There’s a lot of debate over whether keratin treatments damage hair. Some people say that the treatment makes their hair softer, silkier, and less frizzy, while others claim that the treatment damages hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
So which is it? Does keratin treatment damage hair or not? In this article, we’ll provide an overview of keratin treatments, their potential risks and benefits, and what the scientific research says about whether or not they damage hair.
What is Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatment is a semi-permanent hair straightening method that smooths and adds shine to hair. The treatment uses keratin, a protein that naturally occurs in hair, to coat the hair shaft and protect it from damage. Keratin treatments are also sometimes called “Brazilian blowouts.”
Keratin treatment can be done at a salon or at home with a kit. The treatment typically takes about 90 minutes to complete.
After the treatment, your hair will be straight, smooth, and shiny. The results usually last for 3-6 months, although they may last longer or shorter depending on your hair type and how you care for your hair after the treatment.
Potential Risks and Benefits of Keratin Treatment
There are both potential risks and benefits of keratin treatment.
Some of the Potential Risks Include
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to the chemicals used in keratin treatments. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, redness, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- Damage to hair: Keratin treatments may damage hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
- Eye irritation: The chemicals used in keratin treatments may cause eye irritation. If you get the treatment in your eyes, flush them with water immediately and seek medical attention if the irritation persists.
- Breathing difficulties: Some people may experience difficulty breathing after a keratin treatment due to the chemicals in the treatment. If you experience difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
- Cancer: There is some concern that the formaldehyde used in keratin treatments may increase the risk of cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this risk.
Some of the Potential Benefits of Keratin Treatment Include
- Smoother, shinier hair: Keratin treatment can make hair smoother and shinier.
- Less frizzy hair: Keratin treatment can help reduce frizz and make hair more manageable.
- Faster blow-drying time: Keratin treatment can help shorten the amount of time it takes to blow-dry your hair.
- Easier styling: Keratin treatment can make hair easier to style.
- Protection from damage: Keratin treatment can help protect hair from damage caused by heat styling, UV exposure, and other factors.
Does Keratin Treatment Damage Hair?
As with most things in life, it depends. Keratin treatments can damage hair if they’re not done correctly, or if the person receiving the treatment has particularly sensitive hair.
Keratin treatments can also damage hair if they’re not compatible with the type of hair (for example, keratin treatments are not recommended for people with very fine hair, as the treatment can make it appear greasy and flat).
That being said, when done correctly, keratin treatments can actually be beneficial for hair. Keratin treatments can help to smooth out the hair cuticle, making hair appear shinier and healthier.
Keratin treatments can also help to protect hair from heat damage and environmental damage, making it less likely to break or become frizzy.
So, if you’re considering a keratin treatment, be sure to do your research and find a stylist who knows what they’re doing. And if you have sensitive hair, it might be best to steer clear of the treatment altogether.
How to Get a Keratin Treatment Without Damaging Your Hair
If you’re considering a keratin treatment, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damage to your hair:
- Use a keratin treatment that is formaldehyde-free: Formaldehyde is a chemical that is used in some keratin treatments and can be harmful to your health. Look for a keratin treatment that is formaldehyde-free to minimize the risk of health complications.
- Choose a reputable salon: When getting a keratin treatment, it’s important to choose a reputable salon that has experience performing the treatment. This will help to ensure that the treatment is done correctly and that your hair is not damaged in the process.
- Follow the stylist’s instructions: Be sure to follow the stylist’s instructions carefully when getting a keratin treatment. This will help to ensure that the treatment is done correctly and that your hair is not damaged in the process.
Keratin treatments can be a great way to achieve smoother, shinier hair. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before getting the treatment. With a little bit of research, you can find a keratin treatment that is right for you and your hair type.
And by following the stylist’s instructions carefully, you can minimize the risk of damaging your hair during the treatment process.
How to Care for Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment
You’ve just gotten a keratin treatment and your hair looks amazing! But how do you keep it looking that way? Here are a few tips:
- Wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair: This will give the treatment time to fully set in and work its magic.
- When you do wash your hair, use a mild shampoo and conditioner: Harsh shampoos can strip away the keratin treatment, negating its effects.
- Avoid heat styling your hair for at least 48 hours after the treatment: This will give your hair time to recover from the treatment and allow the keratin to fully set in.
- Be sure to use a heat protectant spray or cream before heat styling your hair: This will help to protect your hair from damage and keep it looking its best.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week: This will help to keep your hair hydrated and prevent the keratin treatment from making it dry and brittle.
- Have your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks: This will help to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends from forming.
- Talk to your stylist about any concerns you have: They will be able to help you determine if a keratin treatment is right for you and, if so, how to properly care for your hair afterwards.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, keratin treatments can ruin your hair if done wrong, but there are steps you can take to prevent too much damage. Always use a formaldehyde-free treatment from a reputable salon while following the stylist’s directions carefully.
After the treatment, maintain healthy hair by using a mild shampoo and conditioner sans heat styling; additionally, try deep conditioning once per week. By heeding this advice ,you will keep your post-keratin treated locks lustrous.
Do you have any tips for how to care for your hair after a keratin treatment? Share them in the comments below!
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