What to Do Before and After Keratin Treatment for Best Results

Table of Contents

• What is Keratin Treatment?
• Benefits of Keratin Treatment
• Preparing for a Keratin Treatment
• Pre-Treatment Hair Care Routine
• Things to Avoid Before Keratin Treatment
• During the Keratin Treatment
• Immediate Aftercare: The First 72 Hours
• Post-Treatment Hair Maintenance
• Styling Tips After Keratin Treatment
• Hair Protection Tips While Sleeping
• Long-Term Maintenance for Best Results
• What to Avoid After Keratin Treatment
• Enhancing Keratin Treatment Results
• How to Maintain Frizz-Free Hair in Humidity
• FAQs About Keratin Treatment

What is Keratin Treatment?

Keratin treatment is a hair-smoothing technique that uses the natural protein keratin to fill in gaps in your hair cuticle. The treatment gives you sleek, shiny, and frizz-free hair for an extended period. It works by bonding keratin to the outer layer of the hair, reducing curl patterns and locking in moisture.

Benefits of Keratin Treatment

Keratin treatments offer numerous benefits, including smoother hair, reduced frizz, and easier manageability. With this treatment, your hair becomes stronger and less prone to breakage. The treatment also cuts down styling time significantly, as the need for blow-drying or straightening is minimized.

Preparing for a Keratin Treatment

Before your keratin treatment, there are several steps you should take to ensure optimal results. Start by consulting with a stylist to determine whether keratin is right for your hair type. Additionally, deep condition your hair a week prior to treatment to boost moisture levels.

Pre-Treatment Hair Care Routine

Before undergoing keratin treatment, it's important to prepare your hair for the process. Use a deep conditioning mask a few days before the treatment to hydrate and nourish your strands. Avoid products with heavy oils or silicones, and cleanse your hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo.

Things to Avoid Before Keratin Treatment

There are a few things to avoid before getting a keratin treatment. Refrain from coloring your hair right before the treatment and avoid using heavy conditioners or oils. Additionally, do not undergo any other chemical treatments, such as perms or relaxers, shortly before your keratin session.

During the Keratin Treatment

The application process for keratin treatment involves applying the solution to your hair, followed by heat sealing with a flat iron. This step locks the keratin into the hair cuticle. It's important to follow safety precautions, as some treatments may emit fumes due to the chemicals involved.

Immediate Aftercare: The First 72 Hours

After your keratin treatment, the first 72 hours are crucial. Avoid washing or wetting your hair during this time, and refrain from styling or tying your hair to prevent dents or creases. If your hair accidentally gets wet, blow-dry and flat iron it as soon as possible to maintain the results.

Post-Treatment Hair Maintenance

To keep your keratin-treated hair looking its best, use sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners. Incorporating weekly deep conditioning treatments can help maintain smoothness and shine. Stick to keratin-safe hair products to prolong the effects of the treatment.

Styling Tips After Keratin Treatment

Keratin-treated hair requires less styling, but it's still important to protect it from heat damage. Always use a heat protectant spray before using styling tools and avoid using excessive heat. Opt for low-heat settings when blow-drying or flat-ironing your hair.

Hair Protection Tips While Sleeping

While sleeping, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz. You can also style your hair in a loose braid or bun to minimize tangling and maintain the smoothness of your keratin-treated hair.

Long-Term Maintenance for Best Results

To prolong the results of your keratin treatment, schedule a re-treatment every 4 to 5 months. Getting regular trims and maintaining a healthy diet with supplements like biotin can also contribute to healthy, keratin-treated hair over time.

What to Avoid After Keratin Treatment

After your keratin treatment, avoid exposing your hair to chlorine, saltwater, or harsh chemicals. These elements can strip the keratin from your hair. Additionally, limit frequent hair washing and avoid using shampoos with sulfates, as they can reduce the treatment's longevity.

Enhancing Keratin Treatment Results

Using heat protectants and deep conditioning treatments can help extend the life of your keratin treatment. Apply a heat protectant spray before using hot tools and consider weekly deep conditioning masks to keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free.

How to Maintain Frizz-Free Hair in Humidity

Humidity can undo the smoothing effects of your keratin treatment. To prevent frizz, opt for humidity-proof hairstyles like braids or buns and use anti-humidity hair products that are safe for keratin-treated hair.

FAQs About Keratin Treatment

• Can You Color Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment? Yes, but wait at least two weeks to avoid disrupting the keratin bond.
• How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last? Typically, a keratin treatment lasts between 3 to 6 months with proper care.
• Can You Work Out After a Keratin Treatment? It’s best to avoid heavy exercise for the first 72 hours post-treatment.
• Can I Curl My Hair After a Keratin Treatment? Yes, but wait a few weeks to ensure the keratin treatment has settled.
• Does Keratin Treatment Cause Hair Loss? No direct link exists, but improper application can lead to hair breakage.
• Is Keratin Treatment Safe During Pregnancy? It's recommended to avoid keratin treatments during pregnancy due to chemical exposure.