Keratin is a protein naturally present in our body, specifically in the superficial layers of the skin, and also in structures such as nails or hair fibers. It is a scarce good that, in addition, decreases in quantity as we get older.
Luckily, the current keratin treatments They manage to provide this substance to the hair, managing to restore the softness and lost shine to the hair. The smoothed with keratin It is one of the most demanded treatments, but it must be remembered that, although this substance can smooth hair, its ultimate purpose is actually to restructure the hair fiber by repairing its outer layer, that is, the cuticle.
If you want to know how long does keratin last and all the secrets of the treatments based on this product, in OneHOWTO we will clarify it for you and we will indicate the recommendations to follow to get the most out of straightening with keratin to keep your hair soft and silky for longer.
What is the keratin treatment?
If you have thought about straightening your hair with keratin at home, but you have no experience, it is always best to go to hairdressers and salons that offer you all the guarantees of quality and safety. The treatment consists of applying the keratin solution to freshly washed and dry hair. In most cases, along with keratin, other specific components for hair care are applied, such as: plant extracts and amino acids, argan or shea oil.
The goal is not just to smooth, as is the case with other smoothing treatments, but regenerate and hydrate the fibers to repair them in depth. Although there are different application methods, generally the treatment is based on the following steps:
- Once the hair is prepared (clean and dry), the styler will apply the keratin from the roots to the ends. To do this, he will divide the mane into strands so that the product spreads and penetrates well into each of the fibers.
- The keratin remains on the hair for approximately 30 minutes, and then a light rinse is done to remove the excess product.
- Again, you have to dry your hair well again, it can be with the help of the dryer.
- To finish, the straightening iron is applied with very low heat, so that the keratin sets perfectly on the hair, leaving it smooth, soft and shiny.
- In total, the application process in the hairdresser will depend on the length of your hair and the skill of your hairdresser. Spread the product, let it act, dry and smooth usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes.
If you have frizz in your hair, keratin is especially effective in minimizing frizz, in addition to regenerating the outer layer of hair fibers. Due to its properties, keratin allows straightening treatments whose results are seen in the hair immediately, although it must be taken into account that these results are not exactly the same in all cases because they depend on the characteristics of each type of hair.
The keratin treatments They are ideal for restoring the good appearance of damaged or frizzy hair. In case of having very fine hair, it must be taken into account that visually it can create the effect of loss of volume. It is also important to take into account that there is more than one type of keratin; To find out all the types of keratin and which one best suits your needs, click on the link.
How long does keratin straightening last?
If you are thinking of doing keratin, it is very possible that you are wondering how long the treatment lasts or how long you will have the straight hair without frizz even in places with high humidity levels. Keratin is not a permanent straighteningIt won’t last a lifetime, but it can last for many months if you take good care of it.
The smoothing keratin well applied will make your hair stay smooth and shiny at least three months, although this time can be extended to six or more, as long as you take care of your hair with suitable products compatible with the keratin treatment. The results may vary depending on several factors and, above all, on the aftercare that you provide to your hair once the treatment has been carried out.
Although it is not a permanent treatment, keratin can provide interesting benefits for your hair. Find out about all its properties in our article Benefits of keratin for hair.
What happens if I wash my hair after keratin?
Keratin works by fixing on the outermost layer of the hair fiber and washing your hair after its application would make it not work correctly because washing removes much of the product.
Although there are important variations between the establishments that apply them, the prices of keratin treatments They are not cheap and for a medium hair they do not usually go below 100 – 120 euros. Taking this into account and knowing that the keratin must remain in the hair for a minimum time, you should not wash your hair for at least two – three days after the treatment. If you do, you will have wasted time and money.
How to make keratin last longer?
Although it must be remembered that keratin straightening is always temporary, the care you pay to your hair can make it last as long as possible. Follow the advice of your stylist and also keep these recommendations in mind:
- It is important delay the first wash at least two – three days to increase the fixation of the product.
- Especially during the first weeks, choose mild shampoos, sulfate-free and paraben-free. The best are the neutral shampoos that generate little soapy foam, since this multiplies the ‘drag’ effect of the shampoo and helps to eliminate keratin.
- Chlorine in swimming pools, excessive exposure to sunlight and saltpeter are not good allies of keratin because they accelerate its progressive deterioration. For at least the first month after treatment, try avoid these external agents or take the proper precautions, such as wearing a swimming cap in the pool if you practice swimming.
- During the first weeks it is preferable that you wear your hair down whenever possible and without abusing pigtails and braids. These require rubber bands to hold the hair and could contribute to the breakage of the hair fibers.
- For the keratin to last longer you must dry your hair well after each wash. A blow dryer at a low temperature will help set the product by sealing the outer layer of each hair fiber.
- If you regularly apply color to your hair, do it before keratin treatment. If you do it later, the coloring could remove some of the keratin. In this case, consult your stylist about possible color alterations after the treatment.
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