Does keratin straighten hair?
If you’ve ever considered a keratin blowout, you’ve probably wondered: does keratin actually straighten hair? It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Many people assume that keratin treatments are the same as chemical straightening, but that’s not entirely true.
At Salon No. 100, we believe in educating our clients so they know exactly what to expect from a treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down how keratin treatments work, what they do to your hair, and whether they truly straighten it.
The Process of a Keratin Blowout
What Happens During a Keratin Treatment?
A keratin blowout is a multi-step process designed to smooth, strengthen, and enhance shine in the hair. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when you book a keratin treatment at a professional salon like Salon No. 100:
1️⃣ Cleansing the Hair – The stylist starts by washing the hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup, oils, and impurities. This prepares the hair so the keratin treatment can penetrate deeply.
2️⃣ Applying the Keratin Solution – A professional-grade keratin formula is applied section by section. This formula is packed with proteins and conditioning agents that help repair and smooth the hair shaft.
3️⃣ Blow-Drying the Hair – Once the keratin solution is applied, the hair is blow-dried straight to help seal in the treatment.
4️⃣ Flat Ironing for Seal & Shine – A high-temperature flat iron is then used to activate the keratin and lock in the smoothness. This is a key step—the heat helps the keratin bond with your hair, creating that sleek, frizz-free look.
5️⃣ The Aftercare Instructions – Depending on the keratin formula used, you may need to avoid washing your hair for 24-72 hours to let the treatment fully set. Using sulfate-free shampoos is also recommended to extend the results.
What Does Keratin Do to Your Hair?
Keratin’s Role in Hair Health
Keratin is a natural protein found in hair, responsible for keeping it strong, shiny, and smooth. Over time, exposure to heat styling, chemicals, and environmental damage can deplete keratin levels, leaving hair dry, frizzy, and weak.
A keratin treatment works by replenishing lost keratin, coating the hair shaft to fill in gaps and create a smooth, protective layer. This helps:
✔ Reduce frizz and flyaways
✔ Enhance shine
✔ Strengthen the hair and reduce breakage
✔ Make styling easier and more manageable
Does Keratin Itself Straighten Hair?
Here’s where things get interesting: keratin itself does not straighten the hair. What it does is smooth and relax the hair, making it appear straighter and more polished.
The real straightening effect comes from the heat styling process during the treatment. The blow-dry and flat iron work with the keratin to create a sleek, straight finish. However, if you have very curly or wavy hair, the treatment won’t completely straighten your hair like a chemical relaxer—instead, it will soften the curl pattern and make your hair much easier to style straight.
What Actually Straightens the Hair in a Keratin Treatment?
The Role of Heat in Keratin Treatments
While keratin smooths and strengthens, it’s the heat from the flat iron that temporarily alters the structure of your hair, making it appear straighter. The heat seals the keratin into the hair cuticle, creating a smoother look.
✔ If a lower heat setting is used, you’ll get a more natural, frizz-free result while keeping some of your hair’s natural texture.
✔ If a higher heat setting is used, the hair will appear sleeker and straighter.
How Long Does the Straightened Look Last?
A keratin blowout typically lasts between 2-4 months, depending on:
✔ Your hair type – Thicker, coarser hair may hold the treatment longer than fine hair.
✔ How often you wash your hair – Washing frequently (especially with sulfate shampoos) can shorten the lifespan.
✔ How much heat styling you do – Using heat on your hair can help maintain the smooth effect for longer.
Should You Get a Keratin Treatment for Straight Hair?
Who Benefits Most from Keratin Treatments?
A keratin blowout is ideal for:
✔ People with frizzy or unruly hair – It helps tame frizz and makes hair more manageable.
✔ Those with wavy or curly hair – It softens curls and makes straightening much easier.
✔ Anyone who struggles with humidity – It prevents hair from puffing up or frizzing in damp weather.
Who Might Not Need One?
If you already have pin-straight hair, a keratin treatment won’t add much value—it’s more effective for frizzy, wavy, or curly hair that needs smoothing.
Can You Still Curl Your Hair After Keratin?
Yes! While keratin treatments make hair straighter, they don’t permanently change its structure like chemical relaxers. You can still curl or wave your hair if you want variety in your styling.
Final Thoughts
So, does keratin actually straighten hair? Not exactly. The keratin itself works by smoothing and conditioning the hair, but the straightening effect comes from the heat styling used during the treatment.
✔ If you’re looking for frizz-free, smoother hair, a keratin blowout is a fantastic option.
✔ If you want permanently straight hair, a chemical relaxer might be a better choice.
At Salon No. 100, our expert stylists can tailor your keratin treatment to achieve the look you want. Whether you prefer a sleek, straight finish or soft, natural waves, we’ll ensure your hair looks healthy, shiny, and fabulous.
Thinking about booking a keratin treatment? Get in touch with us today and let’s create the perfect, smooth-hair plan for you!
For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! Serving clients from [cities], we’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call [xfield_phone] and book your appointment today!
[xfield_dynamic-map]