Hair Keratin: If you dream of having smooth and frizz-free hair, you’ve probably heard of keratin treatments and may have even tried this popular salon service.
Hair Keratin, Keratin treatments can reduce the time spent blow-drying your hair, reduce split ends, smooth the hair cuticle, and enhance hair shine. However, for some people, keratin treatments may damage the natural curl pattern of their hair and can also be an expensive and time-consuming process.
Dr. Alok Vij, a dermatologist and hair specialist, explains keratin treatments and whether it’s something you should try.
What Is Keratin Treatment?
Hair Keratin, Keratin is a protein that makes up the outer layer of your hair, skin, and nails.
Dr. Vij says, “As you age, you lose keratin or it gets damaged. Over time, environmental triggers, chemicals, UV rays, and heat can break down keratin. These factors cause the protein to lose its natural structure, and as a result, its function changes.”
Hair Keratin, This means your hair no longer has the strength, elasticity, or shine it once did, and this is where keratin treatments come in. Dr. Vij says, “A keratin treatment is a chemical process where the outer layer of the hair shaft is smoothed.”
Keratin treatments can be used for any hair type. He notes, “People with longer or curlier and frizzier hair often use it more, but even if you have short hair and are not satisfied with the volume, you can use keratin treatment to make your hair look fuller and shinier.”
How Is The Treatment Applied?
Hair Keratin, The keratin process can vary at different salons, but typically, the stylist starts by washing your hair twice with a clarifying shampoo. Then, a keratin solution is applied to your wet hair and combed through. This solution is left on for two to four hours, depending on your hair’s length and texture. Finally, the stylist dries your hair and uses a flat iron to seal the treatment into your hair, which is a crucial step.
Dr. Vij explains, “The keratin treatment doesn’t wash out with shampoo. It coats your hair and smooths everything down, and then heat helps lock it into place, restoring the outer layer to a smooth, shiny, and sleek texture.”
How Long Does Keratin Treatment Last?
Hair Keratin, You may be amazed at the shine and smoothness of your hair before and after the treatment. If you don’t wash your hair too often, these results can last up to six months.
Professional Tips
It’s better to avoid washing your hair with shampoo for a few days after the keratin treatment, and in the following weeks, try to reduce the frequency of shampooing. It’s also advisable to use sodium chloride-free hair products, which are free from harsh chemicals that could damage your hair.
Are Keratin Treatments Really Safe?
Hair Keratin, Some keratin treatment formulas may contain formaldehyde, a strong-smelling chemical that can cause eye watering, coughing, wheezing, skin irritation, and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat.
Dr. Vij says, “Unfortunately, formaldehyde is almost everywhere around us. It’s in soaps, shampoos, and the food we eat. Clearly, you don’t want to ingest large amounts of this substance. So, avoiding exposure to formaldehyde can be beneficial for your skin and overall health. There is still some doubt about whether this substance is linked to cancer and other negative health effects.”
Hair Keratin, Formaldehyde-free keratin treatments are also available on the market, but these formulas don’t work as well. So, make sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons of keratin treatment.
Keratin treatments are not recommended for pregnant women, and if you have sensitive skin or allergic contact dermatitis, you should proceed with caution.
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