With a flat iron, you can only tame your hair for a few hours or days. Curls and frizz soon begin to come back and you have to keep straightening your hair.
With a Brazilian keratin hair treatment, your hair retains its straight style for 3-5 months depending on your hair type and how well you take care of it.
If you are tired of styling your hair every day or every other day, consider getting a Brazilian keratin treatment.
They are expensive, typically going for more than £200 per session, but the results last much longer than a traditional flat iron treatment.
What to expect?
The hairdresser will start by washing your hair using a shampoo. They will then apply the keratin treatment on your hair in sections.
The keratin is then sealed into the hair using heat from a flat iron.
It takes about 90 minutes on average to treat a whole head of hair though it may take longer if you have thicker and longer hair.
You are going to see the results immediately. Your hair will have a glossy finish with no curls or fuzz. It will also feel softer because of the keratin treatment.
It will stay that way for several months with only minimal styling required.
How long does a Brazilian keratin treatment last?
It will depend on the exact type of treatment you got (there are several brands), your hair type as well as how well you take care of your hair post-treatment.
Generally, expect your hair to remain straight for 3-5 months. It will then go back to its normal state though it will still feel softer and suppler than before. You can go for another treatment after the initial one wears off.
How to take care of hair after permanent straightening
If you want your treatment to last for longer, follow the maintenance instructions provided by the hair dresser.
1. No washing or styling
The first thing you’ll be instructed is to avoid washing your hair for at least 3 days after the treatment. This is because, even though you see positive results immediately, the setting process is still ongoing and takes about 3 days.
You should also avoid other sources of moisture such as sweating (no exercise) and swimming. The moisture can bring back some of the frizz and curls.
In fact, you should not do anything to your hair such as using a hair band or clip. Don’t even tie it into a ponytail.
This will damage the new style and cause dents in your hair since the keratin is still in a malleable state.
Just leave your hair down and unstyled. But if it gets twisted, straighten it out using a flat iron.
2. Hair colouring
You can colour your hair just before a Brazilian keratin hair straightening treatment. It will not affect the hair dye nor will it change how well the hair treatment works.
But after the keratin treatment, it’s best to wait at least 3 weeks before doing any kind of colour treatment on your hair.
This ensures that your hair has completely settled before any further styling.
3. Go slow on styling products
Your hair is semi-permanently styled so there’s no need to keep tampering with it. Avoid most styling hair products including straightening chemicals, root lifting sprays and mousse.
Excess styling will leave your hair dull and grimy.
A blow dryer and flat iron plus your usual moisturizing products are enough to keep your hair looking great.
4. Use the right shampoo and conditioner
Only use sulphate and sodium free shampoo and conditioner. This will lengthen the life of your keratin treatment.
Even better, find a shampoo and conditioner that are specifically formulated for keratin treatment aftercare.
Additional tips to maintain your Keratin-treated hair
- Wrap your head in a silk scarf at night or sleep on a silk pillowcase. This will prevent frizz-causing friction that can reduce the life of your treatment.
- Keep your hair well moisturised using natural products like coconut oil and shea butter.
- When shopping for hair products, look for those that contain keratin. The extra keratin helps your treatment last longer while still looking as good as new.
