What is Keratin?
Keratin is a natural protein found in your hair, skin, and nails. It acts as a protective barrier and gives hair its structure, strength, and elasticity. Over time, factors like pollution, heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental exposure can damage the keratin in your hair, leading to frizz, dryness, and split ends.
What is Keratin Treatment?
A keratin treatment is a professional salon procedure designed to restore keratin to your hair, smoothing out its texture and making it more manageable. During the treatment, a keratin solution is applied to your hair, followed by heat (usually through flat ironing) to help seal the solution into the hair cuticle. This process helps eliminate frizz, adds shine, and makes the hair smoother.
How Does Keratin Treatment Work?
The process typically involves several steps:
- Hair Preparation: Your stylist will begin by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup and ensure that the keratin product adheres properly.
- Application of Keratin Solution: A specially formulated keratin solution is applied to damp hair. The solution contains hydrolyzed keratin proteins that penetrate the hair shaft, filling in gaps and smoothing the hair.
- Sealing with Heat: After applying the keratin treatment, your stylist will use a flat iron to seal the product into your hair. The heat causes the keratin to bond with the hair cuticle, creating a smooth, glossy finish.
- Final Rinse and Blow-Dry: After the treatment has been sealed in, the hair is washed and blow-dried, leaving it soft and shiny.
Benefits of Keratin Treatment
- Frizz Reduction: One of the most notable benefits of a keratin treatment is its ability to tame frizzy hair. If you have curly or wavy hair that tends to become unmanageable in humidity, keratin treatments can significantly reduce frizz and give you smoother hair.
- Sleek, Shiny Hair: The treatment adds an instant shine to your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
- Easier Styling: After a keratin treatment, your hair will be easier to style. You’ll spend less time blow-drying or straightening your hair because the treatment makes your hair smoother and more manageable.
- Long-Lasting Results: Depending on your hair type and how well you maintain it, keratin treatments can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
- Reduced Dryness: Keratin helps to lock in moisture, making your hair feel softer and less dry.
Types of Keratin Treatments
There are different types of keratin treatments available in salons, such as:
- Brazilian Blowout: This is a popular version of the keratin treatment that focuses on smoothing the hair while adding shine. It can also reduce frizz for up to 12 weeks.
- Cezar’s Keratin Treatment: Known for its ability to straighten curly hair, it typically lasts longer than other treatments.
- Formaldehyde-Free Keratin Treatments: These are ideal for people who are concerned about the potential dangers of formaldehyde, which can be released during some keratin treatments.
What is Hair Smoothening?
Hair smoothening is a treatment that is often confused with keratin treatments, but it is slightly different. While keratin treatments focus primarily on restoring keratin and smoothing out the cuticle, hair smoothening is a more general approach to make hair straighter, shinier, and more manageable.
Hair smoothening treatments are often used on individuals who want straight hair without the harsh chemicals typically involved in permanent hair straightening.
How Does Hair Smoothening Work?
The process of hair smoothening is somewhat similar to keratin treatment but generally involves using a combination of chemicals and heat to break down the hair’s natural structure and reshape it. The chemicals soften the hair shaft, allowing it to be molded into a sleeker, smoother shape.
- Application of Smoothening Solution: A solution containing chemicals like formaldehyde (in some cases) is applied to the hair. This softens the hair, making it more pliable for the straightening process.
- Flat Ironing: The hair is then flat-ironed to seal the solution and straighten the strands.
- Post-Treatment Care: After the treatment, you may be advised to avoid washing your hair for 2-3 days to allow the smoothening agents to fully set.
Benefits of Hair Smoothening
- Instantly Smooth and Straight Hair: Hair smoothening results in smooth, straight hair immediately after the treatment. This is ideal for those who want long-lasting straightness without using heat daily.
- Frizz Control: Like keratin treatments, smoothening treatments also help to control frizz and flyaways.
- Longer-Lasting Results: Depending on your hair type, smoothening can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Differences Between Keratin Treatment and Hair Smoothening
Keratin Treatment: Primarily aims to add proteins back into the hair, enhancing its health and reducing frizz. It smooths out the cuticle and enhances shine, but it may not straighten hair as much as a smoothening treatment.
Hair Smoothening: More focused on straightening and making the hair sleek, and while it also reduces frizz, it can alter the structure of the hair more significantly than keratin treatments.
Aftercare: How to Maintain Your Treatment
Both keratin and hair smoothening treatments require specific aftercare to maintain the results. Here are some general guidelines:
- Avoid Washing Your Hair Immediately: After both keratin treatments and smoothening, you should avoid washing your hair for at least 48-72 hours to ensure the treatment sets properly.
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos: Sulfates can strip hair of natural oils and shorten the life of your treatment. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo to help maintain the smoothness and shine.
- Limit Heat Styling: While you may not need to use heat every day, excessive heat can still damage treated hair. Use low heat settings and always apply a heat protectant.
- Moisturize Regularly: Keep your hair moisturized to maintain its softness and prevent it from becoming dry or brittle.
- Trim Regularly: Regular trims will help keep your hair looking fresh and prevent split ends from affecting the smooth finish.
