Does keratin really straighten hair?
Does keratin really straighten hair?
What is Keratin?
Let’s start with the basics: keratin is a natural protein found in your hair, skin, and nails. It’s the key ingredient that gives your hair its strength and structure. Unfortunately, daily styling, environmental factors, and chemical treatments can strip your hair of keratin, leaving it looking dull, frizzy, or damaged.
Keratin treatments aim to restore this lost protein, replenishing your hair with the essential building blocks it needs to stay smooth and healthy. But does it really straighten your hair? Well, not quite. While keratin treatments make hair appear straighter, they’re not permanent straightening solutions like relaxers. Instead, they smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and giving your locks a sleeker finish.
At Salon No. 100, your trusted Solihull Hairdresser, we often recommend keratin treatments for anyone looking to achieve glossy, manageable hair without committing to a completely straight style.
How Does Keratin Work?
The magic of keratin lies in how it interacts with your hair’s structure. Each strand of hair has a protective outer layer called the cuticle. When the cuticle is smooth, your hair looks shiny and feels soft. When it’s rough or damaged, you get frizz and flyaways.
Keratin treatments coat the hair shaft with liquid keratin, which fills in gaps in the cuticle and creates a smooth, protective layer. This not only tames unruly hair but also makes it more resistant to humidity—a lifesaver on those drizzly British days!
It’s worth noting that keratin treatments don’t chemically alter your hair’s natural texture. Instead, they temporarily align the strands, making them appear straighter. This effect usually lasts between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on your hair type and how well you maintain it.
How is Keratin Typically Applied?
If you’ve never had a keratin treatment, you might be wondering what happens during the process. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds, and at Salon No. 100, we make sure every client feels comfortable and informed.
- Cleansing the Hair
First, your stylist will wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product build-up and open the cuticles. This ensures the keratin treatment can penetrate deeply into each strand. - Applying the Keratin
Once your hair is towel-dried, the stylist will apply the keratin solution evenly from roots to tips. This step is all about precision to ensure every strand gets coated. - Drying and Sealing
After the keratin is applied, your hair is blow-dried and then straightened using a flat iron. The heat seals the keratin into the cuticle, locking in the smoothness and shine. - Aftercare Advice
Your stylist will give you tips on maintaining your keratin treatment, such as avoiding sulphate shampoos and minimising hair washes to extend the treatment’s lifespan.
The whole process can take a few hours, but trust us—it’s worth every minute for the silky, manageable results.
What Impact Does Keratin Have on Hair?
Keratin treatments are often touted as miracle workers, but like any hair treatment, they have pros and cons. Let’s break it down.
The Benefits
- Frizz-Free Finish: Say goodbye to those pesky flyaways, even in humid weather.
- Time-Saving: You’ll spend less time blow-drying and straightening your hair each morning.
- Enhanced Shine: Keratin reflects light, giving your hair that enviable glossy look.
- Improved Manageability: Detangling becomes a breeze, and your hair feels softer and smoother.
The Considerations
While keratin treatments are generally safe, they’re not for everyone. The treatment often involves heat, which, if overused, can weaken the hair. Additionally, some keratin products contain formaldehyde, a chemical that can be irritating. At Salon No. 100, we use high-quality, formaldehyde-free keratin treatments to prioritise your hair’s health.
Finally, keratin isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re after pin-straight hair, this treatment may not deliver the dramatic transformation of a relaxer. However, it’s perfect for those who want a natural, polished look with less daily effort.
For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! Serving clients from Olton, Shirley, Knowle, Elmdon, Eastcote, Hall Green, Bickenhill, Cheswick Green, Sheldon, Dorridge, we’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call 07966 105306 and book your appointment today!
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