Why does my hair feel like straw after keratin treatment?
You walk out of the salon expecting silky, glass-like hair after your keratin treatment… but a few days later, it’s feeling rough, dry, and nothing like what you signed up for. What gives?
There are a few reasons your hair might feel like straw after a treatment that’s supposed to leave it smooth. Some of them are fixable. Some of them are avoidable. And all of them are worth knowing before you book in with your Solihull Hairdresser.
The science behind keratin
Keratin treatments work by infusing the hair with a protein-rich formula and sealing it in using heat. This creates a layer over each strand, smoothing the cuticle and cutting down on frizz. When done correctly, it should make your hair feel softer, not drier.
So, if your hair feels worse afterwards, it usually means something didn’t go quite right. Either your hair was already compromised before the treatment, or the process wasn’t tailored to suit your hair’s condition.
Damaged hair before treatment? That’s often the cause
If your hair is already fragile—maybe from bleach, heat, or past chemical treatments—throwing a keratin treatment on top can sometimes make things worse. While keratin adds structure, it’s not a magic fix. It needs something healthy to cling to.
A good hairdresser in Solihull will check the state of your hair before recommending keratin. If the strands are already splitting or stretched, they might suggest strengthening it with treatments first.
Keratin can be brilliant for reducing frizz and making thick, coarse hair easier to manage. But on weak or fine hair, it can feel a bit like too much. You might lose the softness you had, especially if you’re used to lighter conditioners or air-drying.
Overheating during the process
The keratin itself isn’t what dries your hair out—it’s the heat used to seal it in. Flat irons need to reach a specific temperature to bond the formula to your hair. But if that temperature isn’t right for your hair type—or if too many passes are used—it can fry the ends.
This is why it’s important that your stylist isn’t just applying a treatment by the book, but adjusting it to your hair. At Salon No. 100, we never treat keratin like a one-size-fits-all process. Everything depends on the condition of your hair before you start.
Poor aftercare
Another reason your hair might go dry after keratin is down to what you’re using at home. Shampoos with sulphates can strip the treatment right out. Some everyday conditioners don’t do enough to maintain the balance.
Aftercare matters. The right products help your hair stay smooth and hydrated between appointments. A good Solihull Hairdresser will walk you through what to use and what to avoid.
And remember—not washing your hair for the first few days is part of the process. That initial awkward phase, where your hair feels heavy or looks greasy, is normal. But it shouldn’t feel brittle. If it does, speak to your stylist.
How to fix it if it’s already happened
First, don’t panic. Hair that feels like straw after a keratin treatment usually just needs moisture. Deep conditioning masks, oils and bond-repair treatments can help restore softness. Olaplex or Wella Ultimate Repair, for example, can make a real difference.
Try switching to a gentle, moisturising shampoo, and avoid heat styling for a while. If the ends are still rough, a trim may help reset the balance.
And next time you book in, be sure to have a proper consultation. At Salon No. 100, we’ll always talk you through what your hair needs—before, during and after a keratin treatment—so it feels just as good as it looks.
For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! We’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call 07966 105306 and book your appointment today!