Should You Get a Keratin Treatment?

Frizz. Women have been fighting it since, what feels like, the beginning of time. With so many products, DIY home remedies, and salon treatments that claim to kill frizz once and for all, it can be overwhelming to try to find the solution that works best for your hair. One option that has become increasingly popular over the last few years is keratin treatments, which may also be called Brazilian blowouts or smoothing treatments at your local salon. What is a keratin treatment? It is a process in which your hair stylist will put a keratin solution into your hair and seal it with heat.¹ The treatment is said to shorten your blow-dry time, eliminate frizz and keep your hair looking smooth and shiny for about 2 months.¹ Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Well the treatment may not be right for all hair types, and there are a few things for you to consider before getting it done:

You really need to understand the treatment you are going to get. As hinted at earlier, there are a few different types of keratin treatments that will produce different results. If you are looking for pin straight hair, you will have to go for the traditional keratin treatment. If you just want a hair-smoothing, anti-frizz treatment, you have other options. Different treatments involve different chemicals and will last different amounts of time. Make sure to thoroughly discuss your options with your hair stylist.²

Understand that these treatments involve putting chemicals in your hair. Just because keratin is found naturally in your locks and seems safe, doesn’t mean that is the only ingredient in the treatments. Traditional straightening treatments may actually include formaldehyde, and exposure to this chemical on a regular basis is said to be linked to health problems.¹ If you are worried about being exposed to it, there are smoothing treatments that are formaldehyde free, but they will not straighten your hair.²

Keep in mind that you won’t be able to do anything with your hair for three days after the treatment. This includes washing it, putting it in a bun or ponytail, or styling it in any way.² The solution takes a few days to set. If you do mess with your hair too much too soon, you could dent or kink it and it could set in that position.²

The best person to consult with before you get a keratin treatment is definitely your hair stylist. They have likely been trained on the ins and outs of the different types of treatments and will know which is best for your hair type. When in doubt, ask a professional!

Have you ever gotten a keratin treatment done to your hair? Did you love it or hate it? Was it really the miracle cure for frizz and unruly hair? Share your story with us!

^{1 – Information from WebMD}

^{2 – Information from MarieClaire.com}