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Most experts say that the real harm from the chemical is not to those who get the treatment, but to the professionals who are exposed to it regularly. Some newer keratin treatments may allow you to shampoo right away, but plenty do not. For the first several days after more traditional treatments, you won't be able to wash your hair or get it wet at all. You also won't be able to exercise because sweating is a no-no, as is putting any kind of product on your hair—in addition, you should avoid putting your hair into a ponytail, pinning it up, or even tucking it behind your ears. Any of these typically harmless things can lead to kinks that will stick in your hair as long as your treatment does. If you're curious about the keratin treatment, but don't want to grow out your hair in the same way you have to with a traditional relaxer, we have some good news.
How long do the results from a keratin treatment last?
The right stylist will be open to answering your questions and providing education along the way, so don't be afraid to speak candidly with your stylist before trying this treatment. According to an Environmental Working Group investigation, some companies will actually try to hide the fact that their keratin product contains the chemical. "Overall, the process takes an hour to an hour and a half," Matos says. "The longest I've ever spent doing a Brazilian blowout was around two hours, so it all depends on how much hair you have and how thick it is." From upfront costs to aftercare, we asked experts to help us break down everything you need to know about achieving and retaining this low-maintenance, high-luster style. Ahead, find out the basics of the ingredient, including how it works to strengthen your hair and the best way to get all the benefits of keratin.
Who Is a Good Candidate For Brazilian Blowouts?
Every time you do one, your hair becomes more brittle and prone to breakage. Unless you're battling life-crippling frizz, save the treatments for when you need them most — like in the summer. That said, Friese points out that there is such a thing as too much protein. “If the hair is feeling dry after using a keratin product, stay away from that kind of treatment and use one with moisture instead,” she instructs.
Is there anything else to consider for a keratin hair treatment?
To get long-lasting results, use shampoos that have a neutral pH and are free of sulfates and sodium, like Living Proof's Perfect Hair Day ($32). Keep reading for your cheat sheet on the Brazilian blowout and find out if it's the right treatment for you. Keeping all these thoughts in mind, here are several ways to use keratin in your hair. It’s ideal if you want to give up your flat iron once and for all. “Ideally, you'd color first, wait three months for the Brazilian Blowout, touch up color roots, then hit the Brazilian Blowout again. It's a bit of a commitment juggling both, but it pays off,” he says.
Consider Your Current Hair Texture
"Keratin coats the hair strand and sits on the top of the cuticle, whereas the relaxers and texturizers break down the chemical bonds of the hair," Dixon explains. What this means is that if you don't want your hair completely straight, your stylist can tailor the treatment so that your natural hair texture isn't completely lost. They'll still seal the treatment with a 450-degree flat iron, and you'll still have smooth, voluminous waves when they're all done. As with all chemical processes for the hair, a keratin hair treatment should be done by a professional, and you should always discuss any required preparation with them. That said, Lordet advises to lay off coloring your locks pre-treatment, as the chemical can strip out the color and alter it.
The cost of a Brazilian blowout varies, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $600 depending on your hair density and length, salon, and products used. The treatments are expensive however, and the formaldehyde in many formulas can be dangerous if inhaled, so make sure you’re getting the treatment done in a well-ventilated area or choosing a formaldehyde-free formula. Provided that you don't use shampoos that contain sulfates and chlorine, your treatment should last anywhere from three to four months — possibly longer if you don't need to wash your hair as regularly as some.
As both a Brazilian native and professional stylist, he’s very familiar with the treatment. If you have fine and very straight hair, Lordet advises against doing keratin treatments, as they can make the hair appear flat and bodiless. The keratin in these treatments may be derived from wool, feathers, or horns. Certain shampoos and conditioners contain keratin, but you’ll typically get the greatest benefits from a salon treatment done by a professional.
On the other hand, if you're looking for an easier way to manage your hair without worrying about how straight it turns out, a keratin treatment may be right for you. Just keep in mind that while keratin treatments may be safer for finer texture hair, they won't give you the same results as a Brazilian blowout. Generally speaking, "The Brazilian blowout is meant for more of the straightening system. The keratin treatment is meant more as a de-frizzing and smoothing treatment," says Michael. He usually recommends the former to clients that are looking for straighter strands and the latter to those who may want to maintain their curls. Though keratin treatments do not damage the hair, a flat iron at a very high temperature can. Always use a professional titanium flat iron and professional judgment when selecting the temperature—start at the lowest recommended temperature and increase only if necessary.
What to Expect During a Keratin Treatment
Many (but not all) keratin treatments contain formaldehyde, which can be dangerous if inhaled. As long as you care for a keratin treatment by not washing your hair too frequently (2 to 3 times a week is enough), then your keratin treatment can last up to 6 months. Your stylist will seal in the treatment by passing a 450-degree flat iron over your hair, and the more your stylist flat irons, the straighter your hair will be. “Highly bleached or color-treated hair may require a gentler formula with gentler use of the flat iron and lower heat settings,” says Ifergan. “Prices can vary depending on which salon you go to and where you live, with treatments usually ranging from $300 to $600,” says Deaundra Metzger, an Atlanta-based celebrity hairstylist and former salon owner. With a proper process and care, experts say you can typically benefit from smooth, shiny, and manageable hair that lasts around three to four months.
For example, keratin-infused shampoos and glossing treatments provide a short-term smoothing effect that you can achieve at a salon or in your very own shower. A Brazilian blowout is a semi-permanent hair treatment involving a unique liquid keratin solution that creates a protective layer around each individual strand of hair, explains celebrity hairstylist Emilio Uribe. Before recommending either treatment to a client, Michael considers their current and desired hair texture. "People with coarse hair are able to handle the Brazilian blowout treatment with minimal damage," says Michael. "People with finer hair sometimes can create more damage with the Brazilian blowout. The keratin treatment is a softer way of treating the hair." "After doing the treatment, avoid washing hair right away and using any hair products to allow for the keratin product to sit in," says Lordet, who recommends waiting at least three days before you wash with a sulfate-free shampoo.
The hours-long, in-salon remedy works to de-frizz and de-puff, but how does it work? To get some answers, we talked to the team at Keratin Complex along with pros in the hair industry. Plan on blocking out some time for the treatment, since it will take about three hours to do the treatment. “It starts with a clarifying shampoo, then we blow dry, apply the product, dry again and flat iron.” When you walk out of the salon—you’ve got a whole new hair texture. For those hoping to embrace their natural texture, while retaining length, the keratin treatment can help.
FDA plans to ban formaldehyde in products that smooth or straighten hair - Chemical & Engineering News
FDA plans to ban formaldehyde in products that smooth or straighten hair.
Posted: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
There are a variety of keratin treatments to choose from, Brazilian blowout (where the hair texture is straightened out) being the most popular. "A keratin treatment is more for smoothing and frizz control compared to a straightening treatment, which is to straighten the hair," explains Lordet. A keratin hair treatment is a process that helps straighten and smooth frizzy or damaged hair. Keratin itself is a fibrous protein that the body produces naturally and acts as a protective shield against humidity (what causes frizz).
Finally, you should make sure you're not sensitive to formaldehyde, as Taylor notes that it can cause reactions such as stinging, itching and burning eyes, nose and throat irritation, and a runny nose in those with sensitivities. (As a side note, keratin treatments are not recommended for women who are currently pregnant). Although these hair-smoothing treatments wield benefits, there has been concern about the formaldehyde in their formulas. "I find that if they're done properly and in well-ventilated areas they are not harmful at all. But you can find formaldehyde-free versions if you are worried about that."
Over time, the hair loses keratin from things like sun exposure, styling, and chemical services. Keratin treatments essentially fill in the gaps where keratin has been depleted, so that hair looks and feels healthier. Actually, since natural hair can be quite dry, keratin can help hair health by providing it with a nice protein and shine boost. In the pursuit of silky, swingy, frizz-free hair, there are a dizzying number of tempting in-salon hair-smoothing options to choose from, including, of course, the ever-popular keratin treatment.
There are so many types of beautiful Black hairstyles to choose from, it can feel impossible to pick. With that said, those who choose to straighten their hair know the damage that such a process can cause, and ultimately it leads to breakage. That's why keratin treatments, aka Brazilian keratin treatments (BKT for short) and Brazilian straightening treatments, have become increasingly popular among those looking for straight, sleek, and frizz-free hair.
Famed for its strand-softening and straightening abilities, keratin treatments have been trendy for the better part of the last decade, if not longer than that. To get the full lowdown, we grilled cosmetic chemists, as well as professional hairstylists, on what works (and what's safe). Here, find the eight things you — and your hair — need to know before you officially commit.
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