.
How long does a keratin treatment last?
A good keratin treatment will last for 3 to 6 months depending on how you take care of your hair, the products you use, how often you wash your hair and hair texture.
How to decide whether you should get a keratin treatment?
We recommend keratin treatment to people with frizzy, thick and curly hair. If you have straight or thin hair, then it’s better not to opt for this particular treatment. There are other ways you can give your hair the nourishment it requires.
1. A great first step is to identify your hair goal. Do you want it to be more manageable and frizz-free but retain your natural curls and texture? Then you should opt for a smoothening treatment. But if you’re looking to straighten out your texture with a protein boost, then a keratin treatment will help.
2. Next, do your research on a salon and hairstylist who will treat your hair well or one that you trust.
3. Ask your hairstylist all your questions and apprehensions before going in for a treatment. Make sure you are okay with how your hair will look afterwards.
4. Ensure that you are okay with the chemicals that will be inducted into your hair during this process.
The not-so-bright side of a keratin treatment.
1. Although it sounds like a keratin treatment uses keratin as its main ingredient, it turns out, formaldehyde is the main character here. The bad news here is that formaldehyde is rumoured to be carcinogenic. Oops!
2. It is not very safe to get treatment more than twice a year.
3. When they say the treatment is formaldehyde-free, that is not entirely true.
4. You need to buy a whole different set of shampoos and conditioners to use on your hair after a keratin treatment. These help the treatment last longer. However, they can be pretty expensive.
5. Due to the high amount of heat required to straighten the hair and lock in the solution, keratin can be quite damaging over a long period of time.
6. You can’t touch your hair for three days after a treatment.
7. Your result will ultimately depend on your individual hair. The outcome is different for everyone.
8. Keratin treatments are an expensive affair.
9. It is not safe for pregnant women.
The silver lining
The days of permanent straightening, hair damage, half curly hair and half straight hair are all gone. Today with treatments like keratin smoothening, you can get a straightened look that appears more natural and lasts longer. However, like everything else, it has its own pros and cons, so always do your research before investing in chemical treatments such as these.
FAQ’s
1. Can a keratin treatment increase hair growth?
The treatment can make your frizzy hair more manageable. However, it cannot directly contribute to increased hair growth. If you need to address hair growth-related issues, it is best to consult with a dermatologist.
2. What kind of water is bad for hair treated by keratin?
It is advisable not to go swimming in the ocean or a pool after getting a treatment. Chlorine water and saltwater can reduce the effects of a keratin treatment.
3. What are the risks of formaldehyde?
Side effects and risks include irritation, allergic reactions, burning eyes, nose and throat irritation or burning, itchy skin, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing and more.
4. What can I do to avoid getting affected by formaldehyde?
Try avoiding these treatments if your hair is thin or straight already. Visit a salon that is ventilated well so that you don’t take the risk of inhaling the fumes from the solution.
