Keratin Treatment For Hair- Benefits, Side Effects, Science and More.

Introduction

Keratin treatment- every one has heard these words at least once. It is one of the hair treatments that are gaining widespread popularity right now, mainly due to the sleek, and shiny look it gives. The process of keratin treatment for hair involves application of certain products, which is followed by blow drying and finally locking in the moisture with a flat iron. It makes hair glossy and shiny by locking in moisture. Keratin treatment is good for hair of all types- whether you have curly, straight or even wavy hair. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything about keratin treatment- its history, scientific explanation, types, benefits, guide on how to prepare for it, post care guide. 

Key takeaways

• Keratin treatment is a procedure that is used to add extra keratin to the hair to restore its lost shine and vibrancy. It also gives a straight look and can last up to 2 to 6 months.
• It is believed to be originated in Brazil, in the starting of the 21st century. 
• Many types of keratin treatments like Brazilian blowout, express keratin treatment and soft keratin treatment are available and can be applied depending on personal needs.
• It is important to prepare your hair before the salon appointment for a few weeks. Also, experts recommend not washing the hair for at least 24 hours before the keratin appointment.
• The process of this treatment involves washing the hair by a clarifying shampoo, followed by application of keratin- based products all over the hair and locking it in by heating.

What is keratin treatment?

While we get to know about the rising popularity of this hair treatment, it is important to understand what this hair treatment really is. Keratin is basically, the name of a fibrous protein that is found in the outer surface of human nails, skin and hair. 

Due to a lot of factors like ageing, and chemical exposure, it gets broken down in our body with little or no new prospects of growth. That’s where keratin hair treatment comes to play. 

It begins with thick application of products containing keratin (protein) on the hair, followed by locking in the moisture using a flat iron. In other words, it is a chemical process in which the outer layer of hair strands is smoothened. 

History of keratin treatment

The origin of keratin treatment for hair is believed to be in Brazil, in the beginning of 21st century. It was invented as a means to restore hair, as, it could be used to straighten curly hair without causing any damage to them, and also made them healthier and shinier. During this time, the composition of keratin straightening treatment was formaldehyde (9-15 percent) and low-grade plant keratin. The formaldehyde helped in preserving the effects of keratin for a minimum of 5 - 6 months, to a year. 

Later, researchers from around the globe discovered this and developed the technology more by creating new generation products, which also allowed reduction of formaldehyde content. Many alternative hair treatments were also developed later which were totally free of formaldehyde. Keratin treatment for hair rose to immense popularity after 2005.

Science behind keratin treatment

How keratin treatment works on hair: Keratin is a hard, fibrous protein found in hair strands, consisting of three layers- namely, medulla, cortex and the cuticle. The cuticle entirely consists of a see-through structure that may look like fish scales. The other two layers- medulla and cortex are known to contain pigments that give color to the hair strands. 

keratin treatments can add an extra dose of this protein to the hair, which then goes on to bond with the naturally present keratin and helps in creating stronger and shinier hair. It works by plugging in the holes of the hair cuticles and penetrating the hair cortex, which helps in repairing and enhancing the quality of the hair. These treatments help in restoring elasticity, strength as well as moisture in the hair, giving it a glossy, shiny and sleek look without damaging it.

Chemical composition of keratin products:

Different types of keratin treatment

Brazilian keratin treatment: also called Brazilian blowout, this is one of the most popular treatments in the market for achieving a sleek and glossy hair look. However, it is not focused on hair straightening, but focuses more on smoothening of hair. Also, it cannot change the texture of extremely curly or coiled hair. 

This is a relatively short procedure and can be done quickly on hair, depending on the length and thickness of the same. The process of this treatment involves application of products, followed by flat ironing and locking in the moisture. One major benefit of this treatment is that it isn’t restrictive like regular keratin treatments. You can take care of your hair like on regular days, except hair coloring or dyeing.

Express keratin treatment: this type of keratin treatment is the fastest treatment currently available in salons. It can last up to four to six weeks and takes half the time than regular treatments. It is considered the best option if you want to have a straight, sleek and shiny hair look for any particular event. 

The ingredients are applied all over the hair and sealed in the same place with a flat iron. A blow dryer is also used in this method with the flat iron to give it a sleeker look. The after care involves avoiding sulphates as much as possible, a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner are recommended by experts, to make it last longer. 

Soft keratin treatment: Soft keratin treatment is a hair care procedure or treatment that is used to smoothen and straighten hair. Unlike other treatments, which might use large amounts of formaldehyde, soft keratin treatments mostly focus on using ingredients that are gentler and still deliver good results.

 This treatment is started with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup or dirt that might be present on the scalp. A formula, rich in keratin, is then applied to the mane, and left on for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes. After this, the hair is rinsed thoroughly, and a heating iron is used to seal the keratin into the hair, ensuring long lasting effects. 

This hair treatment can make hair manageable, reduce frizz and dryness, and increase shine. The soft keratin treatment can last up to many weeks to a few months, and is generally safe and less harsh than other treatments.

 Also read: Keratin treatment side effects 

Natural alternatives to keratin treatment

Want to achieve that sleek, glossy straight hair look without causing damage to your hair and also avoiding the formaldehyde risk? There are a lot of natural ingredients that can be used as an alternative to achieve shiny, straight and beautiful hair.

• Coconut oil: One of the best all-rounders in the hair care world, it is a naturally found oil that can be beneficial for hair of all types. Rich in fatty acids, it can provide keratin-like shine and luster to the hair. It is recommended to apply it warm or lukewarm to the hair, and leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes before washing hair with a shampoo.

• Flaxseed gel: Flaxseed gel contains compounds that are beneficial for overall hair health. Boiling these seeds with water results in formation of gel-like liquid which can be applied to hair before shampooing (around 15-35 minutes) and can provide keratin-like shine to them. Ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or almond oil are also used in combination with this gel.
  

• Other oils: Many other oils like argan oil, Castor oil can also lock in moisture and leave hair all shiny and smooth. Traya’s nourish hair oil is one such oil that can be used, to restore that lost shine and gloss.
  

• Honey and olive oil mask: honey, being a natural humectant, is known to lock in moisture when applied to hair or skin. Olive oil and honey mask can provide shine to the hair without causing any type of damage. It is prepared by mixing equal parts of both the ingredients and applied to the hair for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinsed off with a shampoo.
  
  
• Banana and avocado mask: this mask can be prepared by simply mashing a banana and avocado and mixing them, followed by application of the same on the lengths of the hair. Keep it on for 30 minutes before washing your hair with a shampoo. 

How to prepare for a keratin treatment?

Knowing about your hair type is the first step towards a shiny and vibrant mane. Different types of keratin treatments work on different types of hair. It is necessary to identify whether you have straight, oily, curly, or coiled hair.

Before a few weeks from the date of your appointment, it is advised to remain as natural as possible. Avoid harsh chemicals in disguise of hair products, as much as possible. Do not use heat styling, hair color, or harsh chemical treatments at for least three weeks before the treatment.

Split ends and damaged hair towards the ends can hamper the hair when they’re going towards transforming. Hence, it is recommended to get a simple trim before going to the salon appointment.

Hair keratin treatments require a clean scalp for you to reap maximum benefits. It is recommended to use a good quality clarifying shampoo to get rid of any dirt, buildup or oil on the scalp. Also, it is best to avoid using conditioner before going for the treatment to avoid the presence of any sort of residues that could hinder the procedure.

Deep oiling and conditioning are some ways by which you can make sure that your hair is well hydrated in the weeks before the big day. This helps in strengthening and preparing hair for better application and results. However, avoid using anything on your hair, just a day before the treatment.

The last 24 hours before going for keratin treatment are the most crucial. It is advised to not wash them, or apply any products for the last 24 hours. It helps in getting better results by making the process smoother and gives good results.

What should you expect during the keratin treatment?

How to take care of the hair after the treatment?

• Do not wash hair abruptly after the treatment is done. Give at least 3 days before washing your hair with a shampoo to allow the keratin to bond perfectly with the hair strands. This helps in ensuring better longevity and a smoother and silkier texture.
• Avoid using shampoos and conditioner that have sulphates in them. Using these products can cause the hair to get brittle and dry, and it can also affect the keratin effects.
• For better longevity and smooth results, it is advised to avoid heat styling as much as possible. Heat is known to make the hair bonds weak, which can hamper the longevity of freshly treated hair. Exposure to heat can also damage the hair by making them dry and brittle.
• Sleeping on a silk pillowcase and using silk scrunchies instead of regular rubber bands can turn out to be a game changer for newly treated hair. They are gentle to the hair and hence reduce breakage and helps in making the hair more manageable.
• Keratin treatment for hair requires you to steer clear of salt water and chlorine in swimming pools. These can damage the hair cuticles by making it swollen, that can lead to loss of moisture and strip off the natural oils present on the scalp. Hence, to preserve the newly treated hair well, it is necessary to avoid salt water as well as chlorine water.
• Getting regular touch ups can help with the new hair growth that won’t follow the texture of the hair which was treated with keratin. It is recommended to go for these touch ups every few months to maintain that sleek and glossy look.

Side effects and potential risks associated with keratin treatments

Short term side effects

Although keratin is typically a safe ingredient to use on the hair, but this treatment sometimes uses many chemicals, some of which can cause certain side effects like:

• Respiratory issues: Wheezing, coughing, burning sensations in nose or throat are some of the common keratin treatment side effects that are experienced by many people. Such difficulties are caused mainly due to the presence of formaldehyde in the treatment formulations. 
• Irritation in the eyes: If, formaldehyde gets inside the eyes of a person, there can be a temporary or even permanent scarring in the cornea. Hence, it is recommended to keep the chemical containing formulations as far as possible from the eyes during these treatments.
• Scalp and skin allergies: Many people have experienced burning either on scalp or skin, or even both. Rashes are a very common side effect of hair keratin treatment. This can be characterized by redness, inflammation or rashes on the scalp or skin which was exposed to the chemicals. 
  
  

Long term side effects

Conclusion- is keratin treatment good for hair?

Keratin treatments can offer you a sleek, shiny look along with improved manageability for various hair types and can last from 2 to 6 months, reducing frizz effectively. However, they sometimes contain formaldehyde and other chemicals, which have potential risks like respiratory issues and some more harmful long-term health effects. Hair damage and dryness can also occur is used frequently. For people who are concerned about these risks, natural options like coconut oil, flaxseed gel or banana- avocado hair mask can provide similar shine and smoothness without any such harmful side effects. Ultimately, while keratin treatments can enhance hair appearance, weighing the benefits against potential risks is also important.

FAQs

It is a procedure carried out by washing hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo, followed by applying keratin to all over the hair, and sealing the moisture by using a flat iron.

Keratin treatments can straighten curly or wavy hair for a few months, but not permanently.

Yes, usually, keratin hair treatments are safe for all hair types- straight, curly, wavy or even coiled. However, you can choose from a range of different treatments, according to your hair type.

Yes, there are a lot of natural alternatives to keratin hair treatment that can help in achieving a smoother and sleeker look.

It is not advised by experts to get these treatments too frequently, as they can damage hair in the long run.