Almost everyone envies a thick lock of hair. Straight, silky and smooth hair is a dream of many. Lots of women tend to spend a lot on hair smoothing or volumizing products, thinking of making the quality of their hair better. Now, most women use straighteners to achieve a straighter and sleek look to their hair. But, the use of heating and styling tools on our hair on an everyday basis is time-consuming and also detrimental to the health of our hair.
To fulfill the dream of achieving a straighter and silkier look in our hair, people have started resorting to keratin hair treatment. If you are looking to go for the treatment, you would want to know the complete details about it, like its process, advantages, and disadvantages. Let us know more about it.
What Is Keratin Treatment For Hair?
A keratin treatment is a chemical process that smoothens and removes frizz from the hair, giving it shine and luster. The frizziness of hair is a problem of many that need a lot of time to style and manage on a daily basis. To make the hair straighter, silkier, and smoother many go for keratin treatment. Every second person is willing to go for the treatment.
Keratin is a naturally occurring proteinous substance that is found in our bodies. It makes up our nails and hair. Keratin also adds shine to the hair, reduces frizz, and strengthens hair and nails. But with the growing age, the keratin in our body starts depleting in quality and makes our hair prone to damage from the sun, pollution, dust, and dirt.
The keratin treatment artificially applies keratin to each strand of the hair, making it frizz-free, smooth, and straight to an extent. It is a semi-permanent treatment, lasting for about 4-6 months.
What Are The Benefits Of A Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatment has several benefits to it. Let us see what those are.
- The treatment prevents frizz in humidity. The artificially coated keratin on the hair prevents it from getting damaged and gives it a shiny and sleek look.
- The treatment effectively removes frizz from hair, making it straighter and smoother. In case you want your hair straightened without damaging it, you can go for this treatment.
- You will notice that after the treatment, your hair becomes more manageable than before as it doesn’t tangle because of less frizz.
- The treatment imparts a luster to your hair, making you save money on using expensive serums on an everyday basis.
- Keratin treatment reduces the breakage of hair, making the process of hair growth faster. It also makes your hair strong.
- It can save you time in straightening your hair on an everyday basis. If you are into using a straightener or a blow-dryer on an everyday basis, then you can consider going for this treatment as it gives your hair a styled look until it lasts.
- The artificial keratin, when it gets coated in your hair, saves it from environmental damage such as pollution and sun damage.
- Within the time the effect of the treatment stays in your hair, you will require minimal upkeep, saving up on your expenses and efforts in using expensive hair products.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Keratin Treatment?
Keratin treatment is a chemical process that comes with its own share of disadvantages. Let us get into the details of the treatment’s cons-
1] The keratin solution used in the treatment consists of an ingredient known as formaldehyde, which is a carcinogenic chemical. It poses the risk of severe allergies in some, like itching and redness in the eyes, skin issues, etc. It is recommended that you get a patch test first before proceeding with the treatment.
2] The chemicals used in the treatment can dry up and weaken your hair in the long run. It affects your hair more if the products used on your hair are not of good quality.
3] If you are thin in nature, the treatment will make it appear thinner as it straightens and smoothens the natural curls. If you have naturally thin hair, you can avoid going for the keratin treatment.
4] Pregnant women are advised not to go for keratin treatment as the chemical formaldehyde can cause some abnormalities in the fetus. It might not affect everyone, but in some, it can affect severely.
5] The hair becomes greasy and oily very quickly post-treatment. You will need to shampoo your hair more often than before.
6] The keratin treatment is an expensive one, which surely burns a hole in your pocket. If your hair is not that damaged, you can skip going for the treatment.
How To Take Care Of Your Hair Post-Treatment?
The keratin treatment involves aftercare of your hair to increase the longevity of the effects of the treatment.
- After the treatment, you are advised not to wash your hair that often as it washes off the keratin each time you use shampoo on your hair.
- You are recommended to use only sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners post-treatment as it does not dry out your hair further.
- If you often use DIY masks on your hair, it is better to avoid using them for 4-6 months as they tend to wash off the artificial keratin from your hair.
Takeaway
If you are considering taking the keratin treatment, we hope the article was helpful in clearing your doubts on what is a keratin treatment and its advantages, disadvantages, and aftercare. If you want smooth and silky hair with minimal upkeep for about 4-6 months, then this treatment is for you.