All You Need To Know About Keratin Treatments

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.