I get many requests for keratin
treatments because of its ability to tame frizz and add shine, so I thought I would do a thorough fact check on the results of this product. Read on
to learn the pros and cons on keratin and if it’s right for you.
1) Can a keratin treatment be “all natural?”
There are lots of companies misusing
the word “all natural” when talking about keratin treatments. Anything that
will smooth the cuticle enough to last up to four months cannot be natural.
It's that simple.
2) Are products labeled “natural keratin” safer on hair?
After
all the negative reviews, some
companies are making a keratin adding strawberries and chocolate to the product, and they are considered “natural”.
The
problem is every client that has tried it, complained that it didn’t
last as
long. I appreciate the attempt to produce a safer, smoothening treatment
that
lasts more than a month. And please do not say, "It's not damaging."
If it’s going to smooth the cuticle for an extended period of time, there will be trace chemicals in it. It may not be formaldehyde, but another substitute chemical
product,
which fights the frizz.
And then there’s the heat that keratin
needs to adhere to the hair! Heat applied directly on hair at a high level is
extremely drying. So the choice is yours, a "more natural product"
that works for a short time or a keratin product like Coppola Keratin (using some formaldehyde) that works longer.
3) How can keratin be helpful?
Does your hair get wavy at the ends when it reaches a certain
length, forcing you to keep it at an all too-short length? Then keratin is your
answer. Because of its gentle smoothing effect, it will allow you to grow your hair for 3-4 months,
adding length and weight while keeping that annoying wave away. Then when its longer you will no longer need to use the treatment. I have seen clients who
have struggled to grow their hair, with the help of keratin, happily achieve a
longer length. Also because it smooths frizz, the hair looks silkier and it does leave the hair with a light shine.
4) I have highlights in my hair. Can this additional treatment
damage my hair?
If your hair is highlighted and is
not weak, brittle or extremely light, this product can work.
However it's up to
your hair stylist to tell you the truth, and for you to listen. I have seen many blonds have success with this product. I have also refused
to do many keratin treatments because I was afraid the client’s highlighted
hair could not handle it. Honey, no amount of money is worth damaging someone's
hair. Some companies including Coppola make keratin treatments for blonds, its not worth it...
5) Will it lessen the time I need to spend using a hair dryer?
Absolutely! Many women use this
treatment as a way to blow dry less. If they have very dry hair, they do a
keratin treatment and stay away from heat for four months. It's a real
commitment though. But it works.
6) I love my curly hair but am looking for a change.
If you love your hair what you're
really looking for is trouble. Lol!! If it’s not broken why fix it? I
suggest you just leave your hair natural. The choice is always yours…hint,
hint.
7) What should a hairstylist do to avoid hair going too
straight?
It's all about applying keratin to
hair, letting it sit, blow drying it, followed by using a flat iron to seal it
in. The industry standard is to iron hair seven times, using high heat. Hair
can always be ironed less and the heat lowered for a safer application. Just keep
in mind the treatment may not last as long, but you’ll still get a couple of
months from it.
8) How else can this treatment be helpful?
If you have long wavy hair that’s shoulder
length and difficult to manage, keratin is a big help. It allows you to have
shorter hair without the bubble effect.
I hope this was helpful and it
cleared up any confusing myths. Remember at the end of the day the choice is
yours, so make one that's right for you.